Florida Contractor Practice Exam

An employer with 40 employees receives a citation for a high severity, greater probability violation. What is the proposed penalty for this violation?

1. $5,000

2. $8,730

3. $10,907

4. $11,224

The correct answer is: $8,730

The proposed penalty of $8,730 for a high severity, greater probability violation aligns with the guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for serious violations. OSHA categorizes violations based on severity and probability, and the penalties vary in accordance with these factors. In this case, a "high severity" violation indicates that there is a significant risk of serious injury or death resulting from the violation, while "greater probability" suggests that it is highly likely that such an incident could occur. For larger employers, such as one with 40 employees, the penalties can be more substantial due to the potential for greater workplace hazards and risks. The specific monetary amount reflects a well-established formula and current OSHA guidelines, which take into account the severity of the violation and the employer's size. In this instance, the penalty of $8,730 signifies a serious concern about the conditions leading to the citation, demonstrating OSHA's enforcement of safety regulations to protect employees in such workplaces. The other options present higher values and may represent penalties for either more severe violations or different contexts that do not apply to this scenario.