What type of violation can lead to the highest penalties under OSHA?

Willful violations are considered the most severe type of infraction under OSHA regulations because they involve conscious disregard or intentional indifference to workplace safety standards. This means that the employer knowingly failed to comply with safety requirements, which can lead to significant penalties. The intent behind a willful violation indicates a blatant neglect of regulatory responsibilities, thereby putting employees at serious risk of injury or harm.

OSHA assigns higher penalties for willful violations to emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe work environment and to deter employers from such negligent behavior. The penalties reflect the seriousness of the violation, aiming to ensure that employers take their obligations to create a safe workplace seriously. Other types of violations, while important, either involve unintentional errors or are not viewed as posing immediate threats to employee safety, resulting in comparatively lower penalties.