Can a company make an employee pay a fine for an OSHA violation?

Question

I work in the construction business and was recently inspected by OSHA. The company I work for was fined $6900.00 for non-compliance with OSHA regulations. Now, almost 3 months later I am having $25 taken out of my check every week for "osha fines".

Answer 1

NO you do not have to pay an OSHA fine.  The fine was written to a Company and they are responsible.

From OSHA:

Can I be punished or discriminated against for exercising my rights?

The OSH Act and other laws protect workers who complain to their employer, union, OSHA or other government agencies about unsafe or unhealthful conditions in the workplace or environmental problems. You cannot be transferred, denied a raise, have your hours reduced, be fired, or punished in any other way because you have exercised any right afforded to you under the OSH Act. Help is available from OSHA for whistleblowers. But complaints about discrimination must be filed as soon as possible–within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints.

It is your responsibility to follow safety rules and tell if you know of a hazard, but not to pay a fine.  On the inverse to they let you share the profits in the company?

Also for most states it is against the law for an employer to remove money from your check without your written consent.  I would suggest calling your Labor Department Wage/Hour Investigation Unit and discussing it with them.

Answer 2

If you work for a union you should contact them.  Also, read your employment contract.

Answer 3

It would be extremely unusual unless it was part of your or your union's contract.  You need to review that and may want to contact your local OSHA office to see what they say.