Name: Wage and safety enforcement by industry and state, FY2021 to FY2025
Creator: InterObservers
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

U.S. Department of Labor enforcement records for federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025, by industry and state. Every figure shows the number of cases or items it is based on (n).

41,072 of 50,990WHD cases that found a violation

$835.2Mback wages employers agreed to pay (n = 50,990 cases)

642,198employees owed back wages (n = 50,990 cases)

$137.3Mcivil money penalties assessed, not collected (n = 50,990 cases)

Find your industry

10 findings

Finding 1

When WHD opens a case, it usually finds something. WHD found a violation in 41,072 of the 50,990 cases it concluded (81%). Across all industries employers agreed to pay $835.2M in back wages to 642,198 workers. WHD targets likely violators, so this is not the violation rate among all employers. (Source: WHD_enforcement.zip)

cases with violations: 41,072 (n = 50,990; field: CASE_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)
cases concluded: 50,990 (n = 50,990; field: rows)
share with violations: 80.5% (n = 50,990; field: CASE_VIOLTN_CNT > 0 / cases)
back wages: $835,167,434 (n = 50,990; field: BW_ATP_AMT)
employees owed: 642,198 (n = 50,990; field: EE_ATP_CNT)

Finding 2

Overtime is the biggest wage bill. Overtime is 60% of all back wages. The share is 83% in retail, 86% in child care and 95% in home health, and 46% of all violation cases had overtime back wages. The data does not say why overtime was unpaid; it shows that hours over 40 in a week are where most of the money is owed. (Source: WHD, FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT)

overtime share of back wages, all industries: 60.5% (n = 26,327; field: FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT / BW_ATP_AMT)
overtime share of back wages, retail: 83% (n = 1,871; field: FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT / BW_ATP_AMT)
overtime share of back wages, child care: 85.7% (n = 507; field: FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT / BW_ATP_AMT)
overtime share of back wages, home health: 95.3% (n = 1,122; field: FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT / BW_ATP_AMT)
violation cases with overtime back wages: 46% (n = 41,072; field: FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT > 0 among violation cases)

Finding 3

Restaurants carry the child-labor risk. 26% of restaurant violation cases involved child labor, with 16,473 minors employed in violation. Restaurants received $49.3M of the $79.9M in child-labor penalties assessed nationwide (62%). In Pennsylvania 45% (n = 442) and in Ohio 45% (n = 268) of restaurant violation cases involved child labor. (Source: WHD, FLSA_CL_*)

restaurant violation cases with child labor: 25.9% (n = 10,360; field: FLSA_CL_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)
minors employed in violation: 16,473 (n = 2,687; field: FLSA_CL_MINOR_CNT)
child-labor penalties, restaurants: $49,288,128 (n = 2,687; field: FLSA_CL_CMP_ASSD_AMT)
child-labor penalties, all industries: $79,897,558 (n = 4,090; field: FLSA_CL_CMP_ASSD_AMT)
PA restaurant violation cases with child labor: 45.2% (n = 442; field: FLSA_CL_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)
OH restaurant violation cases with child labor: 44.8% (n = 268; field: FLSA_CL_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)

Finding 4

Restaurants pay most of WHD's civil penalties. Food service was assessed $59.0M of the $137.3M in civil money penalties across all industries (43%), while it accounts for about 25% of violation cases (10,360 of 41,072). Penalties are amounts assessed, not collected. (Source: WHD CMP_ASSD)

civil money penalties, food service: $59,031,497 (n = 11,909; field: CMP_ASSD)
civil money penalties, all: $137,342,724 (n = 50,990; field: CMP_ASSD)
food service violation cases: 10,360 (n = 11,909; field: CASE_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)
all violation cases: 41,072 (n = 50,990; field: CASE_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)

Finding 5

Home health cases are expensive. The median back-wage amount in a home-health case was $14,297 (n = 1,122 cases with back wages), against $5,485 across all industries. In Pennsylvania the median was $26,356 (n = 142), and 205 cases added up to $23.0M. Overtime is 95% of home-health back wages. (Source: WHD, NAICS 621610 and 624120)

median back wages, home health: $14,297 (n = 1,122; field: median BW_ATP_AMT)
median back wages, all: $5,485 (n = 26,327; field: median BW_ATP_AMT)
median back wages, PA home health: $26,356 (n = 142; field: median BW_ATP_AMT)
PA home health cases: 205 (n = 205; field: rows)
PA home health back wages: $22,972,009 (n = 205; field: BW_ATP_AMT)
overtime share of home health back wages: 95.3% (n = 1,122; field: FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT / BW_ATP_AMT)

Finding 6

Government construction work has its own wage rules. 41% of construction violation cases (2,398 of 5,799) involved the Davis-Bacon prevailing-wage rules, and they account for 47% of construction back wages ($67.2M of $142.8M). This applies only to federally funded or assisted construction contracts. (Source: WHD DBRA_*)

construction violation cases with Davis-Bacon: 2,398 (n = 5,799; field: DBRA_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)
construction violation cases: 5,799 (n = 7,517; field: CASE_VIOLTN_CNT > 0)
Davis-Bacon back wages: $67,191,077 (n = 2,398; field: DBRA_BW_ATP_AMT)
construction back wages: $142,832,109 (n = 7,517; field: BW_ATP_AMT)

Finding 7

Texas child care shows up far more than other states. WHD concluded 299 child-care cases in Texas, more than CA, FL, NY, IL, PA and OH combined (179). The median back-wage amount per case was small ($1,148, n = 146), and 54% of violation cases had overtime back wages (n = 253). This reflects where WHD investigated, not how Texas child-care employers compare. (Source: WHD, NAICS 624410)

TX child care cases: 299 (n = 299; field: rows)
CA+FL+NY+IL+PA+OH child care cases: 179 (n = 179; field: rows)
TX child care median back wages: $1,148 (n = 146; field: median BW_ATP_AMT)
TX child care violation cases with overtime: 54.2% (n = 253; field: FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT > 0 among violation cases)

Finding 8

Many wage complaints may not be federal. WHD concluded 8,122 cases in Texas but 3,434 in California, which has more workers (New York: 2,787; Florida: 3,843). California and New York have their own strong wage enforcers, so many cases there never reach WHD. Where federal WHD is the main enforcer (such as TX and FL), federal data is a better guide. (Source: WHD ST_CD)

TX cases: 8,122 (n = 8,122; field: ST_CD = TX)
CA cases: 3,434 (n = 3,434; field: ST_CD = CA)
NY cases: 2,787 (n = 2,787; field: ST_CD = NY)
FL cases: 3,843 (n = 3,843; field: ST_CD = FL)

Finding 9

Chemical labels are the top OSHA citation for restaurants and shops. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) is the most-cited federal standard in restaurants (1,135 violation items, ranked 1) and retail (2,014, ranked 1). It ranks third in health care. Safety data sheets, labels and training for cleaning chemicals are what this rule covers. (Source: OSHA_violation.zip; title from eCFR)

1910.1200 items, restaurants: 1,135 (n = 8,979; field: OSHA_violation STANDARD 1910.1200)
1910.1200 items, retail: 2,014 (n = 26,290; field: OSHA_violation STANDARD 1910.1200)
1910.1200 rank in health care (29 CFR ranking): 3 (n = 16,648; field: rank by violation items)

Finding 10

In construction, falls come first, and California adds its own rules. Across the US, 29 CFR 1926.501 "Duty to have fall protection" accounts for 42,772 of 264,389 construction violation items (16%). The rest of the federal top 5 are ladders (1926.1053), fall protection training (1926.503), scaffolds (1926.451) and eye and face protection on construction sites (1926.102). In California, Cal/OSHA's most-cited rules are the written injury and illness prevention program (T8 1509) and the heat illness prevention for outdoor work (T8 3395). (Source: OSHA; Cal. Code Regs. T8 titles from dir.ca.gov)

1926.501 items: 42,772 (n = 264,389; field: OSHA_violation STANDARD 1926.501)
construction violation items: 264,389 (n = 91,632; field: OSHA_violation rows)
US construction federal top 2-5: 1926.1053, 1926.503, 1926.451, 1926.102 (n = 264,389; field: rank by violation items)
CA construction top 2: 1509, 3395 (n = 17,030; field: rank by violation items, all code systems)

General information, not legal advice. This page is for general information only and isn’t legal, financial or tax advice. Laws vary by state and change; check the official source or talk to a qualified professional about your situation. Every rule on this page links to its official source.

Read this before using the numbers

Enforcement data is not a violation rate. It shows where investigators looked. Recent years are incomplete because cases take months to appear in the file; lower counts for FY2024 and FY2025 are not a trend.

