With a new year comes new regulations that govern the hazmat industry. One major change announced by the US DOT is yet another increase in civil penalty amounts for hazmat violations. This came as a surprise to hazmat professionals, as the US DOT had increased hazmat civil penalties as recently as the Spring of 2022.
The new hazmat civil penalties are set to begin on January 1st, 2023, and have been increased across the board. These increases are largely due to inflation rates, but they serve as a reminder of the incredible importance of compliance for hazmat employers, employees and stakeholders alike.
Read on for key takeaways from this new civil penalty increase:
Updated Hazmat Civil Penalty Amounts
Maximum civil penalty amounts have increased for hazmat violations, hazmat training violations, and hazmat violations resulting in death, severe injury, or other serious incidents. The new penalty amounts are as follows:
- Violation of hazmat regulations: from $89,679 to $96,624
- Violation resulting in death, severe injury, etc: from $209,249 to $225,455
- Violation of hazmat training regulations: from $540 to $582
Given the significant increase in hazmat civil penalties, staying up to date on hazmat training is more important than ever. Those who are found to be in violation of hazmat regulations can face serious financial penalties – and that’s not even including the potential legal liability.
Why The Civil Penalty Increases Matter to the Hazmat Industry
The hazmat industry is a complex and ever-changing sector of the US economy, requiring constant vigilance from hazmat professionals. The civil penalty increases are meant to reflect the seriousness of hazmat violations and encourage stakeholders to stay up to date on hazmat regulations and best practices.
By raising hazmat civil penalties, the US DOT is sending a clear message that hazmat compliance is non-negotiable. It’s essential for hazmat professionals, hazmat stakeholders, and hazmat organizations to stay informed about the latest hazmat regulations, especially in light of the increased penalties.
Ultimately, these new hazmat civil penalty amounts serve as a reminder of the importance of hazmat safety and compliance. By staying up to date on hazmat regulations, hazmat professionals can ensure that their operations are running smoothly and safely. While hazmat civil penalties can be intimidating, they’re also an essential tool for keeping hazmat operators compliant with US DOT standards.
Hazmat Training is More Important Than Ever
With new hazmat civil penalties in place, hazmat training is more important than ever. The US DOT requires hazmat professionals to be trained and certified in hazmat operations, and those who are found to be in violation of hazmat regulations can face serious financial consequences.
To stay compliant with US DOT standards, hazmat operators should be sure to stay up to date on hazmat regulations, as well as hazmat safety best practices. It’s also important for hazmat operators to be familiar with the updated hazmat civil penalty amounts, so they can remain aware of the potential risks and liabilities associated with hazmat violations.
Stay Confident, Competent, and Compliant With Online Training Through Hazmat University
For many years, Hazmat University has led from the front with comprehensive online hazmat safety training and certification courses. Now, with the new hazmat civil penalty amounts taking effect in January of 2023, hazmat employers and employees can rest assured that our courses are up to date and compliant with US DOT hazmat regulations. Our team of expert instructors is here to ensure that hazmat professionals stay current on hazmat safety best practices and remain confident, competent, and compliant. Contact us today to learn more!
