Howdy—Duane “The Toothcop” Tinker here! Grab your safety glasses and let’s unpack the latest OSHA news.
What Changed on July 14, 2025?
· Bigger Size Discount. The top 70 % penalty reduction now covers employers with up to 25 employees—previously capped at 10.
· New 15 % “Quick-Fix” Reduction. Correct a hazard on the spot and, if it’s permanent and substantial, you get an extra 15 % off.
· Applies Immediately. Open OSHA cases without final penalties fall under the new rules; citations issued before July 14 keep the old structure.
Why This Matters to Dental Owners
Most U.S. orthodontic and general dental offices run lean—about nine full-time and two part-time employees on average. That places the vast majority squarely in OSHA’s ≤25-employee bracket, turning potential five-figure fines into far smaller, budget-friendly (insert sarcasm) fines for OSHA violations. Though practice owners are still obligated to comply with OSHA regulations to protect employees.
Five Steps to Minimize Potential Fines
|
Step |
Action |
Pro-Tip from The Toothcop |
|
1 |
Audit your op. Walk the clinic with OSHA’s hazard checklist. |
Invite a team member to note issues—fresh eyes catch more. |
|
2 |
Fix hazards fast. Guard that bur, replace frayed cords—document with time-stamped photos for the 15 % quick-fix. |
Keep receipts; OSHA loves proof. |
|
3 |
Update your written Safety & Health Plan. A robust plan keeps the 25 % good-faith discount alive. |
Use plain language Spanish versions for bilingual teams. |
|
4 |
Consultation. Free state OSHA consults won’t trigger citations—and they’ll verify your fixes. |
Schedule during a lighter patient day. |
|
5 |
File abatement certs promptly. Meet deadlines to avoid “Failure-to-Abate” penalties. |
Set calendar reminders. |