Enforcement data is not a violation rate. It shows where WHD and OSHA investigated. Both agencies aim at high-violation industries, so those industries look worse. (data.dol.gov)
Recent years are incomplete. The WHD year is based on the end of the back-wage period, not the date the case closed, and the file only holds concluded cases. For cases whose findings ended in FY2016-FY2021 (a mature cohort), the median lag from findings end to the file load date (LOAD_DT) is about 229 days and 90% appear within about 628 days. Per-year case counts: FY2021 13,659, FY2022 11,541, FY2023 10,430, FY2024 8,466, FY2025 6,894. The lower FY2024-FY2025 counts are mostly this lag. Do not read them as a trend in enforcement.
Recordkeeping is estimated. WHD does not report recordkeeping violations separately. The "recordkeeping/other FLSA" share is an estimate (an FLSA violation with no minimum-wage or overtime back wages) and is labelled as an estimate. (data.dol.gov)
Violation types overlap. A case can include overtime and child labor, so the shares add to more than 100%.
Penalties are assessed, not collected. Back wages are amounts the employer agreed to pay.
State coverage differs. California (Cal/OSHA) is an OSHA State Plan; the New York and Illinois State Plans cover only public employers. States with their own wage agencies (for example the California Labor Commissioner and the New York DOL) handle many wage cases that never appear in federal WHD data. The OSHA STATE_FLAG column is empty in the 2026-09 file. (data.dol.gov)
Small cells. Several state and industry cells are small (for example California child care has 0 WHD cases and Illinois child care has 12). Percentages are not published when n < 30.
OSHA counts are citation line items; one inspection can cite the same standard several times. (data.dol.gov)

By industry, United States

All industries50,990 WHD cases, NAICS all (legacy non-NAICS codes included)Restaurants and food service11,909 WHD cases, NAICS 722 Retail3,693 WHD cases, NAICS 44-45 Construction7,517 WHD cases, NAICS 23 Health care (incl. home care)5,976 WHD cases, NAICS 621, 622, 623, 624120 Home health and home care (subset of health care)1,820 WHD cases, NAICS 621610, 624120 Child care883 WHD cases, NAICS 624410

Industry	Cases	Back wages
All industries	50,990	$835.2M
Restaurants and food service	11,909	$135.4M
Retail	3,693	$31.5M
Construction	7,517	$142.8M
Health care (incl. home care)	5,976	$154.1M
Home health and home care (subset of health care)	1,820	$79.1M
Child care	883	$2.2M

WHD cases concluded and back wages employers agreed to pay, FY2021 to FY2025. Source: data.dol.gov.

All industries

NAICS all (legacy non-NAICS codes included). United States, federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Source: WHD enforcement data (data.dol.gov).

41,072 of 50,990WHD cases with a violation found

$835.2Mback wages agreed (n = 50,990 cases)

46%violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 41,072)

$137.3Mcivil money penalties assessed (n = 50,990 cases)

50,990 WHD cases concluded (n = 50,990)
41,072 Cases with violations found (n = 50,990)
80.5% Share of cases with violations (n = 50,990)
$835.2M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($835,167,434; n = 50,990)
642,198 Employees owed back wages (n = 50,990)
$137.3M Civil money penalties assessed ($137,342,724; n = 50,990)
$5,485 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 26,327)
46% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 41,072)
12.7% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 41,072)
10% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 41,072)
27.2% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 41,072, data.dol.gov)
60.5% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 26,327)
8% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 26,327)
22,190 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 4,090)
$79.9M Child-labor penalties assessed ($79,897,558; n = 4,090)
6.5% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 41,072)
$74.2M Davis-Bacon back wages ($74,198,355; n = 2,677)

Most-cited federal safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 43,735 violation items, 6.8% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 37,016 violation items, 5.8% of items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 23,924 violation items, 3.7% of items
Lockout/tagout of machines during servicing (29 CFR 1910.147): 20,607 violation items, 3.2% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 18,762 violation items, 2.9% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 641,361 items in 202,882 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

What to check in your business

Keep a record of the hours each person works each day and each workweek (WHD Fact Sheet 21: recordkeeping). Desk: attendance policy template.
Check how overtime is counted for hourly staff, including time before and after a shift (WHD Fact Sheet 23: overtime pay). Desk: minimum wage by state.
Before you schedule anyone under 18, check the hours and jobs allowed for their age (WHD: child labor). Desk: hiring checklist.

Restaurants and food service

NAICS 722. United States, federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Source: WHD enforcement data (data.dol.gov).

10,360 of 11,909WHD cases with a violation found

$135.4Mback wages agreed (n = 11,909 cases)

51.7%violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 10,360)

$59.0Mcivil money penalties assessed (n = 11,909 cases)

11,909 WHD cases concluded (n = 11,909)
10,360 Cases with violations found (n = 11,909)
87% Share of cases with violations (n = 11,909)
$135.4M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($135,378,714; n = 11,909)
111,449 Employees owed back wages (n = 11,909)
$59.0M Civil money penalties assessed ($59,031,497; n = 11,909)
$4,888 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 6,621)
51.7% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 10,360)
21% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 10,360)
25.9% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 10,360)
32.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 10,360, data.dol.gov)
56.9% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 6,621)
16% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 6,621)
16,473 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 2,687)
$49.3M Child-labor penalties assessed ($49,288,128; n = 2,687)

Most-cited federal safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1,135 violation items, 12.6% of items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 291 violation items, 3.2% of items
Electrical wiring, cords and outlets (29 CFR 1910.305): 278 violation items, 3.1% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 271 violation items, 3% of items
Walking surfaces: floors kept clean, dry and clear (29 CFR 1910.22): 260 violation items, 2.9% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 8,979 items in 3,145 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

What to check in your business

Keep a record of the hours each person works each day and each workweek (WHD Fact Sheet 21: recordkeeping). Desk: attendance policy template.
Check how overtime is counted for hourly staff, including time before and after a shift (WHD Fact Sheet 23: overtime pay). Desk: minimum wage by state.
Before you schedule anyone under 18, check the hours and jobs allowed for their age (WHD: child labor). Desk: hiring checklist.
Keep labels and safety data sheets for the chemicals you use, cleaning products included, and train staff on them (OSHA: hazard communication).
When someone misses a shift or does not follow your timekeeping rules, write it down the same day. Desk: no call, no show. Desk: write up an employee.

Retail

NAICS 44-45. United States, federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Source: WHD enforcement data (data.dol.gov).

2,959 of 3,693WHD cases with a violation found

$31.5Mback wages agreed (n = 3,693 cases)

55.8%violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 2,959)

$7.8Mcivil money penalties assessed (n = 3,693 cases)

3,693 WHD cases concluded (n = 3,693)
2,959 Cases with violations found (n = 3,693)
80.1% Share of cases with violations (n = 3,693)
$31.5M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($31,506,706; n = 3,693)
31,747 Employees owed back wages (n = 3,693)
$7.8M Civil money penalties assessed ($7,754,467; n = 3,693)
$3,775 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 1,871)
55.8% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 2,959)
13.4% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 2,959)
10.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 2,959)
30.3% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 2,959, data.dol.gov)
83% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 1,871)
6.5% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 1,871)
1,206 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 315)
$5.8M Child-labor penalties assessed ($5,824,245; n = 315)

Most-cited federal safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 2,014 violation items, 7.7% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 1,378 violation items, 5.2% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 1,211 violation items, 4.6% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 978 violation items, 3.7% of items
Electrical wiring, cords and outlets (29 CFR 1910.305): 924 violation items, 3.5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 26,290 items in 9,088 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

What to check in your business

Keep a record of the hours each person works each day and each workweek (WHD Fact Sheet 21: recordkeeping). Desk: attendance policy template.
Check how overtime is counted for hourly staff, including time before and after a shift (WHD Fact Sheet 23: overtime pay). Desk: minimum wage by state.
Before you schedule anyone under 18, check the hours and jobs allowed for their age (WHD: child labor). Desk: hiring checklist.
Keep labels and safety data sheets for the chemicals you use, cleaning products included, and train staff on them (OSHA: hazard communication).
When someone misses a shift or does not follow your timekeeping rules, write it down the same day. Desk: no call, no show. Desk: write up an employee.

Construction

NAICS 23. United States, federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Source: WHD enforcement data (data.dol.gov).

5,799 of 7,517WHD cases with a violation found

$142.8Mback wages agreed (n = 7,517 cases)

37%violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 5,799)

$6.8Mcivil money penalties assessed (n = 7,517 cases)

7,517 WHD cases concluded (n = 7,517)
5,799 Cases with violations found (n = 7,517)
77.1% Share of cases with violations (n = 7,517)
$142.8M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($142,832,109; n = 7,517)
70,896 Employees owed back wages (n = 7,517)
$6.8M Civil money penalties assessed ($6,805,347; n = 7,517)
$7,327 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 3,727)
37% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 5,799)
5.3% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 5,799)
3.2% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 5,799)
28.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 5,799, data.dol.gov)
44.2% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 3,727)
2.1% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 3,727)
295 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 188)
$2.6M Child-labor penalties assessed ($2,601,647; n = 188)
41.4% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 5,799)
$67.2M Davis-Bacon back wages ($67,191,077; n = 2,398)

Most-cited federal safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 42,772 violation items, 16.2% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 18,355 violation items, 6.9% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 16,520 violation items, 6.2% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 15,391 violation items, 5.8% of items
Eye and face protection on construction sites (29 CFR 1926.102): 12,016 violation items, 4.5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 264,389 items in 91,632 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

What to check in your business

Keep a record of the hours each person works each day and each workweek (WHD Fact Sheet 21: recordkeeping). Desk: attendance policy template.
Check how overtime is counted for hourly staff, including time before and after a shift (WHD Fact Sheet 23: overtime pay). Desk: minimum wage by state.
On jobs that are federally funded or assisted, check the prevailing wage rules before you bid (WHD: prevailing wages in construction).
Plan fall protection, ladders and scaffolds for every job site (OSHA: fall protection).

