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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">United States of Americ</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span></p>
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									</span>SECRETARY OF LABOR</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span></p>
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							<p style="text-align:right; margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="text-align:center; margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">v.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">HOME RUBBER COMPANY, LP,</span></p>
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							<p style="text-align:right; margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent.</span></p>
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							<p style="text-align:center; margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC Docket No. 17-0138</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ON BRIEFS:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Marisa C. Schnaith</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Attorney; Heather R. Phillips, Counsel for Appellate Litigation;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Edmund C. Baird</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Associate Solicitor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Kate S.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">O’Scannlain</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Solicitor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">; U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">For the Complainant</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">R</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">andall C. Schauer</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Esq.;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Fox Rothschild, LLP</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Exton, PA</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">For the Respondent</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DECISION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Before: </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ATTWOOD</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Chairman; and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">LAIHOW</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Commissioner.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">BY THE COMMISSION:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber Company, LP is a small manufacturer of specialty industrial rubber products</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>located</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in Trenton, New Jersey. In May 2016, a Home Rubber employee was injured while operating a mill. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Occupational Safety and Health Administration</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conducted an inspection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of the company’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">facility<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>issued<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">three citations alleging violations of various housekeeping, noise, electrical, forklift, machine guarding, lockout-tagout (LOTO), bloodborne pathogen, hazard communication, and injury reporting requirements. Following a hearing, Administrative Law Judge Carol A. Baumerich affirmed all three citations as issued and assessed the proposed $180,592 penalty. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>At issue on review is the characterization of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Willful<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 2, Items 1(a)-(b), and the merits and characterization of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Serious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Items 5, 9, 13, 15(a)-(d), and 18. For the reasons<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">discussed below,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we recharacterize<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Willful<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 2, Items 1(a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)-(b)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as serious; affirm<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Serious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Items 5, 9, 15(a)-(d), and 18; and vacate<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Serious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 13.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">BACKGROUND</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber uses four primary mills to manufacture its products, which it refers to as: Mill One, Mill Three, the Chrome Mill, and the Kobe Warm-up Mill. On May 6, 2016, an employee was feeding raw material into the steel rollers of the Chrome Mill when his hand was pulled into the machine’s nip point. He was able to free his hand by reversing the rollers and was taken to a hospital where four of his fingers<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>surgically amputated. While he was at the hospital,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s maintenance employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cleaned up blood from the incident using rags and bleach. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>During<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inspection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on May 16</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2016,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the compliance officer noticed that she needed to shout when speaking to the company’s owner, Richard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, near the Chrome Mill. She therefore returned to the facility on June 2, 2016</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">monitor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the noise levels that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mill<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">operators were being exposed to during<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>workday. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Her</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>monitoring showed that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Chrome Mill</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and Mill Three<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">operator</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-hour time-weighted average</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>exposure level</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of 91.8 dBA and 89.5 dBA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>respectively</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DISCUSSION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">I.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Characterization of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Willful<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 2, Items 1(a)-(b)</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary alleges that Home Rubber willfully violated two provisions of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ccupational noise exposure standard, 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.95</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which require</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an employer to establish<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an audiometric testing program<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that includes baseline and annual audiograms<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for “all employees whose exposures [to noise] equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.”</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 1910.95(g)(1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(g)(5)(i)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(g)(6).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">2</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Rubber failed to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">obtain baseline and annual audiograms for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Chrome Mill<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and Mill Three<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">operators</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for over a decade starting at least as early as 2006</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Before the judge and on review,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber does not dispute that it</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>failed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to comply with the cited provisions. It<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">argues<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">only<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the violations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not willful and should instead be characterized as other-than-serious. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">A.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Willful</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A violation is willful if the employer’s state of mind at the time of the violation reflects either</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1) “an intentional, knowing, or voluntary disregard for the requirements of the [Occupational Safety and Health] Act” or employee safety; or (2) “plain indifference” to either the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“OSHA requirements” or “employee safety.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kaspar</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Wire Works, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 2178, 2181 (No. 90-2775, 2000) (citations omitted),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>268 F.3d 1123 (D.C. Cir. 20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">0</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>see also A.E. Staley Mfg. Co. v. Sec’y of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 295 F.3d 1341, 1351 (D.C. Cir. 2002) (stating that “conscious disregard” of the Act and “plain indifference” to the Act are two “alternative” forms of willfulness);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Active Oil Serv., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 1184, 1188 (No. 00-0553, 2005) (“conscious disregard of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the safety and health of employees”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">constitu</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">es<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">willfulness);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bianchi<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Trison</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp. v. Chao</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 409 F.3d 196, 208 (3d Cir. 2005) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">applying same test</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">3</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Secretary can establish intentional disregard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by showing that the employer “(1) had a heightened awareness of the applicable standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and (2) consciously disregarded the standard.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Jim Boyd Constr., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 26 BNA OSHC 1109, 1111 (No. 11-2559, 2016) (citations omitted). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In other words</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary can establish intentional disregard by showing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“the employer was actually aware, at the time of the violative act, that the act was unlawful</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">AJP Constr., Inc. v. Sec’y of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 357 F.3d 70, 74 (D.C. Cir. 2004) (citation omitted). