OSHA classifies workplace violations into five categories, each with different penalty ranges and legal consequences. Understanding the differences matters — a Willful violation carries penalties 10x higher than an Other-than-Serious violation, and can trigger criminal prosecution if a worker dies.
OSHA Violation Types
| Type | Max Penalty | Severity | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other-than-Serious | $16,131 | Low | Missing safety poster, incomplete training records |
| Serious | $16,131 | High | Unguarded machinery, fall hazard without protection |
| Willful | $161,323 | Critical | Known hazard deliberately left unaddressed |
| Repeat | $161,323 | Critical | Same violation found again within 5 years |
| Failure to Abate | $16,131/day | Escalating | Previously cited hazard not corrected by deadline |
Penalty amounts reflect 2026 inflation-adjusted maximums.
Serious Violations: The Most Common
Serious violations account for the majority of OSHA citations. The standard is that the hazard could cause death or serious physical harm — broken bones, amputations, chemical burns, or worse. Common Serious violations include: fall protection failures (the #1 most-cited standard), hazard communication failures, respiratory protection violations, and machine guarding deficiencies.
Willful Violations: The Worst Category
Willful violations carry the heaviest penalties and are the most legally consequential. OSHA issues a Willful citation when evidence shows the employer knew about a hazard and deliberately chose not to address it. If a worker dies as a result of a Willful violation, the employer can face criminal prosecution — up to 6 months in prison for the first offense and 12 months for subsequent offenses.
Repeat Violations: The Red Flag
A Repeat violation means OSHA cited the same company for the same or substantially similar hazard within the past five years. Repeat violations carry the same maximum penalty as Willful violations ($161,323) and are a strong indicator that a company has a systemic safety culture problem. Companies with high Repeat violation rates are the ones most likely to appear on our most dangerous companies list.
For industry-level analysis, see most dangerous industries. Search any company's violation history on our homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Serious OSHA violation?
A Serious violation exists when a workplace hazard could cause death or serious physical harm and the employer knew or should have known about the condition. Penalties range up to $16,131 per violation (2026). Examples include unguarded machinery, fall hazards without protection, and electrical exposure.
What is a Willful OSHA violation?
A Willful violation occurs when an employer intentionally and knowingly commits a violation or shows plain indifference to the law. Penalties range from $11,524 to $161,323 per violation (2026). Willful violations resulting in employee death can trigger criminal prosecution.
Can OSHA shut down a business?
OSHA does not have the authority to shut down a business. However, OSHA can seek an imminent danger court order to stop operations that pose immediate risk of death or serious harm. In practice, severe violations often result in citations, penalties, and follow-up inspections rather than shutdowns.
How do OSHA inspections work?
OSHA inspections can be triggered by employee complaints, workplace accidents (hospitalization, amputation, fatality), programmed inspections targeting high-hazard industries, and referrals from other agencies. Inspectors examine the workplace, interview employees, review records, and issue citations for any violations found.
About This Data
Violation data from OSHA Enforcement Data (IMIS) public records. Penalty amounts are inflation-adjusted per OSHA 2026 guidelines. See our methodology.