Health care (incl. home care)

NAICS 621, 622, 623, 624120. United States, federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Source: WHD enforcement data (data.dol.gov).

4,822 of 5,976WHD cases with a violation found

$154.1Mback wages agreed (n = 5,976 cases)

65.8%violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 4,822)

$9.9Mcivil money penalties assessed (n = 5,976 cases)

5,976 WHD cases concluded (n = 5,976)
4,822 Cases with violations found (n = 5,976)
80.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 5,976)
$154.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($154,079,141; n = 5,976)
119,905 Employees owed back wages (n = 5,976)
$9.9M Civil money penalties assessed ($9,890,057; n = 5,976)
$7,316 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 3,528)
65.8% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 4,822)
10.7% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 4,822)
2.3% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 4,822)
20.8% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 4,822, data.dol.gov)
85.9% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 3,528)
5.5% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 3,528)
463 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 113)
$1.9M Child-labor penalties assessed ($1,861,983; n = 113)

Most-cited federal safety standards

Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 2,548 violation items, 15.3% of items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 2,264 violation items, 13.6% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1,334 violation items, 8% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 407 violation items, 2.4% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 388 violation items, 2.3% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 16,648 items in 5,428 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

What to check in your business

Keep a record of the hours each person works each day and each workweek (WHD Fact Sheet 21: recordkeeping). Desk: attendance policy template.
Check how overtime is counted for hourly staff, including time before and after a shift (WHD Fact Sheet 23: overtime pay). Desk: minimum wage by state.
Keep labels and safety data sheets for the chemicals you use, cleaning products included, and train staff on them (OSHA: hazard communication).
Review your plan for needles, blood and body fluids (OSHA: bloodborne pathogens).
When someone misses a shift or does not follow your timekeeping rules, write it down the same day. Desk: no call, no show. Desk: write up an employee.

Home health and home care (subset of health care)

NAICS 621610, 624120; part of health care (incl. home care). United States, federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Source: WHD enforcement data (data.dol.gov).

1,524 of 1,820WHD cases with a violation found

$79.1Mback wages agreed (n = 1,820 cases)

68.6%violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 1,524)

$5.2Mcivil money penalties assessed (n = 1,820 cases)

1,820 WHD cases concluded (n = 1,820)
1,524 Cases with violations found (n = 1,820)
83.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 1,820)
$79.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($79,101,739; n = 1,820)
46,348 Employees owed back wages (n = 1,820)
$5.2M Civil money penalties assessed ($5,177,494; n = 1,820)
$14,297 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 1,122)
68.6% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 1,524)
13.3% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 1,524)
0.9% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 1,524)
25.6% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 1,524, data.dol.gov)
95.3% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 1,122)
3.6% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 1,122)
23 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 13)
$108,640 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 13)

Most-cited federal safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 146 violation items, 20.8% of items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 68 violation items, 9.7% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 37 violation items, 5.3% of items
Electrical wiring, cords and outlets (29 CFR 1910.305): 35 violation items, 5% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 33 violation items, 4.7% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 702 items in 247 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

What to check in your business

Keep a record of the hours each person works each day and each workweek (WHD Fact Sheet 21: recordkeeping). Desk: attendance policy template.
Check how overtime is counted for hourly staff, including time before and after a shift (WHD Fact Sheet 23: overtime pay). Desk: minimum wage by state.
Review your plan for needles, blood and body fluids (OSHA: bloodborne pathogens).
When someone misses a shift or does not follow your timekeeping rules, write it down the same day. Desk: no call, no show. Desk: write up an employee.

Child care

NAICS 624410. United States, federal fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Source: WHD enforcement data (data.dol.gov).

755 of 883WHD cases with a violation found

$2.2Mback wages agreed (n = 883 cases)

61.5%violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 755)

$109,803civil money penalties assessed (n = 883 cases)

883 WHD cases concluded (n = 883)
755 Cases with violations found (n = 883)
85.5% Share of cases with violations (n = 883)
$2.2M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,169,135; n = 883)
5,460 Employees owed back wages (n = 883)
$109,803 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 883)
$1,801 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 507)
61.5% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 755)
12.5% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 755)
1.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 755)
30.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 755, data.dol.gov)
85.7% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 507)
9.7% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 507)
12 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 13)
$28,984 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 13)

Most-cited federal safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 34 violation items, 18.4% of items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 19 violation items, 10.3% of items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 5 violation items, 2.7% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 4 violation items, 2.2% of items
First aid and eyewash where chemicals are used (29 CFR 1910.151): 3 violation items, 1.6% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 185 items in 65 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

What to check in your business

Keep a record of the hours each person works each day and each workweek (WHD Fact Sheet 21: recordkeeping). Desk: attendance policy template.
Check how overtime is counted for hourly staff, including time before and after a shift (WHD Fact Sheet 23: overtime pay). Desk: minimum wage by state.
Keep labels and safety data sheets for the chemicals you use, cleaning products included, and train staff on them (OSHA: hazard communication).
When someone misses a shift or does not follow your timekeeping rules, write it down the same day. Desk: no call, no show. Desk: write up an employee.

By state

Seven states with the most detail. Percentages based on fewer than 30 cases are not shown.

California3,434 WHD cases Texas8,122 WHD cases Florida3,843 WHD cases New York2,787 WHD cases Illinois1,804 WHD cases Pennsylvania2,123 WHD cases Ohio1,293 WHD cases

California 3,434 WHD cases

Federal WHD cases and OSHA inspections in California, FY2021 to FY2025. States with their own wage agencies handle many cases that never reach federal data (see the caveats above). Sources: WHD data, OSHA data.

All industries in California

3,434 WHD cases concluded (n = 3,434)
2,545 Cases with violations found (n = 3,434)
74.1% Share of cases with violations (n = 3,434)
$76.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($76,062,623; n = 3,434)
42,773 Employees owed back wages (n = 3,434)
$12.0M Civil money penalties assessed ($12,002,259; n = 3,434)
$9,636 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 1,619)
41.3% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 2,545)
14.2% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 2,545)
6.2% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 2,545)
23.2% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 2,545, data.dol.gov)
64.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 1,619)
7.7% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 1,619)
660 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 159)
$2.6M Child-labor penalties assessed ($2,631,776; n = 159)
4.4% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 2,545)
$3.8M Davis-Bacon back wages ($3,831,082; n = 112)

Most-cited safety standards

Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3203): 8,034 violation items, 12.4% of items
Cal/OSHA: heat illness prevention for outdoor work (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3395): 5,596 violation items, 8.6% of items
Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program for construction (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 1509): 3,454 violation items, 5.3% of items
Cal/OSHA: reporting serious injuries and deaths (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 342): 2,747 violation items, 4.2% of items
Cal/OSHA: lockout/tagout of machines during cleaning and servicing (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3314): 1,931 violation items, 3% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 64,843 items in 22,776 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: all code systems (California is a Cal/OSHA State Plan and cites Title 8 CCR). Source: data.dol.gov.

Restaurants and food service in California

546 WHD cases concluded (n = 546)
415 Cases with violations found (n = 546)
76% Share of cases with violations (n = 546)
$8.7M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($8,703,561; n = 546)
4,866 Employees owed back wages (n = 546)
$2.4M Civil money penalties assessed ($2,372,781; n = 546)
$9,070 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 284)
52% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 415)
11.6% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 415)
21.2% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 415)
31.3% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 415, data.dol.gov)
80% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 284)
4.8% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 284)
347 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 88)
$1.2M Child-labor penalties assessed ($1,225,013; n = 88)

Most-cited safety standards

Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3203): 581 violation items, 25.4% of items
Cal/OSHA: portable fire extinguishers (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 6151): 219 violation items, 9.6% of items
Cal/OSHA: hazard communication (chemical labels, safety data sheets, training) (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 5194): 176 violation items, 7.7% of items
Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 prevention, a temporary rule now expired (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3205): 130 violation items, 5.7% of items
Cal/OSHA: clear work space around electrical equipment (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 2340.16): 108 violation items, 4.7% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 2,286 items in 825 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: all code systems (California is a Cal/OSHA State Plan and cites Title 8 CCR). Source: data.dol.gov.

Retail in California

247 WHD cases concluded (n = 247)
160 Cases with violations found (n = 247)
64.8% Share of cases with violations (n = 247)
$3.6M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($3,608,928; n = 247)
2,858 Employees owed back wages (n = 247)
$464,568 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 247)
$6,468 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 111)
55.6% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 160)
18.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 160)
11.9% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 160)
20% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 160, data.dol.gov)
87.9% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 111)
10.5% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 111)
46 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 19)
$192,419 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 19)

Most-cited safety standards

Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3203): 584 violation items, 16.9% of items
Cal/OSHA: portable fire extinguishers (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 6151): 202 violation items, 5.8% of items
Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 prevention, a temporary rule now expired (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3205): 169 violation items, 4.9% of items
Cal/OSHA: reporting serious injuries and deaths (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 342): 161 violation items, 4.6% of items
Cal/OSHA: clear work space around electrical equipment (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 2340.16): 140 violation items, 4% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 3,465 items in 1,291 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: all code systems (California is a Cal/OSHA State Plan and cites Title 8 CCR). Source: data.dol.gov.

