Civil penalty and enforcement proceedings are handled by the Solicitor's Office of the Department of Labor. Civil penalties are assessed by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, an independent, quasi-judicial body. See 29 U.S.C. §§ 661, 659, 666(c). Review of the Commission's orders lies with the United States Court of Appeals. See 29 U.S.C. § 660. Injunction proceedings may be brought in the United States district courts, 29 U.S.C. § 662, as may civil actions to recover civil penalties owed, 29 U.S.C. § 666(k). Questions regarding OSHA civil matters should be addressed to the Civil Division.
Updated January 17, 2020