OSHA announces new penalty notification program

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced on Tuesday a program to expedite notifications of penalties due from companies assessed fines for Occupational Safety and Health Act violations.

Under the new program, OSHA will send a series of three penalty payment letters to violators seven, 30 and 60 days after the company fails to pay a penalty based on a final order. In addition, the agency will contact companies by phone two weeks after the payment was due.

If the company fails to pay the penalty and is not on an affordable payment plan, OSHA will place it on a priority inspection list.  

“Expediting the notifications to employers who have not paid OSHA fines will work to improve OSHA's enforcement presence,” Loren Sweatt, principal deputy assistant secretary for OSHA, said in a statement.

OSHA also announced Tuesday that it is seeking nominations for its Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. The 15-member committee has vacancies for employees, employers, state safety and health agencies, and public representatives. Members generally serve two staggered terms and must have experience and expertise in construction-related safety and health issues.

Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 8, 2021.