Construction in California

357 WHD cases concluded (n = 357)
258 Cases with violations found (n = 357)
72.3% Share of cases with violations (n = 357)
$9.0M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($9,001,767; n = 357)
4,115 Employees owed back wages (n = 357)
$978,103 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 357)
$11,550 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 191)
37.6% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 258)
12.4% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 258)
1.2% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 258)
18.6% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 258, data.dol.gov)
62.1% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 191)
1.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 191)
3 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 3)
$16,776 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 3)
39.1% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 258)
$2.9M Davis-Bacon back wages ($2,902,949; n = 101)

Most-cited safety standards

Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program for construction (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 1509): 2,962 violation items, 17.4% of items
Cal/OSHA: heat illness prevention for outdoor work (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3395): 2,420 violation items, 14.2% of items
Cal/OSHA: emergency medical services and first aid for construction (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 1512): 1,040 violation items, 6.1% of items
Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3203): 950 violation items, 5.6% of items
Cal/OSHA: reporting serious injuries and deaths (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 342): 747 violation items, 4.4% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 17,030 items in 6,610 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: all code systems (California is a Cal/OSHA State Plan and cites Title 8 CCR). Source: data.dol.gov.

Health care (incl. home care) in California

451 WHD cases concluded (n = 451)
317 Cases with violations found (n = 451)
70.3% Share of cases with violations (n = 451)
$13.5M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($13,455,177; n = 451)
3,412 Employees owed back wages (n = 451)
$1.1M Civil money penalties assessed ($1,123,739; n = 451)
$21,053 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 236)
68.5% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 317)
12.9% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 317)
0.3% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 317)
16.1% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 317, data.dol.gov)
92% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 236)
1.7% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 236)
2 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 1)
$48,105 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 1)

Most-cited safety standards

Cal/OSHA: aerosol transmissible diseases in health care (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 5199): 402 violation items, 19.1% of items
Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3203): 252 violation items, 12% of items
Cal/OSHA: emergency eyewash and shower (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 5162): 129 violation items, 6.1% of items
Cal/OSHA: workplace violence prevention in health care (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3342): 117 violation items, 5.6% of items
Cal/OSHA: reporting serious injuries and deaths (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 342): 112 violation items, 5.3% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 2,106 items in 721 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: all code systems (California is a Cal/OSHA State Plan and cites Title 8 CCR). Source: data.dol.gov.

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in California

55 WHD cases concluded (n = 55)
39 Cases with violations found (n = 55)
70.9% Share of cases with violations (n = 55)
$2.8M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,756,470; n = 55)
870 Employees owed back wages (n = 55)
$211,089 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 55)
$38,123 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 32)
69.2% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 39)
17.9% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 39)
0% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 39)
17.9% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 39, data.dol.gov)
90.5% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 32)
0.3% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 32)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 prevention, a temporary rule now expired (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3205): 18 violation items, 25.7% of items
Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3203): 15 violation items, 21.4% of items
Cal/OSHA: respirators (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 5144): 10 violation items, 14.3% of items
Cal/OSHA: reporting serious injuries and deaths (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 342): 5 violation items, 7.1% of items
Cal/OSHA: workplace violence prevention in health care (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3342): 5 violation items, 7.1% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 70 items in 27 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: all code systems (California is a Cal/OSHA State Plan and cites Title 8 CCR). Source: data.dol.gov.

Child care in California

0 WHD cases concluded (n = 0)
0 Cases with violations found (n = 0)
not shown (n < 30) Share of cases with violations (n = 0)
$0 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 0)
0 Employees owed back wages (n = 0)
$0 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 0)
not shown (n < 30) Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 0)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 0)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 0)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 0)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 0, data.dol.gov)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 0)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 0)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Cal/OSHA: reporting serious injuries and deaths (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 342): 4 violation items
Cal/OSHA: portable fire extinguishers (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 6151): 3 violation items
Cal/OSHA: written injury and illness prevention program (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3203): 2 violation items
Cal/OSHA: heat illness prevention for outdoor work (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3395): 2 violation items
Cal/OSHA: COVID-19 prevention, a temporary rule now expired (Cal. Code Regs. Title 8 section 3205): 1 violation items

Ranked by violation items; n = 17 items in 8 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: all code systems (California is a Cal/OSHA State Plan and cites Title 8 CCR). Source: data.dol.gov.

Texas 8,122 WHD cases

Federal WHD cases and OSHA inspections in Texas, FY2021 to FY2025. States with their own wage agencies handle many cases that never reach federal data (see the caveats above). Sources: WHD data, OSHA data.

All industries in Texas

8,122 WHD cases concluded (n = 8,122)
6,426 Cases with violations found (n = 8,122)
79.1% Share of cases with violations (n = 8,122)
$89.7M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($89,659,827; n = 8,122)
76,700 Employees owed back wages (n = 8,122)
$4.5M Civil money penalties assessed ($4,455,801; n = 8,122)
$4,284 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 3,642)
43.4% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 6,426)
13.6% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 6,426)
4.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 6,426)
38.7% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 6,426, data.dol.gov)
53% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 3,642)
9% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 3,642)
876 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 300)
$2.8M Child-labor penalties assessed ($2,773,982; n = 300)
6.2% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 6,426)
$6.1M Davis-Bacon back wages ($6,091,871; n = 396)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 4,748 violation items, 14.5% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 2,142 violation items, 6.6% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 1,893 violation items, 5.8% of items
Eye and face protection on construction sites (29 CFR 1926.102): 1,873 violation items, 5.7% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 1,515 violation items, 4.6% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 32,685 items in 12,570 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Restaurants and food service in Texas

2,098 WHD cases concluded (n = 2,098)
1,834 Cases with violations found (n = 2,098)
87.4% Share of cases with violations (n = 2,098)
$17.6M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($17,640,422; n = 2,098)
18,632 Employees owed back wages (n = 2,098)
$2.0M Civil money penalties assessed ($1,971,593; n = 2,098)
$4,002 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 1,102)
47.2% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 1,834)
22.2% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 1,834)
10.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 1,834)
41.8% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 1,834, data.dol.gov)
52.2% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 1,102)
17.7% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 1,102)
570 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 197)
$1.5M Child-labor penalties assessed ($1,549,844; n = 197)

Most-cited safety standards

Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 15 violation items, 11.1% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 13 violation items, 9.6% of items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 10 violation items, 7.4% of items
Walking surfaces: floors kept clean, dry and clear (29 CFR 1910.22): 9 violation items, 6.7% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 9 violation items, 6.7% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 135 items in 70 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Retail in Texas

571 WHD cases concluded (n = 571)
455 Cases with violations found (n = 571)
79.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 571)
$2.4M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,385,417; n = 571)
2,391 Employees owed back wages (n = 571)
$120,971 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 571)
$3,602 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 252)
49% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 455)
11.9% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 455)
3.5% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 455)
44.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 455, data.dol.gov)
78.1% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 252)
9.1% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 252)
40 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 16)
$75,779 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 16)

Most-cited safety standards

Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 57 violation items, 8% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 55 violation items, 7.8% of items
Machine guarding (29 CFR 1910.212): 54 violation items, 7.6% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 49 violation items, 6.9% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 45 violation items, 6.3% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 709 items in 308 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Construction in Texas

1,294 WHD cases concluded (n = 1,294)
979 Cases with violations found (n = 1,294)
75.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 1,294)
$15.0M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($14,990,625; n = 1,294)
9,109 Employees owed back wages (n = 1,294)
$327,344 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 1,294)
$5,673 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 528)
37.7% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 979)
5.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 979)
1.9% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 979)
39.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 979, data.dol.gov)
53.4% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 528)
2.4% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 528)
28 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 19)
$227,331 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 19)
36.7% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 979)
$5.7M Davis-Bacon back wages ($5,700,852; n = 359)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 4,659 violation items, 23.6% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 2,108 violation items, 10.7% of items
Eye and face protection on construction sites (29 CFR 1926.102): 1,860 violation items, 9.4% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 1,852 violation items, 9.4% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 1,482 violation items, 7.5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 19,782 items in 7,984 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Health care (incl. home care) in Texas

787 WHD cases concluded (n = 787)
604 Cases with violations found (n = 787)
76.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 787)
$16.7M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($16,678,916; n = 787)
13,096 Employees owed back wages (n = 787)
$60,625 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 787)
$4,974 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 394)
55.3% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 604)
15.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 604)
0.3% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 604)
30.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 604, data.dol.gov)
58.8% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 394)
8% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 394)
2 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 2)
$16,235 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 2)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 145 violation items, 45.9% of items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 20 violation items, 6.3% of items
Formaldehyde exposure (29 CFR 1910.1048): 17 violation items, 5.4% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 16 violation items, 5.1% of items
Submitting injury records electronically to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.41): 15 violation items, 4.7% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 316 items in 149 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Texas

230 WHD cases concluded (n = 230)
194 Cases with violations found (n = 230)
84.3% Share of cases with violations (n = 230)
$7.5M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($7,494,532; n = 230)
5,313 Employees owed back wages (n = 230)
$12,128 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 230)
$9,056 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 135)
61.9% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 194)
17.5% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 194)
0% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 194)
29.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 194, data.dol.gov)
90.3% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 135)
9.1% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 135)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 26 violation items, 72.2% of items
Posting the annual injury summary: OSHA 300A (29 CFR 1904.32): 5 violation items, 13.9% of items
Deciding which injuries must be recorded (29 CFR 1904.4): 2 violation items, 5.6% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 1 violation items, 2.8% of items
Posting the OSHA "Job Safety and Health" notice (29 CFR 1903.2): 1 violation items, 2.8% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 36 items in 19 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Child care in Texas

299 WHD cases concluded (n = 299)
253 Cases with violations found (n = 299)
84.6% Share of cases with violations (n = 299)
$549,755 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 299)
1,319 Employees owed back wages (n = 299)
$2,618 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 299)
$1,148 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 146)
54.2% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 253)
13.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 253)
1.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 253)
42.3% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 253, data.dol.gov)
87.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 146)
7.7% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 146)
3 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 4)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 4)

Most-cited safety standards

No violation items were cited in this group for the period (2 inspections opened; source: data.dol.gov).

Florida 3,843 WHD cases

Federal WHD cases and OSHA inspections in Florida, FY2021 to FY2025. States with their own wage agencies handle many cases that never reach federal data (see the caveats above). Sources: WHD data, OSHA data.

All industries in Florida

3,843 WHD cases concluded (n = 3,843)
3,174 Cases with violations found (n = 3,843)
82.6% Share of cases with violations (n = 3,843)
$53.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($53,106,093; n = 3,843)
40,087 Employees owed back wages (n = 3,843)
$5.7M Civil money penalties assessed ($5,660,024; n = 3,843)
$4,119 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 2,014)
46.1% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 3,174)
14.3% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 3,174)
6.5% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 3,174)
29.7% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 3,174, data.dol.gov)
58.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 2,014)
7.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 2,014)
864 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 206)
$2.9M Child-labor penalties assessed ($2,900,025; n = 206)
5.6% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 3,174)
$4.8M Davis-Bacon back wages ($4,825,104; n = 179)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 2,605 violation items, 16.9% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 1,022 violation items, 6.6% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 839 violation items, 5.4% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 822 violation items, 5.3% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 735 violation items, 4.8% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 15,409 items in 6,403 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Restaurants and food service in Florida

919 WHD cases concluded (n = 919)
806 Cases with violations found (n = 919)
87.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 919)
$9.6M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($9,571,618; n = 919)
6,867 Employees owed back wages (n = 919)
$1.6M Civil money penalties assessed ($1,573,825; n = 919)
$3,060 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 536)
52.7% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 806)
24.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 806)
18% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 806)
34.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 806, data.dol.gov)
36% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 536)
15.6% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 536)
543 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 145)
$1.4M Child-labor penalties assessed ($1,373,671; n = 145)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 12 violation items, 12.9% of items
Portable fire extinguishers (29 CFR 1910.157): 11 violation items, 11.8% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 8 violation items, 8.6% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 7 violation items, 7.5% of items
Electrical wiring, cords and outlets (29 CFR 1910.305): 6 violation items, 6.5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 93 items in 49 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Retail in Florida

253 WHD cases concluded (n = 253)
212 Cases with violations found (n = 253)
83.8% Share of cases with violations (n = 253)
$2.8M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,823,168; n = 253)
2,091 Employees owed back wages (n = 253)
$57,326 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 253)
$3,757 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 134)
56.1% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 212)
15.6% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 212)
4.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 212)
32.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 212, data.dol.gov)
78% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 134)
4.5% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 134)
20 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 10)
$49,855 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 10)

Most-cited safety standards

Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 87 violation items, 15.1% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 61 violation items, 10.6% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 48 violation items, 8.3% of items
Portable fire extinguishers (29 CFR 1910.157): 34 violation items, 5.9% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 26 violation items, 4.5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 576 items in 239 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Construction in Florida

668 WHD cases concluded (n = 668)
539 Cases with violations found (n = 668)
80.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 668)
$9.8M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($9,764,241; n = 668)
6,416 Employees owed back wages (n = 668)
$172,941 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 668)
$5,928 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 359)
46% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 539)
8.9% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 539)
1.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 539)
31% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 539, data.dol.gov)
41.4% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 359)
5.7% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 359)
9 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 9)
$111,272 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 9)
30.2% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 539)
$4.2M Davis-Bacon back wages ($4,240,063; n = 163)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 2,534 violation items, 29.3% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 993 violation items, 11.5% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 801 violation items, 9.3% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 686 violation items, 7.9% of items
Eye and face protection on construction sites (29 CFR 1926.102): 643 violation items, 7.4% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 8,639 items in 3,850 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Health care (incl. home care) in Florida

311 WHD cases concluded (n = 311)
268 Cases with violations found (n = 311)
86.2% Share of cases with violations (n = 311)
$6.3M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($6,344,634; n = 311)
4,631 Employees owed back wages (n = 311)
$98,450 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 311)
$4,974 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 183)
61.9% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 268)
10.4% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 268)
1.5% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 268)
29.1% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 268, data.dol.gov)
81.9% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 183)
10.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 183)
3 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 4)
$2,373 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 4)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 37 violation items, 28.9% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 14 violation items, 10.9% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 13 violation items, 10.2% of items
General Duty Clause: recognized serious hazards not covered by a specific rule (OSH Act section 5(a)(1)): 6 violation items, 4.7% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 6 violation items, 4.7% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 128 items in 65 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Florida

73 WHD cases concluded (n = 73)
60 Cases with violations found (n = 73)
82.2% Share of cases with violations (n = 73)
$1.5M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($1,515,334; n = 73)
917 Employees owed back wages (n = 73)
$87,398 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 73)
$21,586 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 34)
51.7% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 60)
11.7% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 60)
1.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 60)
45% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 60, data.dol.gov)
74.5% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 34)
3.4% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 34)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 1)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 1)

Most-cited safety standards

COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 4 violation items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 3 violation items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 2 violation items

Ranked by violation items; n = 9 items in 3 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Child care in Florida

42 WHD cases concluded (n = 42)
36 Cases with violations found (n = 42)
85.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 42)
$163,388 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 42)
301 Employees owed back wages (n = 42)
$8,310 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 42)
$2,426 (small sample) Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 27)
72.2% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 36)
19.4% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 36)
2.8% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 36)
22.2% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 36, data.dol.gov)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 27)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 27)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 1)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 1)

Most-cited safety standards

No violation items were cited in this group for the period (2 inspections opened; source: data.dol.gov).

New York 2,787 WHD cases

Federal WHD cases and OSHA inspections in New York, FY2021 to FY2025. States with their own wage agencies handle many cases that never reach federal data (see the caveats above). Sources: WHD data, OSHA data.

All industries in New York

2,787 WHD cases concluded (n = 2,787)
2,223 Cases with violations found (n = 2,787)
79.8% Share of cases with violations (n = 2,787)
$47.8M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($47,772,151; n = 2,787)
38,639 Employees owed back wages (n = 2,787)
$3.1M Civil money penalties assessed ($3,066,996; n = 2,787)
$6,742 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 1,459)
49.3% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 2,223)
14.4% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 2,223)
5.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 2,223)
25.2% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 2,223, data.dol.gov)
63.1% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 1,459)
15.3% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 1,459)
339 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 125)
$921,218 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 125)
3.4% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 2,223)
$3.7M Davis-Bacon back wages ($3,749,438; n = 76)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 1,898 violation items, 8.3% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1,712 violation items, 7.5% of items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 1,417 violation items, 6.2% of items
Lockout/tagout of machines during servicing (29 CFR 1910.147): 1,096 violation items, 4.8% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 1,063 violation items, 4.6% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 22,861 items in 7,513 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Restaurants and food service in New York

614 WHD cases concluded (n = 614)
516 Cases with violations found (n = 614)
84% Share of cases with violations (n = 614)
$9.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($9,148,852; n = 614)
4,216 Employees owed back wages (n = 614)
$919,063 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 614)
$8,340 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 376)
65.1% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 516)
16.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 516)
14% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 516)
25.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 516, data.dol.gov)
76.7% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 376)
4.5% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 376)
204 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 72)
$611,489 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 72)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 45 violation items, 42.1% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 8 violation items, 7.5% of items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 7 violation items, 6.5% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 5 violation items, 4.7% of items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 4 violation items, 3.7% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 107 items in 45 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Retail in New York

291 WHD cases concluded (n = 291)
221 Cases with violations found (n = 291)
75.9% Share of cases with violations (n = 291)
$2.9M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,869,561; n = 291)
5,423 Employees owed back wages (n = 291)
$152,379 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 291)
$5,870 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 139)
56.1% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 221)
21.3% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 221)
8.1% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 221)
32.6% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 221, data.dol.gov)
89.1% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 139)
7% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 139)
43 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 18)
$36,403 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 18)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 91 violation items, 16.6% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 59 violation items, 10.8% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 44 violation items, 8% of items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 30 violation items, 5.5% of items
Portable fire extinguishers (29 CFR 1910.157): 28 violation items, 5.1% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 548 items in 216 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Construction in New York

