What is the maximum penalty for failure to abate an OSHA violation per day?

The maximum penalty for failure to abate an OSHA violation per day is set at up to $7,000. This provision serves as a significant deterrent, encouraging employers to promptly address and correct any violations of health and safety standards. The daily penalty underscores the importance of compliance and the urgency with which employers must respond to identified hazards. OSHA's enforcement mechanisms are designed to protect workers by ensuring that identified risks are eliminated in a timely manner, thereby promoting a safer workplace.

This penalty structure is also reflective of the increasing severity of consequences that can occur as a result of ongoing violations, which is particularly relevant for hazardous conditions that pose immediate risks to employee safety. Since the maximum penalty is linked to an employer's failure to act, this instills a responsibility on businesses to be proactive in maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations.