DOL Proposed Changes to OWCP’s Civil Penalty Procedure

The DOL has announced a proposed rulemaking to the procedures of applying civil money penalties under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.  The change would focus on clarifying the process of how the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) applies civil penalties to entities that fail to accurately and timely report worker injuries.  The changes will also establish guidelines for penalty assessments.  The proposed changes also include payment of survivor benefits to dependents in the case that a workplace injury causes/contribute to their death.  Written comments will be closed on November 13^th and can be made here.  A copy of the proposed rulemaking can be found here.