334 WHD cases concluded (n = 334)
249 Cases with violations found (n = 334)
74.6% Share of cases with violations (n = 334)
$7.4M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($7,373,144; n = 334)
3,002 Employees owed back wages (n = 334)
$314,276 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 334)
$12,526 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 164)
39.4% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 249)
10.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 249)
1.2% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 249)
33.7% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 249, data.dol.gov)
52.8% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 164)
7.4% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 164)
6 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 3)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 3)
25.7% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 249)
$2.7M Davis-Bacon back wages ($2,683,872; n = 64)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 1,830 violation items, 17.3% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 1,016 violation items, 9.6% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 880 violation items, 8.3% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 486 violation items, 4.6% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 327 violation items, 3.1% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 10,564 items in 3,869 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Health care (incl. home care) in New York

302 WHD cases concluded (n = 302)
250 Cases with violations found (n = 302)
82.8% Share of cases with violations (n = 302)
$9.6M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($9,610,703; n = 302)
9,245 Employees owed back wages (n = 302)
$284,169 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 302)
$6,615 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 182)
64.8% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 250)
15.6% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 250)
3.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 250)
16.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 250, data.dol.gov)
74.9% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 182)
21.6% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 182)
16 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 9)
$29,077 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 9)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 210 violation items, 28.5% of items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 102 violation items, 13.8% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 51 violation items, 6.9% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 36 violation items, 4.9% of items
Sanitation: restrooms, washing facilities, clean workplace (29 CFR 1910.141): 22 violation items, 3% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 737 items in 246 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in New York

71 WHD cases concluded (n = 71)
56 Cases with violations found (n = 71)
78.9% Share of cases with violations (n = 71)
$3.8M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($3,822,556; n = 71)
2,898 Employees owed back wages (n = 71)
$54,699 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 71)
$7,758 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 40)
58.9% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 56)
28.6% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 56)
3.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 56)
25% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 56, data.dol.gov)
86% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 40)
14% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 40)
2 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 2)
$3,640 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 2)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 23 violation items, 48.9% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 3 violation items, 6.4% of items
Portable fire extinguishers (29 CFR 1910.157): 2 violation items, 4.3% of items
Deciding which injuries must be recorded (29 CFR 1904.4): 2 violation items, 4.3% of items
Walking surfaces: floors kept clean, dry and clear (29 CFR 1910.22): 2 violation items, 4.3% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 47 items in 11 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Child care in New York

33 WHD cases concluded (n = 33)
24 Cases with violations found (n = 33)
72.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 33)
$102,702 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 33)
379 Employees owed back wages (n = 33)
$0 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 33)
$2,844 (small sample) Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 20)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 24)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 24)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 24)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 24, data.dol.gov)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 20)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 20)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 1 violation items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 1 violation items

Ranked by violation items; n = 2 items in 1 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Illinois 1,804 WHD cases

Federal WHD cases and OSHA inspections in Illinois, FY2021 to FY2025. States with their own wage agencies handle many cases that never reach federal data (see the caveats above). Sources: WHD data, OSHA data.

All industries in Illinois

1,804 WHD cases concluded (n = 1,804)
1,377 Cases with violations found (n = 1,804)
76.3% Share of cases with violations (n = 1,804)
$23.0M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($22,982,517; n = 1,804)
20,541 Employees owed back wages (n = 1,804)
$2.0M Civil money penalties assessed ($1,970,600; n = 1,804)
$6,185 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 884)
50% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 1,377)
10.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 1,377)
4.4% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 1,377)
25.3% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 1,377, data.dol.gov)
75.1% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 884)
10.9% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 884)
189 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 61)
$1.3M Child-labor penalties assessed ($1,283,273; n = 61)
4.4% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 1,377)
$831,499 Davis-Bacon back wages (n = 61)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 3,232 violation items, 10.6% of items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 2,436 violation items, 8% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1,771 violation items, 5.8% of items
Lockout/tagout of machines during servicing (29 CFR 1910.147): 1,401 violation items, 4.6% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 1,339 violation items, 4.4% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 30,557 items in 8,531 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Restaurants and food service in Illinois

544 WHD cases concluded (n = 544)
476 Cases with violations found (n = 544)
87.5% Share of cases with violations (n = 544)
$5.4M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($5,416,119; n = 544)
3,931 Employees owed back wages (n = 544)
$427,401 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 544)
$5,992 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 316)
61.1% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 476)
13.4% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 476)
6.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 476)
33.6% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 476, data.dol.gov)
84.7% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 316)
8.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 316)
105 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 32)
$250,508 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 32)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 9 violation items, 16.1% of items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 8 violation items, 14.3% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 5 violation items, 8.9% of items
Portable fire extinguishers (29 CFR 1910.157): 5 violation items, 8.9% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 5 violation items, 8.9% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 56 items in 24 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Retail in Illinois

99 WHD cases concluded (n = 99)
77 Cases with violations found (n = 99)
77.8% Share of cases with violations (n = 99)
$835,222 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 99)
523 Employees owed back wages (n = 99)
$258,714 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 99)
$3,444 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 50)
58.4% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 77)
9.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 77)
11.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 77)
27.3% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 77, data.dol.gov)
89.2% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 50)
8.5% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 50)
33 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 9)
$249,701 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 9)

Most-cited safety standards

Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 50 violation items, 15.6% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 27 violation items, 8.4% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 26 violation items, 8.1% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 17 violation items, 5.3% of items
Electrical wiring, cords and outlets (29 CFR 1910.305): 14 violation items, 4.4% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 320 items in 128 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Construction in Illinois

224 WHD cases concluded (n = 224)
158 Cases with violations found (n = 224)
70.5% Share of cases with violations (n = 224)
$2.8M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,799,979; n = 224)
1,057 Employees owed back wages (n = 224)
$84,896 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 224)
$5,354 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 91)
40.5% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 158)
5.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 158)
4.4% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 158)
27.8% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 158, data.dol.gov)
50.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 91)
17.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 91)
7 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 7)
$39,643 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 7)
36.1% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 158)
$823,527 Davis-Bacon back wages (n = 57)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 3,174 violation items, 20.8% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 1,316 violation items, 8.6% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 1,187 violation items, 7.8% of items
Eye and face protection on construction sites (29 CFR 1926.102): 1,091 violation items, 7.1% of items
Abatement verification: proving cited hazards were fixed (29 CFR 1903.19): 929 violation items, 6.1% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 15,279 items in 4,672 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Health care (incl. home care) in Illinois

267 WHD cases concluded (n = 267)
189 Cases with violations found (n = 267)
70.8% Share of cases with violations (n = 267)
$5.2M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($5,213,381; n = 267)
7,521 Employees owed back wages (n = 267)
$123,175 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 267)
$4,788 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 125)
58.7% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 189)
4.2% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 189)
2.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 189)
26.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 189, data.dol.gov)
91.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 125)
3.1% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 125)
4 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 5)
$27,054 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 5)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 194 violation items, 48.7% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 43 violation items, 10.8% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 28 violation items, 7% of items
Submitting injury records electronically to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.41): 22 violation items, 5.5% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 14 violation items, 3.5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 398 items in 145 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Illinois

91 WHD cases concluded (n = 91)
67 Cases with violations found (n = 91)
73.6% Share of cases with violations (n = 91)
$1.6M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($1,641,091; n = 91)
1,769 Employees owed back wages (n = 91)
$0 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 91)
$3,515 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 39)
55.2% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 67)
4.5% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 67)
0% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 67)
38.8% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 67, data.dol.gov)
90.3% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 39)
9.6% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 39)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 8 violation items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 4 violation items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 2 violation items
Electrical wiring, cords and outlets (29 CFR 1910.305): 1 violation items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 1 violation items

Ranked by violation items; n = 16 items in 4 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Child care in Illinois

12 WHD cases concluded (n = 12)
11 Cases with violations found (n = 12)
not shown (n < 30) Share of cases with violations (n = 12)
$31,626 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 12)
112 Employees owed back wages (n = 12)
$0 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 12)
$1,945 (small sample) Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 11)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 11)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 11)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 11)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 11, data.dol.gov)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 11)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 11)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

No violation items were cited in this group for the period (1 inspections opened; source: data.dol.gov).

Pennsylvania 2,123 WHD cases

Federal WHD cases and OSHA inspections in Pennsylvania, FY2021 to FY2025. States with their own wage agencies handle many cases that never reach federal data (see the caveats above). Sources: WHD data, OSHA data.