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Alternatively, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary can<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">prove</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">plain indifference</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by showing that the employer “possessed a state of mind such that if it were informed of the standard, it would not care.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(emphasis and citation omitted). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In finding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s here<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">willful, the judge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">focused on the fact</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had been<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">informed of OSHA’s audiogram requirements<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in 1999<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">following a noise audit<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conducted<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by the state of New Jersey, which was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>voluntarily</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>requested by</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Norman<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the company’s safety director at the time.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">4</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">audit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>report inform</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>required<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by OSHA standards<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to obtain audiograms for the Mill Three operators due to the amount of noise the mill produced</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">5</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The report</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">included</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a copy of OSHA’s occupational noise exposure standard, 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.95.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">After receiving the report,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">adopted a written “Hearing Protection Policy” that required<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">obtain baseline and annual audiograms for the Mill Three operators</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. In the years that followed, Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conducted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>some audiometric testing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its operators</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">6</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In light of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">policy and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">subsequent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testing, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he judge found that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“ignored”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">audiogram requirements</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>when it stopped testing employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The judge<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">noted that company owner<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and plant manager Jim<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bole<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">facility’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">production area<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on a daily basis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>where they could hear the machine noise,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">providing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of them<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">what the judge described as a “daily reminder” of the need to obtain audiograms for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the mill operators</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he judge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">all</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">these facts support</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>finding that the company had a heightened awareness of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the cited<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requirements and consciously disregarded them. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On review, Home Rubber does not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">directly<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">challenge any of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the facts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">relied upon<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by the judge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">but argues that they do not support a willful characterization. It claims that safety director<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>awareness of the company’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">h</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">earing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rotection<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">olicy does not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mean<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company itself, or its president and owner,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, had knowledge of that policy, and notes that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>left the company in 2006.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> According to Home Rubber,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was unaware of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">olicy and not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“involved in any actions with respect to the [policy].” Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">further<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">contends that it “believed it was in compliance with its obligations with regard to hearing protection,” and that OSHA failed to “disabuse it of that belief” when it previously inspected Home Rubber in 2012.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">8</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> It also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">points out<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it provides<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hearing protection to its mill operators and argues that the “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[W]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">illful</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Citation should also be viewed against [its] efforts” to comply with OSHA’s requirements. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary argues that Home Rubber had a heightened awareness both that audiograms were required by OSHA and of the ongoing presence of a noise hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in its facility</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and that its failure to conduct<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the required<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testing in the ten years since<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>left the company therefore reflects both</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>conscious disregard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and plain indifference</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the audiogram requirements</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Like the judge, the Secretary emphasizes that Home Rubber was expressly informed of OSHA’s audiogram requirements<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1999 report produced<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as a result of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">voluntary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">audit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, adopted a policy mirroring those requirements, and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>obtain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed some</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>audiograms<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in the early 2000’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Finally, the Secretary asserts that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“intimate knowledge” of the audiogram requirements can be imputed to Home Rubber even though he left the company in 2006. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We agree</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a heightened awareness of OSHA’s audiogram requirements and of the presence of hazardous noise levels given that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">supervisor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>informed about both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1999</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>audit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>report</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See MVM Contracting Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1164, 1167 (No. 07-1350, 2010) (supervisor having been previously informed of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standard’s requirements established company’s heightened awareness of those requirements);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Branham Sign Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 2132, 2134 (No. 98-752, 2000) (“The state of mind of a supervisory employee, his or her knowledge and conduct, may be imputed to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employer for purposes of finding that the violation was willful.”).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We also find<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">heightened awareness of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standard’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requirements</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which can be imputed to Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testified that he was aware of the audit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and admitted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“as an owner, [</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">] probably<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">asked to review” the company’s hearing protection policy adopted in response.