As promised in the rule that nearly doubled fines in 2016, OSHA is making their first annual cost of living adjustment to keep the fines current. The adjustment will be approximately 1% raising the maximum fine for serious violations (the most common) from $12,471 to $12,675.

The rule that went into effect in August said that the agency will raise the maximum fine amount each year so that rule-making would not be necessary to keep fines in line with inflation. While 1% isn’t that much and most penalties don’t carry the maximum amount, it shows OSHA’s commitment to increase the size of their stick each and every year.