All industries in Pennsylvania

2,123 WHD cases concluded (n = 2,123)
1,764 Cases with violations found (n = 2,123)
83.1% Share of cases with violations (n = 2,123)
$45.9M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($45,914,686; n = 2,123)
37,807 Employees owed back wages (n = 2,123)
$12.3M Civil money penalties assessed ($12,264,921; n = 2,123)
$4,658 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 1,093)
49.3% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 1,764)
11.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 1,764)
18.9% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 1,764)
24.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 1,764, data.dol.gov)
85.2% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 1,093)
5.9% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 1,093)
1,597 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 334)
$5.2M Child-labor penalties assessed ($5,202,093; n = 334)
2.9% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 1,764)
$519,421 Davis-Bacon back wages (n = 51)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 1,276 violation items, 7.5% of items
Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 1,255 violation items, 7.3% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1,217 violation items, 7.1% of items
Lockout/tagout of machines during servicing (29 CFR 1910.147): 952 violation items, 5.6% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 685 violation items, 4% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 17,103 items in 5,999 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Restaurants and food service in Pennsylvania

511 WHD cases concluded (n = 511)
442 Cases with violations found (n = 511)
86.5% Share of cases with violations (n = 511)
$4.9M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($4,851,513; n = 511)
3,025 Employees owed back wages (n = 511)
$3.7M Civil money penalties assessed ($3,698,766; n = 511)
$2,124 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 251)
45.2% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 442)
20.1% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 442)
45.2% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 442)
28.1% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 442, data.dol.gov)
53.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 251)
20.4% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 251)
1,082 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 200)
$2.9M Child-labor penalties assessed ($2,884,450; n = 200)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 23 violation items, 20% of items
Walking surfaces: floors kept clean, dry and clear (29 CFR 1910.22): 13 violation items, 11.3% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 13 violation items, 11.3% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 8 violation items, 7% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 8 violation items, 7% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 115 items in 44 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Retail in Pennsylvania

143 WHD cases concluded (n = 143)
112 Cases with violations found (n = 143)
78.3% Share of cases with violations (n = 143)
$1.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($1,070,013; n = 143)
4,309 Employees owed back wages (n = 143)
$342,674 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 143)
$2,876 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 71)
58% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 112)
9.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 112)
20.5% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 112)
25.9% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 112, data.dol.gov)
91% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 71)
8.4% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 71)
79 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 23)
$230,207 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 23)

Most-cited safety standards

Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 57 violation items, 11.1% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 53 violation items, 10.3% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 47 violation items, 9.2% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 33 violation items, 6.4% of items
Portable fire extinguishers (29 CFR 1910.157): 30 violation items, 5.8% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 513 items in 209 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Construction in Pennsylvania

180 WHD cases concluded (n = 180)
142 Cases with violations found (n = 180)
78.9% Share of cases with violations (n = 180)
$2.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,076,483; n = 180)
2,197 Employees owed back wages (n = 180)
$550,251 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 180)
$4,014 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 91)
43.7% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 142)
2.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 142)
14.1% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 142)
27.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 142, data.dol.gov)
75.4% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 91)
1% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 91)
33 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 20)
$488,897 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 20)
30.3% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 142)
$465,662 Davis-Bacon back wages (n = 43)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 1,243 violation items, 20.8% of items
Scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): 641 violation items, 10.7% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 515 violation items, 8.6% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 475 violation items, 8% of items
General construction safety program duties (29 CFR 1926.20): 348 violation items, 5.8% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 5,974 items in 2,485 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Health care (incl. home care) in Pennsylvania

451 WHD cases concluded (n = 451)
397 Cases with violations found (n = 451)
88% Share of cases with violations (n = 451)
$26.7M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($26,741,991; n = 451)
16,745 Employees owed back wages (n = 451)
$3.2M Civil money penalties assessed ($3,219,497; n = 451)
$12,514 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 304)
71.5% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 397)
9.6% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 397)
4% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 397)
18.9% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 397, data.dol.gov)
95.2% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 304)
4.3% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 304)
39 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 16)
$120,576 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 16)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 212 violation items, 38.4% of items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 98 violation items, 17.8% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 51 violation items, 9.2% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 29 violation items, 5.3% of items
Submitting injury records electronically to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.41): 21 violation items, 3.8% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 552 items in 199 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Pennsylvania

205 WHD cases concluded (n = 205)
188 Cases with violations found (n = 205)
91.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 205)
$23.0M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($22,972,009; n = 205)
10,853 Employees owed back wages (n = 205)
$2.8M Civil money penalties assessed ($2,836,531; n = 205)
$26,356 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 142)
72.3% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 188)
13.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 188)
1.1% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 188)
23.4% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 188, data.dol.gov)
96.8% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 142)
3.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 142)
10 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 2)
$22,876 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 2)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 17 violation items, 45.9% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 9 violation items, 24.3% of items
Reporting deaths, hospitalizations and amputations to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.39): 4 violation items, 10.8% of items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 3 violation items, 8.1% of items
Deciding which injuries must be recorded (29 CFR 1904.4): 2 violation items, 5.4% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 37 items in 14 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Child care in Pennsylvania

70 WHD cases concluded (n = 70)
65 Cases with violations found (n = 70)
92.9% Share of cases with violations (n = 70)
$277,372 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 70)
679 Employees owed back wages (n = 70)
$22,491 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 70)
$1,967 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 55)
81.5% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 65)
9.2% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 65)
0% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 65)
13.8% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 65, data.dol.gov)
95.4% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 55)
4.6% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 55)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 3 violation items
Limits on airborne chemicals and dust (29 CFR 1910.1000): 2 violation items

Ranked by violation items; n = 5 items in 1 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Ohio 1,293 WHD cases

Federal WHD cases and OSHA inspections in Ohio, FY2021 to FY2025. States with their own wage agencies handle many cases that never reach federal data (see the caveats above). Sources: WHD data, OSHA data.

All industries in Ohio

1,293 WHD cases concluded (n = 1,293)
1,003 Cases with violations found (n = 1,293)
77.6% Share of cases with violations (n = 1,293)
$21.5M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($21,483,609; n = 1,293)
32,966 Employees owed back wages (n = 1,293)
$4.9M Civil money penalties assessed ($4,885,592; n = 1,293)
$4,544 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 682)
51.6% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 1,003)
14.4% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 1,003)
17.3% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 1,003)
22.6% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 1,003, data.dol.gov)
57.9% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 682)
30.6% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 682)
1,117 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 174)
$4.2M Child-labor penalties assessed ($4,154,162; n = 174)
4.3% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 1,003)
$357,021 Davis-Bacon back wages (n = 43)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 2,538 violation items, 12.5% of items
Lockout/tagout of machines during servicing (29 CFR 1910.147): 1,745 violation items, 8.6% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1,128 violation items, 5.6% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 1,026 violation items, 5.1% of items
General construction safety program duties (29 CFR 1926.20): 1,020 violation items, 5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 20,235 items in 7,088 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Restaurants and food service in Ohio

299 WHD cases concluded (n = 299)
268 Cases with violations found (n = 299)
89.6% Share of cases with violations (n = 299)
$2.4M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($2,357,858; n = 299)
2,524 Employees owed back wages (n = 299)
$2.7M Civil money penalties assessed ($2,673,418; n = 299)
$2,411 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 171)
50% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 268)
22% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 268)
44.8% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 268)
27.2% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 268, data.dol.gov)
53.7% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 171)
25.5% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 171)
939 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 120)
$2.6M Child-labor penalties assessed ($2,606,022; n = 120)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 40 violation items, 28% of items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 15 violation items, 10.5% of items
Electrical equipment: general safety requirements (29 CFR 1910.303): 10 violation items, 7% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 8 violation items, 5.6% of items
Walking surfaces: floors kept clean, dry and clear (29 CFR 1910.22): 7 violation items, 4.9% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 143 items in 45 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Retail in Ohio

65 WHD cases concluded (n = 65)
51 Cases with violations found (n = 65)
78.5% Share of cases with violations (n = 65)
$215,802 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 65)
299 Employees owed back wages (n = 65)
$439,902 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 65)
$2,674 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 32)
56.9% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 51)
13.7% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 51)
15.7% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 51)
23.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 51, data.dol.gov)
55.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 32)
43.9% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 32)
45 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 8)
$433,148 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 8)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 75 violation items, 13.5% of items
Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178): 71 violation items, 12.8% of items
Exit routes kept clear and marked (29 CFR 1910.37): 35 violation items, 6.3% of items
Lockout/tagout of machines during servicing (29 CFR 1910.147): 31 violation items, 5.6% of items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 28 violation items, 5.1% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 554 items in 185 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Construction in Ohio

165 WHD cases concluded (n = 165)
112 Cases with violations found (n = 165)
67.9% Share of cases with violations (n = 165)
$855,840 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 165)
841 Employees owed back wages (n = 165)
$81,031 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 165)
$3,902 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 69)
36.6% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 112)
1.8% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 112)
11.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 112)
28.6% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 112, data.dol.gov)
52.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 69)
0.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 69)
17 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 13)
$81,031 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 13)
35.7% Violation cases under Davis-Bacon (federally funded construction) (n = 112)
$289,243 Davis-Bacon back wages (n = 40)

Most-cited safety standards

Fall protection: when it is required (29 CFR 1926.501): 2,500 violation items, 27.9% of items
General construction safety program duties (29 CFR 1926.20): 996 violation items, 11.1% of items
Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): 955 violation items, 10.6% of items
Fall protection training (29 CFR 1926.503): 816 violation items, 9.1% of items
Eye and face protection on construction sites (29 CFR 1926.102): 674 violation items, 7.5% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 8,971 items in 3,402 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Health care (incl. home care) in Ohio

225 WHD cases concluded (n = 225)
188 Cases with violations found (n = 225)
83.6% Share of cases with violations (n = 225)
$5.9M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($5,857,457; n = 225)
5,571 Employees owed back wages (n = 225)
$261,050 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 225)
$8,722 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 150)
72.9% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 188)
11.2% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 188)
1.6% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 188)
16.5% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 188, data.dol.gov)
94.6% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 150)
3.6% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 150)
15 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 3)
$12,347 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 3)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 164 violation items, 44.9% of items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 40 violation items, 11% of items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 39 violation items, 10.7% of items
Submitting injury records electronically to OSHA (29 CFR 1904.41): 21 violation items, 5.8% of items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 19 violation items, 5.2% of items

