Who has the authority to determine final OSHA penalties and issue citations?

The authority to determine final OSHA penalties and issue citations lies with the OSHA Area Director. The OSHA Area Director plays a crucial role in the enforcement of workplace safety and health regulations. After compliance officers conduct inspections and gather necessary information regarding safety violations, the Area Director reviews the findings. Based on this review, the Area Director has the power to assess penalties and issue citations to employers for non-compliance with OSHA regulations. This position is vital as it ensures a fair evaluation of the circumstances surrounding any violations and enforces safety standards to protect workers effectively.

Other positions listed, such as the Compliance Officer, perform inspections and report findings, while the OSHA Administrator and Regional Directors have broader oversight roles but do not deal with individual citations and penalties directly at the Area level.