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The fact that a company<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">has</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>h</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">eightened awareness of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an OSHA requirement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, however,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">does not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by itself<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">establish<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that it acted with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a “willful state of mind”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at the time<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it violated that requirement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Envision Waste Serv., LLC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No. 12-1600,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2018 WL 1735661, at *11-12 (O.S.H.R.C., Apr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>4, 2018) (employer’s heightened awareness of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>OSHA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>training requirements did not establish a willful violation where it was unclear the safety manager responsible for providing the training was aware of his failure to do so);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Stark Excavating, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 24 BNA OSHC 221</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2224 (No. 09-0004, 2014) (consolidated) (supervisor’s heightened awareness of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trench protection requirements did not establish willful violation where there was insufficient evidence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>his failure to comply “was anything more than negligence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”),</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>811 F.3d 922 (7th Cir. 2016)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">W</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hile</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber was aware<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of OSHA’s audiogram<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requirements<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and that noise<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in its facility<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">posed a hazard, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he question remains</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">whether<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>intentionally disregard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">those<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requirements<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">acting with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>plain indifferen</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ce</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to employee safety when it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">stopped</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">obtain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>audiograms</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">under</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>its policy</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kaspar</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Wire Works, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC at 2181 (“The hallmark of a willful violation is the employer’s state of mind at the time of the violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We find that the record falls short in this regard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">points to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">little</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regarding the circumstances surrounding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">lapse of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testing program,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">such as evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conscious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">decision to stop<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was made</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>management</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">management had</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">become<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">different to employee<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">safety</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">9</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company’s testing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>simply</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“fell to the wayside” and “was essentially just forgotten about<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">when [the] last [safety] manager left.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary asks that we infer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a willful state of mind from the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>loud and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ongoing noise at the facility, as well as the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fact that the company</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">failed to test</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“over a decade</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">But neither point<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">such an inference. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Indeed, a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">lthough the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">re is no dispute that the facility was noisy, that fact alone<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would not necessarily have alerted<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">management</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the specific requirements<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>here—obtain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>audiograms</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>under the company’s policy</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Likewise</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the noisy conditions, without more,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">do not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">establish plain indifference.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">10</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Finally,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we find</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the length of time that passed since Home Rubber last complied with its program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fail</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">show<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">noncompliance</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was “more than negligence”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">absent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">some additional<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evidence reflecting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>company</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">possessed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a willful<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">state of mind<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">during that period</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref12" href="#ftn12">11</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Stark Excavating</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 24 BNA OSHC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2224;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cranesville</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Block Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1977, 1981 (No. 08-0316, 2012) (consolidated) (compliance program “lapses” resulting from “negligence or a lack of diligence on the part of corporate management” not willful). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In sum, the Secretary has not shown that Home Rubber acted with a willful state of mind when it stopped obtaining audiograms for its mill operators. We therefore reverse the judge’s characterization of these violations as willful. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">B</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Other-Than-Serious</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On review, Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">argues<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that the audiogram violations should be characterized as other-than-serious, though it offers no arguments in support of that position.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">666(a)-(c) (classifying violations<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">into three categories for penalty assessment purposes: willful or repeated, serious, and not serious).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because the record here clearly establishes that both violations should be characterized as serious, we reject the company’s unsupported claim. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A violation is “serious” if “there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result” from the violative condition. 29 U.S.C. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">666(k). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>mean</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the Secretary must show that death or serious physical harm is a probable consequence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">if</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an accident results from the violative condition—he is not required to show that an accident is itself likely. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Anaconda Aluminum Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 1460, 1474-77 (No. 13102, 1981);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Sec’y of Labor v.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Trinity Indus., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 504 F.3d 397, 401 (3d Cir. 2007). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Miniature Nut and Screw Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1557, 1558-59 (No. 93-2535, 1996), the Commission found that hearing loss<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">constitutes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>serious physical harm, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rejected the company’s argument</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>failure to perform audiometric testing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">should</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not be</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>characterized as serious</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, stating:</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">An employer’s failure to conduct audiometric testing may allow hearing loss to go undetected, thereby preventing the employee and his employer from becoming aware of the situation and taking appropriate remedial measures. We therefore find that the failure to make audiometric tests available to employees </span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">can</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> result in serious physical harm.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Here,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber does not dispute<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s testimony<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that the amount of noise produced by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mills could cause<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">operators<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to suffer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“hearing loss, which is something cumulative” that “happens over time,” and that this risk was increased because they operate the mills several times per week, and sometimes for an entire<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hour shift. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, the audiogram records that Home Rubber produced show that, in 2002, one employee suffered a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tandard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hreshold<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hift</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>meaning the employee’s hearing declined from their 2000 baseline audiogram, and the reviewing physician noted that they<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would need to wear hearing protection when exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1910.95(g)(7)(i)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, (g)(1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">0</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)(i)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requiring that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">baseline and annual audiograms be compared to determine whether a “standard threshold shift” has occurred, which is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a “change in hearing threshold” of “10 dB or more<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Since the unrebutted evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shows</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the noise levels at Home Rubber’s facility could cause employees to suffer permanent hearing loss</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">characterize</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">audiogram<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violations as seriou</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In assessing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalty, the Commission must consider “the size of the business of the employer being charged, the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer, and the history of previous violations.” 