Ranked by violation items; n = 365 items in 148 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Ohio

106 WHD cases concluded (n = 106)
93 Cases with violations found (n = 106)
87.7% Share of cases with violations (n = 106)
$4.1M Back wages employers agreed to pay ($4,062,350; n = 106)
3,379 Employees owed back wages (n = 106)
$215,536 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 106)
$14,888 Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 77)
79.6% Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 93)
14% Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 93)
0% Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 93)
17.2% Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 93, data.dol.gov)
97.8% Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 77)
2.2% Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 77)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Respirators and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134): 13 violation items
COVID-19 health care emergency standard, since withdrawn except recordkeeping (29 CFR 1910.502): 4 violation items
Bloodborne pathogens: needles, blood and body fluids (29 CFR 1910.1030): 3 violation items
Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 1 violation items
Keeping the injury and illness log: OSHA 300 forms (29 CFR 1904.29): 1 violation items

Ranked by violation items; n = 22 items in 7 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Child care in Ohio

22 WHD cases concluded (n = 22)
17 Cases with violations found (n = 22)
not shown (n < 30) Share of cases with violations (n = 22)
$25,279 Back wages employers agreed to pay (n = 22)
66 Employees owed back wages (n = 22)
$0 Civil money penalties assessed (n = 22)
$1,213 (small sample) Median back wages per case (cases with back wages) (n = 12)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with overtime back wages (n = 17)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with minimum-wage back wages (n = 17)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with child-labor violations (n = 17)
not shown (n < 30) Violation cases with recordkeeping/other FLSA violations only (estimate) (n = 17, data.dol.gov)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were overtime (n = 12)
not shown (n < 30) Share of back wages that were minimum wage (n = 12)
0 Minors employed in violation of child-labor rules (n = 0)
$0 Child-labor penalties assessed (n = 0)

Most-cited safety standards

Hazard communication: chemical labels, safety data sheets and training (29 CFR 1910.1200): 2 violation items
Protective gear: hazard assessment and supply (29 CFR 1910.132): 1 violation items
Eye and face protection (29 CFR 1910.133): 1 violation items
Hand protection: gloves (29 CFR 1910.138): 1 violation items

Ranked by violation items; n = 5 items in 1 inspections with violations. Ranking basis: federal 29 CFR numbering only (State Plan own codes excluded from the ranking). Source: data.dol.gov.

Federal OSHA and State Plans

California runs its own OSHA State Plan (Cal/OSHA), so its lists use California Title 8 codes. The New York and Illinois State Plans cover only public employers, so private employers there appear under federal 29 CFR codes. Rankings for the other geographies count federal 29 CFR standards only (osha.gov State Plans).

Download the data

wage-violations.csvWHD metrics for every geography x industry x fiscal year cell in `cells` (one row per metric).wage-violations-by-state.csvOne row per metric for each of the 51 jurisdictions in `by_state` (all industries, FY2021-FY2025).wage-violations-osha-top.csvOSHA top 5 cited standards for every geography x industry in `osha_top` (FY2021-FY2025).wage-violations.jsonFull data file: every cell with value, n and field, plus method, caveats and file versions.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division and OSHA enforcement data, compiled by InterObservers Employer Desk. Free to reuse with attribution and a link to this page.

Method, filters and file versions

WHD: one row of the DOL WHD compliance-action bulk file = one concluded case. Fiscal year = federal FY (Oct 1 to Sep 30) of FINDINGS_END_DATE, because the file has no case open or close date. State = ST_CD. Industry = NAIC_CD prefix; legacy non-NAICS codes (leading 0) count in all industries only.
Percent of violation cases uses cases with CASE_VIOLTN_CNT > 0 as the denominator (n). Overtime = FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT > 0; minimum wage = FLSA_MW_BW_ATP_AMT > 0; child labor = FLSA_CL_VIOLTN_CNT > 0; recordkeeping/other FLSA (ESTIMATE) = FLSA_VIOLTN_CNT > 0 with no minimum-wage or overtime back wages; Davis-Bacon = DBRA_VIOLTN_CNT > 0. (data.dol.gov)
Share of back wages = sum of FLSA_OT_BW_ATP_AMT (or FLSA_MW_BW_ATP_AMT) divided by sum of BW_ATP_AMT; n shown is the number of cases with back wages. (data.dol.gov)
Median back wages = median of BW_ATP_AMT among cases with BW_ATP_AMT > 0 (mean of the two middle values when n is even).
OSHA: inspections with OPEN_DATE in FY2021-FY2025 joined to violations on ACTIVITY_NR; violations with DELETE_FLAG = X excluded. State = SITE_STATE; industry = NAICS_CODE prefix. Standards grouped to Part.section. Ranking by number of violation items (citation line items). California ranking uses all code systems (Cal/OSHA Title 8); other geographies rank federal 29 CFR numbering only. (data.dol.gov)
Plain-English standard titles are an editorial paraphrase of the official title shown next to them (eCFR for 29 CFR, dir.ca.gov for Title 8).

Suppression rule: Percentages are null (suppressed: true, with a note) when n < 30. Counts and dollar sums are always shown with n. Medians with n < 30 carry a "small sample" note.

Reporting lag: days from FINDINGS_END_DATE to LOAD_DT; LOAD_DT has batch reloads (e.g. 11,540 rows loaded 2022-10), so this is approximate. Cases whose findings ended in FY2016 to FY2021: median 229 days, 90% within 628 days (n = 95,743 cases). Source: data.dol.gov.

Filters

period: FY2021-FY2025 (federal fiscal years)
whd year field: FINDINGS_END_DATE
osha year field: OPEN_DATE
industries naics: all_industries all (legacy non-NAICS codes included); food_service 722; retail 44-45; construction 23; healthcare 621, 622, 623, 624120; home_health 621610, 624120; child_care 624410
whd state field: ST_CD
osha state field: SITE_STATE
osha deleted: DELETE_FLAG = 'X' excluded

File versions

File	Version
whd	WHD_enforcement.zip Last-Modified: Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:38:32 GMT md5: b35a7d4d92c8bf337dbd381e3b696ef2 367,890 rows in the file
osha_inspection	OSHA_inspection.zip Last-Modified: Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:04:51 GMT md5: 081f5b0418631284fdf2c1ef1b80d378 5,201,660 rows in the file
osha_violation	OSHA_violation.zip Last-Modified: Thu, 24 Sep 2026 11:11:35 GMT md5: b1162d9a81b81ad8fd3d8d588cc7d9bc 13,272,520 rows in the file

How the Desk handles sources and estimates: methodology.

Also in the data

Health care's most-cited OSHA standards are Bloodborne Pathogens (1910.1030, 2,548 items) and Respiratory Protection (1910.134, 2,264). In California, where Cal/OSHA is the State Plan, 1,118 restaurant inspections were opened, compared with 147 in Texas (federal OSHA). (Source: data.dol.gov)

1910.1030 items, health care: 2,548 (n = 16,648; field: OSHA_violation)
1910.134 items, health care: 2,264 (n = 16,648; field: OSHA_violation)
CA restaurant inspections: 1,118 (n = 1,118; field: OSHA_inspection)
TX restaurant inspections: 147 (n = 147; field: OSHA_inspection)

General information, not legal advice. For how the Desk checks its sources, see the methodology.

Sources (8)

Checked Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule · Report an error

What gets employers fined: wage and safety violations by industry

10 findings

Read this before using the numbers

By industry, United States

All industries

Most-cited federal safety standards

What to check in your business

Restaurants and food service

Most-cited federal safety standards

What to check in your business

Retail

Most-cited federal safety standards

What to check in your business

Construction

Most-cited federal safety standards

What to check in your business

Health care (incl. home care)

Most-cited federal safety standards

What to check in your business

Home health and home care (subset of health care)

Most-cited federal safety standards

What to check in your business

Child care

Most-cited federal safety standards

What to check in your business

By state

All industries in California

Restaurants and food service in California

Retail in California

Construction in California

Health care (incl. home care) in California

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in California

Child care in California

All industries in Texas

Restaurants and food service in Texas

Retail in Texas

Construction in Texas

Health care (incl. home care) in Texas

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Texas

Child care in Texas

All industries in Florida

Restaurants and food service in Florida

Retail in Florida

Construction in Florida

Health care (incl. home care) in Florida

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Florida

Child care in Florida

All industries in New York

Restaurants and food service in New York

Retail in New York

Construction in New York

Health care (incl. home care) in New York

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in New York

Child care in New York

All industries in Illinois

Restaurants and food service in Illinois

Retail in Illinois

Construction in Illinois

Health care (incl. home care) in Illinois

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Illinois

Child care in Illinois

All industries in Pennsylvania

Restaurants and food service in Pennsylvania

Retail in Pennsylvania

Construction in Pennsylvania

Health care (incl. home care) in Pennsylvania

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Pennsylvania

Child care in Pennsylvania

All industries in Ohio

Restaurants and food service in Ohio

Retail in Ohio

Construction in Ohio

Health care (incl. home care) in Ohio

Home health and home care (subset of health care) in Ohio

Child care in Ohio

Federal OSHA and State Plans

Download the data