Navigating the Waters of Compliance: DOL Increases Civil Penalty Amounts for 2024

Understanding and following federal rules is vital as firms adjust to a fast-changing industry. 

The DOL recently issued major civil monetary penalty changes affecting a wide range of federal regulations, providing vital updates for employers nationwide. These inflation-driven modifications demonstrate the DOL’s commitment to keeping these fines deterrent and firms compliant.

The DOL has issued its 2024 inflation-adjusted civil monetary penalties for companies that violate a wide range of federal regulations, including

• The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA),
• The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA),
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).

These improvements are not only bureaucratic; they reflect a larger effort to adapt to economic changes while promoting labor norms and employee rights.

Employers should assess their procedures in various areas to navigate these changes. First, review pay practices to ensure they meet revised FLSA criteria. Second, to comply with ERISA and other requirements, benefit plan reporting and notice provisions should be reviewed. Lastly, reviewing safety standards and procedures will help meet the revised OSH Act penalties.

For more detailed information and guidance on navigating these changes, employers are advised to consult legal counsel or visit the Federal Register’s official documentation.