29 U.S.C. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">666(j). The most important of these factors is typically the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>violation’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>gravity, which involves consideration of “the number of exposed employees, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">duration of their exposure, whether precautions could have been taken against injury, and the likelihood of injury.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Integra Health Mgmt., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No. 13-1124,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2019 WL 1142920, at *73 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">O.S.H.R.C.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mar. 4,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2019). The maximum penalty for a serious violation at the time of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>subject</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>citation’s issuance was $12,471. </span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dep’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Act Catch-Up Adjustments, 81 Fed. Reg. 43,430, 43,439 (July 1, 2016);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dep’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflations Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2017, 82 Fed. Reg. 5,373, 5,374 (Jan. 18, 2017). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On review, n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">either party addresses the penalty amount for the grouped audiogram violations<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regardless of their characterization</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Before the judge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Secretary argued that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$72,845<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proposed penalty accounted for the risk of irreversible hearing loss</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>included a 40% reduction from the maximum<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for a willful violation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">due to Home Rubber’s small size. Home Rubber did not discuss the penalty below. In assessing the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proposed penalty, the judge stated that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violation’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">gravity was “greater” due to “the risk of hearing loss from operating mills for a full shift, several times a week”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>agreed that a 40% reduction from the maximum penalty was warranted<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>size.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The judge did not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">address</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>good faith<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>prior history</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">factors.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">agree with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the judge’s assessment<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">gravity<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of these violations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is high</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>given the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>unrebutted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testimony<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that employees were at risk of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">suffering permanent hearing loss</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We also agree with the judge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reduction is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">appropriate<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">due to Home Rubber’s small size, with only 36 employees at the time of the inspection. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">did<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">provide</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hearing protection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mill operators<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conducted audiometric testing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">few</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>years</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>pursuant to its hearing policy</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we find a reduction on the basis of good faith is not warranted given<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its failure to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>obtain any audiograms<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">over<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a decade</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>failure to point the Commission to any</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evidence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regarding its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>safety program overall</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Elliot Constr. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2110, 2119 (No. 07-1578, 2012) (company’s “significant failings” negated any penalty reduction for good faith);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Roberts Pipeline Constr., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 2029</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2030</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">91-2051,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1994) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commission not obligated to “develop arguments not articulated by the parties” regarding good faith or other penalty factors).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As for prior history, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that Home Rubber was previously cited for violations following an OSHA inspection in 2012. But the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>did not say how<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was resolved, so we do not consider it. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Monroe Drywall Constr., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 24 BNA OSHC 1209, 1211 (No. 12-0379, 2013) (where “record<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">contains no information” about prior violation history, that factor “warrants neither a reduction nor an increase in the penalties”). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>these<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reasons</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">find it appropriate to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">assess<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$10,000</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for the grouped<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">audiogram<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">II</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Merits of Serious Citation 1, Items 5, 9, 13, 15(a)-(d), and 18</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To prove the violation of a standard, the Secretary must establish that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1) the standard applies; (2) the terms of the standard were violated; (3) at least one employee had access to the violative condition; and (4) the employer knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the violative condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharm. Prods., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 2126, 2129 (No. 78-6247, 1981),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 681 F.2d 69 (1st Cir. 1982). We address each citation item in turn below. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">A</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Item 5: 29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">§ 1910.147(c)(6)(i)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(periodic inspection of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">energy control</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span>procedure)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">LOTO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">provision<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requires<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employers to conduct a “periodic inspection of [</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">their</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">] energy control procedure at least annually</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(c)(6)(i).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">failed to conduct the required inspections</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">energy control<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">procedure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for equipment in its mill department. The judge agreed, citing plant manager Bole’s testimony that he had only sometimes inspected the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">procedure without specifying how often he had done so. On review, Home Rubber concedes that it did not conduct the required<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">annual<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inspections but argues that there is no evidence its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">energy control<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">procedure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“deficient” or would have been improved “had there been annual reviews.” </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he company</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, however,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cites no legal authority to support<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the notion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that a violation for failing to perform annual inspections of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">energy control</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>procedure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cannot be affirmed unless</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Secretary prove</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">procedure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>deficient. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he plain language of the cited provision requires annual inspections, not merely inspections if the procedure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>deficient. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Gen. Motors Corp., CPCG Oklahoma</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>City</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Plant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1019, 1028 (No. 91-2834E, 2007) (consolidated) (stating that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">LOTO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standard “expressly requires an employer to conduct periodic inspections ‘to correct any deviations or inadequacies’ in the employer’s energy control procedure,” and affirming a violation based on the employer’s failure to do so without regard to whether the procedure w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>deficient) (quoting 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(B)).