Penalties For Violations Of Occupational Safety And Health Standards To Change On Oct. 20

Oct. 10, 2018
No. 18-39

JUNEAU, Alaska — Beginning October 20th, new maximum and minimum civil penalties will apply to employers who violate Alaska's occupational safety and health standards. Regulations signed September 27th require the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to publish maximum penalties annually based on adjustments to the Consumer Price Index.

The new regulations will bring Alaska into compliance with federal standards for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) state programs. OSHA began adjusting its penalties for inflation in 2017. AKOSH penalties have not been adjusted since 1992.

"These new regulations will strengthen Alaska's enforcement program, and bring us back in federal compliance," said Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas. "A strong Alaskan enforcement program helps make our workplaces safer."

Nearly all on-shore employers in Alaska will be subject to the new penalties for violations occurring on or after October 20th. Off-shore and other employers under federal OSHA jurisdiction have already transitioned to the new penalty levels.

Penalties are calculated based on employer size, the gravity of the violation, and other factors. Employers can learn more about the new penalties by visiting the AKOSH website: https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/oshhome.htm.

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