Getting an OSHA citation doesn't have to mean paying full penalties. You have 15 working days to respond — and how you respond matters. This guide walks you through your options: informal conference, contest, or abatement.
The moment you receive an OSHA citation, the clock starts ticking. You have exactly 15 working days from receipt to respond — and what you do in that window determines whether you pay full penalties or significantly reduce them. Most employers don't know they have options. They do.
Your Three Options After a Citation
- 1Accept and Pay — Pay the full penalty within 15 days. Not recommended without exploring alternatives.
- 2Request an Informal Conference — Meet with the Area Director to discuss penalty reductions and abatement timelines. This is almost always worth requesting.
- 3File a Notice of Contest — Challenge the citation, classification, or penalty before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC). High stakes but effective when done right.
The Informal Conference: Your Best First Move
An informal conference with the OSHA Area Director is not a trap — it's an opportunity. In the vast majority of cases, employers who request an informal conference come away with reduced penalties, adjusted timelines for abatement, or even reclassification of citation severity. STKY has achieved penalty reductions of up to 86% through informal conferences.
Tip: Critical: Request your informal conference within 15 working days of receiving the citation. Document everything you've already done to fix the hazard. Showing good faith is your most powerful tool in the informal conference.
STKY Safety Consulting has a 100% success rate in achieving penalty reductions at informal conferences. We know how to present your case, document abatement, and negotiate effectively. Contact us immediately after receiving a citation — time is critical.
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