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ecause</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber admits that it did not comply with the terms of the cited provision</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">does not challenge any other<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">element of the Secretary’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">prima facie<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">case,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and has not otherwise identified any error in the judge’s decision,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirm<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">B</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Item 9: 29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(l)(4)(iii) (evaluation of powered industrial truck operator’s performance)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited provision requires that employers conduct</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“[a]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator’s performance</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at least once every three years.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.178(l)(4)(iii). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber failed to evaluate the performance of forklift drivers working in its mill department and warehouse at least every three years.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The judge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>agreed and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>affirmed the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On review,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>does not directly claim that it evaluated the performance of its forklift drivers at least every three years or challenge any other element of the Secretary’s prima facie case. It states only that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>its facility is “not that large” and “the reality is everybody is subject to observation.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">But as</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>points out,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>such casual<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or informal<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">observations are insufficient under the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">plain language of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited provision</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">clearly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>contemplate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n intentional and specifically directed evaluation of a forklift operator’s performance that is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n addition to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the ongoing, casual observations that occur in most workplaces.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.178(l)(6) (requiring the employer to “certify” that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>tri-annual</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>evaluation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">has</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>taken place,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with the certification including “the name of the operator . . . the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref13" href="#ftn13">12</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber does not claim that it performed the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">more<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">formal and specifically direct</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evaluations contemplated by the standard, or otherwise point to an</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">y</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>error in the judge’s decision, we affirm th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Item 13: 29 C.F.R. § 1910.219(i)(2) (covering bolts extending beyond flange of shaft coupling)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited provision states:</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Shaft couplings shall be so constructed as to present no hazard from bolts, nuts, setscrews, or revolving surfaces. Bolts, nuts, and setscrews will, however, be permitted where they are covered with safety sleeves or where they are used parallel with the shafting and are countersunk or else do not extend beyond the flange of the coupling.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.219(i)(2). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that a rotating shaft on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Kobe Warm-up Mill ha</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>unguarded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bolts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">extended beyond the flange of a coupling, and that this<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">expos</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees to the risk of their<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">clothing becom</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>caught on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the bolts and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the employee<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">being</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">pull</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>into the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mill’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rotating parts. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On review, Home Rubber does not dispute that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">se</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bolts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">lacked guarding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>but<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">argues that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Secretary failed to prove any employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had access or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were likely to have access<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>unguarded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bolts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref14" href="#ftn14">13</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In the absence of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“actual exposure,”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as is the case here</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary can establish<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">exposure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>element</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n alleged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by showing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it was reasonably predictable<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), that employees have been, or will be in the zone of danger.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nuprecon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, LP</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1817, 1818 (No. 08-1037, 2012) (citation omitted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“zone of danger”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in this case</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the physical<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">area<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">surrounding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>unguarded rotating</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bolts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">where</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an employee’s clothing or body parts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">could<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">become caught</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dover High Performance Plastics, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>No. 14-1268,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2020 WL 5880242, at *</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">O.S.H.R.C.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Sept. 25,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2020)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(zone of danger for unguarded rotating machine parts was the “area surrounding the rotating [parts] where contact may be possible</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">KS Energy Servs., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1261, 1264 (No. 06-1416, 2008) (internal citation omitted) (defining the “zone of danger” as the area “surrounding the violative condition that presents the danger to employees which the standard is intended to prevent”). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In finding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reasonably predictable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees would enter the zone of danger</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the judge stated that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">they<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“constantly bathed” the gears of the Kobe Warm-up Mill with oil and had placed a bucket<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">they used to do so<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on the floor “directly in front” of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shaft with the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">protruding bolts, indicating that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">y</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>worked “in close proximity” to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bolts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The judge also found<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that employees would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">come close to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bolts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">when wa</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">l</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">king past the mill<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">during</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">operation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, citing a video showing an employee walk past the machine<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">while it was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">running</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On review, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">defends</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the judge’s finding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, claiming<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">they are<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">supported</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testimony from the compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, as well as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">video and photographs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Home Rubber disputes<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the judge’s finding, arguing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the compliance officer “was unable to identify any reason why an employee would be in the area of the machine that she identified as problematic,” and could only “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">speculate[</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">] that an employee might be able to get within a foot of the area.” </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We agree</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary has not established<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that employees have been or are reasonably likely to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>enter the zone of danger</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>posed by the rotating bolts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is true</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">photographs show a bucket on the floor<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">near</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shaft with the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bolts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>said employees use<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the bucket<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to add oil to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mill</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">but<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">there is no evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the machine<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>running<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(and the shaft rotating)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">when employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">do so</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref15" href="#ftn15">14</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated Metal Products</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1072</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">74</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>n.7 (No. 93-1853, 1997) (access to machine’s unguarded moving parts not established absent evidence that employee proximity posed risk).