OSHA Citation: The 15-Day Clock
OSHA Citation: The 15-Day Clock
What a citation actually costs, the deadline that starts the day it lands, and the three things you can do about it before the window shuts.
The clock
| You have | 15 working days from receipt of the citation |
| Option 1 | Fix it and pay |
| Option 2 | Ask for an informal conference with the OSHA area director |
| Option 3 | Formally contest the citation |
| Do nothing | The citation becomes a final order and stops being arguable |
Federal maximums, 2026
| Serious or other-than-serious | Up to $16,550 per violation |
| Willful or repeat | Up to $165,514 per violation |
| Failure to abate | Up to $16,550 per day |
First moves
- Read the abatement date before you read the penalty.
- Fix the hazard, and document that you fixed it with dates and photos.
- Start one of the three options inside the 15 working days.
- The informal conference costs nothing and is the most under-used option.
Why a repeat hurts
| A final order stays on record | It can turn a future violation into a repeat |
| Repeat tier | Up to $165,514 rather than up to $16,550 |
These are federal OSHA maximums. State-plan states set their own amounts, which can differ. Penalty maximums change, so verify the current figures at osha.gov.
Sources: osha.gov
SiteKiln provides general guidance only. This is not legal, tax, financial or professional advice. Always verify information and seek professional advice if unsure. © SiteKiln 2026