Which type of OSHA citation has the highest possible fine?

The type of OSHA citation that carries the highest potential fine is the willful citation. A willful citation is issued when an employer knowingly fails to comply with a standard, or acts with plain indifference to employee safety and health. This reflects a serious disregard for the law and the welfare of employees, which is why it incurs the maximum penalty.

The fines for willful violations are significantly higher than for other types of citations. In addition to the financial penalty, a willful violation can also lead to greater scrutiny from OSHA and a higher likelihood of follow-up inspections or additional repercussions for the employer. Understanding the gravity of willful violations emphasizes the need for employers to prioritize safety and compliance in the workplace.

Other types of citations, such as serious, other-than-serious, and repeated citations, have varying degrees of fines associated with them. While a serious citation indicates a significant risk of harm, and repeated citations reflect a pattern of neglect, neither reaches the higher tier of penalties associated with willful violations.