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Indeed,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testi</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fied</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that his “best guess” was that the machine would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">normally be off when employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">add</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>oil, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">only turned on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“for a little bit”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">afterward to check the oil level. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is also unclear</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">where the oil fill opening is located on the large<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">machine<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">how close employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bolts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>when adding oil. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Nor is there any evidence that employees wear loose</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hanging clothing that could fall into or get caught by the rotating bolts while doing this task, or evidence of incidents involving machines at other worksites with similarly situated rotating shafts.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Finally, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">record does not support the judge’s finding that employees are “constantly” adding oil to the machine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he only evidence regarding frequency is from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>who<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testified that he did not think<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">oil</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was added<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on a daily basis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees walking by the machine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">they would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regularly come within a foot of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rotating<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bolts, but she did not say how she arrived at that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">measurement, and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>we find</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>it implausible for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reasons. First,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that the “closest bolt” on the shaft is about 15 inches inward away from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the bottom of the machine, which rests on a steel beam</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. This is consistent with the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s estimate that the bucket in front of the shaft was “probably about a foot” away from the “rotating parts” of the machine. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Thus, f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or employees to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">even<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">come within a foot to 15 inches of the rotating bolts, they would need to essentially<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">brush<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">up against the frame of the machine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as they walked past</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Second, the photographs and video show a large oil barrel in front of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">machine<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">near</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shaft</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. To<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">come<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">within a foot to 15 inches of the bolts while walking past, an employee would not only need to brush up against the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">machine, but</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>would then have to immediately step away from the machine to avoid the barrel (if coming from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">side opposite the barrel</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">), or would need to immediately step towards the machine after passing the barrel (if coming from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">other side</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Jefferson Smurfit Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1419, 1422 (No. 89-553, 1991) (exposure to unguarded nip points not established where, “in order for employees to be exposed to a hazard while merely walking past </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . ,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>they would have to deliberately turn from the aisle into the alcove, walk alongside the length of the folder belt, and then turn again at the opposite end of the alcove to reenter the aisle”). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is illogical<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to suppose<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an employee would walk past the machine in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">such a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">manner</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, particularly where<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">one of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">video</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">depicts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>walking<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">past the machine and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>stay</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">far enough away to avoid the barrel. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In sum,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we find that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary has not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shown</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>it was reasonably predictable employees would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">enter the zone of danger</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">therefore</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vacate th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Items 15(a)-(d): 29 C.F.R. §§ 1910.303(b)(2), (b)(7)(iv) (general electrical), 1910.305(b)(1)(ii), (b)(2)(i) (wiring methods, etc.)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary alleges that Home Rubber violated four provisions within Subpart S (“Electrical”) of Part 1910. Specifically, the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">claims<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that: (a) a receptacle designed to be mounted to a surface was used as a portable extension cord to power fans, in violation of 29 C.F.R § 1910.303(b)(2), which requires “[l]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">isted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or labeled equipment” to be “installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling”; (b) a junction box had a broken conduit exposing the wires within it, in violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.303(b)(7)(iv), which states that there “shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that are broken, bent, cut</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”; (c) a receptacle had an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">opening at its top, in violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.305(b)(1)(ii), which states that “[u]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nused</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed”; and (d) a receptacle did not have a cover, in violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.305(b)(2)(i), which states that “[a]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ll</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers identified for the purpose.” </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On review, Home Rubber does not challenge any element of the Secretary’s prima facie case for these violations but argues that Items 15(b)-(d) should be vacated because they are duplicative of Item 15(a) in that they involve the same “factual scenario”: a 2x4 inch receptacle. The Secretary responds that the violations are not impermissibly duplicative because they cannot be abated by the same action. According to the Secretary, the four violations involved 3 different electrical devices—two separate receptacles and a junction box.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We agree</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Under Commission precedent, violations are<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">duplicative if “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the abatement of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">one of the violative conditions</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would not have abated the other violative condition</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">N. E</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">. Precast, LLC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">26 BNA OSHC 2275,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>n.11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 13-1169, 2018) (consolidated)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(internal citation omitted)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">773 Fed.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">App’x</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 70</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(2d Cir. 2019) (summary order)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref16" href="#ftn16">15</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Each violation here requires a distinct abatement method</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, such that the abatement of any</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">one</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>would not abate any of the others. