What must be true of a fine assessed to a company by OSHA for it to be eligible for reduction?

For a fine assessed to a company by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to be eligible for reduction, it is essential that the violation is classified as serious. A serious violation is one where there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from the condition, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard. This classification allows for considerations in the reduction process because it acknowledges the nature of the violation and the potential risk posed by non-compliance.

In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the criteria necessary for a fine’s reduction eligibility. For instance, the specific monetary amount of over $30,000 is not a requirement for reduction; fines of lesser amounts can also be evaluated for potential reductions. Similarly, the size of the company in terms of employee count does not inherently influence the fine's eligibility for reduction. Lastly, while the payment of previous fines might involve administrative considerations, it does not serve as a prerequisite for determining eligibility to reduce a current fine. Thus, recognizing the seriousness of the violation is the key factor in this context.