DOL Sets 2023 Penalties for Health and Welfare Benefit Plan Violations

Summary

Employers violating Department of Labor (DOL) regulations — including employee benefit, wage and hour, mine safety, occupational safety and health, and workers' compensation rules — could face stiffer penalties in 2023, thanks to new inflation adjustments. The higher rates apply to penalties assessed after Jan. 15, 2023, for violations occurring after Nov. 2, 2015. DOL rarely assesses the maximum and often waives penalties entirely for failures due to reasonable cause. But the penalty threat is an important enforcement and deterrent tool.