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 15(a) requires a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">receptacle<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>be mounted to a wall;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 15(b) requires a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">broken conduit in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>junction box<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to be</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>repaired;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 15(c) requires an</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>opening in the receptacle<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at issue in Item 15(a)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>be closed; and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 15(d) requires<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a cover<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>be added to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nother<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">receptacle. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See, e.g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Gen. Motors Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC at 1024 (requirement to establish an energy control program not duplicative of requirement to implement specific components of that program because “establishing a fully compliant energy control<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">program<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would not abate a failure to implement the components of that program, nor would implementation of required energy control procedures abate a failure to establish a program”). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We therefore<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reject Home Rubber’s claim and affirm all four<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation items</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">E</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Item 18: 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(f)(2)(i) (Hepatitis B vaccination)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited provision requires that a Hepatitis B vaccination be “made available . . . within 10 working days of initial assignment to all employees who have occupational exposure </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[to blood or other potential infectious materials] </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">f)(2)(i)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary alleges that Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">failed to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">offer the Hepatitis B vaccin</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">maintenance employees within 10 days after they were assigned to clean up blood from the worker whose hand was injured. The judge found that at least one of the employees was not timely offered the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vaccination<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and affirmed the violation.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref17" href="#ftn17">16</a></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On review, Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">does not dispute that the cited provision applies here but<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">contends that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">offered</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>vaccin</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">both</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees involved in cleaning up the blood. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The company</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>does not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">state</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, however,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">when</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">offered<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">se</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees, and does not challenge the judge’s finding that it failed to timely offer it to at least one of them. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ecause<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">does not dispute</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that it failed to timely offer the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Hepatitis B<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vaccin</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to at least one employee as required by the standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">otherwise identif</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">y</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>any error in the judge’s decision</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, we affirm the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">III</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Characterization<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">& Penalty –<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Serious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Items 5, 9, 15(a)-(d), and 18</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As discussed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>above</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, a violation is “serious” if death or serious physical harm is a probable consequence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">if</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an accident results from the violative condition</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Secretary is not required to show that an accident itself<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">likely. 29<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">U.S.C.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§ 666(k);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Anaconda Aluminum Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC at 1474-77.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On review, Home Rubber repeatedly misapplies this straightforward test and makes a variety of arguments as to why these violations should not be characterized as serious. We reject<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">all of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">these arguments</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">given</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>unrebutted evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in the record<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>death or serious physical harm is probable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">if an accident were to occur as a result of each</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirmed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref18" href="#ftn18">17</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We therefore</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">characterize</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">these violations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as serious.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On review, Home Rubber does not challenge the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$21,202 total penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">assessed by the judge for these<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">items</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Therefore, we assess the same penalty</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>amounts for each item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref19" href="#ftn19">18</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "> See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>e.g., KS Energy</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1261, 1268 n.11 (No. 06-1416, 2008) (assessing proposed penalty where not challenged). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="page-break-before:page; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">IV.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>CONCLUSION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For all these reasons, w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">characterize<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Willful<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 2, Items 1(a)-(b)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>serious and assess a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of $1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">0</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,000</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for the grouped violations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. We also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>affirm<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Serious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Items 5, 9, 15(a)-(d), and 18,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and assess a total penalty of $21,202 for th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">se</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Finally, we vacate Serious Citation 1, Item 13.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ORDERED.</span></p>
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						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2021<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1120 20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Street, N.W., Ninth Floor</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary of Labor,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">                        v.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> OSHRC Docket No. 17-0138</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber Company, LP,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">           Respondent.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">APPEARANCES:         </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">                        </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Terrance Duncan, Esquire</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">U.S. Department of Labor</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">New York, New York<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the Secretary</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Randall Schauer, Esquire</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Fox Rothschild, LLP<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exton, Pennsylvania</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the Respondent</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">BEFORE:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Carol A. Baumerich</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">              </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Administrative Law Judge</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On October 27, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a Citation and Notification of Penalty to Home Rubber Company, LP (Home Rubber or Respondent). Home Rubber filed a timely notice of contest bringing this matter before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (the Commission), pursuant to section 10(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. § 659(c) (the Act). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA opened an investigation at Home Rubber’s facility in response to a May 6,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2016</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>accident that seriously injured an employee. As a result, OSHA cited Home Rubber for thirty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violations with a total proposed penalty of $180,592. Of the cited violations, two were classified as willful, twenty-three as serious, and five as other-than-serious.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber was cited for violations of the noise exposure, housekeeping, chemical storage, fire extinguisher, lockout-tagout, machine guarding, powered industrial truck, electrical, bloodborne pathogen, accident reporting, training,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">recordkeeping</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and hazard communications standards. In particular, the Secretary alleges that Home Rubber exposed its mill operators to amputation and other injuries, because the ingoing nip points on its rubber mills were not guarded, and willfully ignored requirements to protect its mill operators from hearing loss. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>A two-day hearing was held in Trenton, New Jersey on April 9-10, 2018. Five witnesses provided testimony: OSHA Compliance Officer (CO) Marie Lord, Steven Anderson (analytical chemist for OSHA), Richard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(owner and president of Home Rubber), James Bole (plant manager for Home Rubber), and William Howard (Secretary’s expert). Both parties filed post-hearing briefs, including<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reply</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>briefs.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent asserted three primary arguments. First, Respondent argues that guarding the ingoing nip points on its mills was infeasible and the Secretary did not prove guarding was feasible. (R. Br. 23-28). As discussed below, the burden for the affirmative defense of infeasibility rests with Respondent.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secondly, Respondent argues the lack of attention to safety training and oversight was due to turnover and vacancies in the safety and compliance manager’s position since 2006. (R. Br. 1). As discussed below, the argument is rejected. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Finally, Respondent asserts the willful and serious citations should be reclassified to other-than-serious if they are affirmed. The classification for each citation item is discussed below. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Key Issues</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The key issues to resolve are:<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:66px; text-indent:-.476cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Did Home Rubber willfully violate the requirements to provide audiometric testing for its employees operating Mill Three?</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:66px; text-indent:-.476cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2. Was it infeasible to guard the ingoing nip points on the Chrome Mill, Kobe Mill, Mill Three, and Mill One?</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:66px; text-indent:-.476cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3. Are the willful and serious violations properly classified?</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:66px; text-indent:-.476cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">4. Did the Secretary prove his prima facie case for all thirty alleged violations?</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the reasons discussed below, the citation items are affirmed and a total penalty of $180,592 is assessed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">JURISDICTION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based upon the record, I find that at all relevant times Respondent was engaged in a business affecting commerce and was an employer within the meaning of sections 3(3) and 3(5) of the Act</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> I also find that the Commission has jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter in this case. (Tr. 9-11).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">FACTS</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The accident</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber is a small specialty rubber manufacturer with 36 employees that has been in business since 1881. (Tr. 342, 344). Home Rubber manufactures specialty rubber products, including hoses, belts, tubes, gaskets, lathe-cut, and sheet rubber to its customers’ specifications. (Tr. 341-42). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Just before noon on Friday, May 6, 2016, employee J.L.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref20" href="#ftn20">19</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was processing rubber on the Chrome Mill when his left hand was pulled into the ingoing nip point at the mill’s rollers.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref21" href="#ftn21">20</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 426-27; Ex. P-5). J.L. immediately pulled the machine’s brake cord to reverse the roller and free his hand. (Tr. 28; Ex. P-5). The maintenance manager, R.B., took Employee J.L.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to the factory’s lab area, where R.B. applied pressure to the wound. (Tr. 427). Emergency services were notified, and the employee was taken to the hospital by ambulance. (Tr. 427).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>After J.L. was taken to the hospital, the maintenance manager, R.B., and maintenance employee, V.D., cleaned up the blood from the accident.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 334-35, 427-28). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Richard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, company owner,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was nearby and made sure the area was cleaned with bleach. (Tr. 428). The maintenance manager made sure the cleaning debris was sealed in a trash bag. (Tr. 428). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>went to the hospital later that afternoon and stayed until J.L. was taken to surgery. (Tr. 428-29). On Sunday, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>learned that four of J.L.’s fingers were so damaged they had been surgically amputated. (Tr. 429; Ex. P-17, p. 3). OSHA was notified of the hospitalization on Monday, May 9, 2016. (Tr. 102).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber’s product</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s specialty products were manufactured on four of Home Rubber’s mills: Mill One, Mill Three, the Chrome Mill, and the Kobe Warm-up Mill. (Ex. P-17, p. 3). Five employees operated these mills. (Tr. 344-45). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Most of Home Rubber’s mills were in the main mill room, which was about 150 feet long by 88 feet across. (Tr. 371). The frequency of a mill’s use was related to the customer order being processed. (Tr. 343-44). For example, Mill Three was used to produce most of the rubber compounds using carbon black. (Tr. 370, 376). Mill One was used to produce compounds without carbon black. (Tr. 371). A mill could be used continuously for weeks and then not used for a few weeks. (Tr. 344). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Each mill had two large rollers that rotated toward each other to create an ingoing nip point. (Tr. 410, 412). The roller on a mill was about 20 inches in diameter. (Tr. 410, 423). The two rollers moved at slightly different speeds to create friction. (Tr. 410). The friction created heat which broke down the ingredients to create a rubber compound. (Tr. 411). A typical batch of rubber compound used about 145 pounds of natural rubber and took about 20-25 minutes to mix. (Tr. 415).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Company ownership and management</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In 1996, Richard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>purchased Home Rubber along with two partners, Steve<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Kelly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Norman<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 345). Mr. Kelly was responsible for sales, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was responsible for production, and Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was responsible for safety, compliance, and human resources. (Tr. 346). In 2006, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>purchased Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>share of the company and became the sole owner. (Tr. 346). Mr. Kelly had left the business sometime before 2006. (Tr. 346). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>left the company in 2006, Donald<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Slowicki</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>took over safety and compliance duties. (Tr. 346). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Slowicki</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had been a Home Rubber employee since 1997. (Tr. 347). Upon Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Slowicki’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>death in 2012, his assistant, Michael Strasser, took over the safety and compliance duties. (Tr. 347). Mr. Strasser was the safety and compliance manager for about 14 months. (Tr. 347). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber did not have a safety and compliance manager for some time after Mr. Strasser left. (Tr. 346). Tim Fisher was eventually hired as the safety and compliance manager and worked for Home Rubber for about two years; he was responsible for compliance with OSHA<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standards at the time of the May 2016 inspection. (Tr. 347, 353). Mr. Fisher reported directly to Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 348). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Jim Bole was Home Rubber’s plant manager. (Tr. 347-48). The maintenance manager for Home Rubber was R.B. (Tr. 28). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The 2016 OSHA inspection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In response to the May 6 accident, CO Marie Lord opened an investigation of Home Rubber. She visited Home Rubber’s facility on May 16, 2016</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref22" href="#ftn22">21</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and on June 2, 2016. (Tr. 23, 43). The CO observed and photographed conditions throughout the facility. The CO observed electrical cords, a chemical storage area, forklifts, and various machines. She recorded video of employees working at the mills. (Tr. 196-207). The CO interviewed employees and management. (Ex. P-4). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>provided records of safety policies, training records and other documents that were stored in Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>old office. (Tr. 351, 353, 426).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">While near the Chrome Mill, CO Lord found that she had to shout when speaking to Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, who was an arm’s length away. (Tr. 37). In her experience, this generally indicated a noise level over 85 decibels (dBA). (Tr. 37). She noticed the operator of the Chrome Mill wearing music-type headphones and was not using earplugs. (Tr. 38). She noted that Home Rubber did not require its employees to use hearing protection in the Chrome Mill room; Mill Three was the only area that required the use of hearing protection. (Tr. 38)</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On her June 2 visit, CO Lord conducted audiometric testing for the operators of the Chrome Mill and Mill Three. (Tr. 96; Ex. 29, p. 1). The employee operating the Chrome Mill wore a dosimeter for 406 minutes that day. (Tr. 95-96; Ex. P-29, pp. 1, 6). The employee operating Mill Three wore a dosimeter for 480 minutes. (Tr. 95-96; Ex. P-29, pp. 1, 8). The results showed that Mill Three operator had an exposure level at 91.8 dBA and that the Chrome Mill operator had an exposure level at 89.5 dBA. (Tr. 98-99; Ex. P-29, p. 3). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The CO observed significant dust accumulation on both her May 16 and June 2 visit to Home Rubber’s factory. (Tr. 30, 33, 36;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. P-6, P-7). She could see dust buildup on the walls, floors, machines, plastic curtains, and machine canopies. (Tr. 33-34, 36). The chemical safety data sheets provided by Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>showed some of the chemicals used in the rubber compounds were either explosive or combustible in nature. (Tr. 35). The CO collected a dust sample and sent to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it to OSHA’s Salt Lake Technical Center (SLTC) to test for combustibility and explosibility. (Tr. 27, 221-22). The results of the SLTC’s testing showed the dust had explosive properties. (Tr. 28-29, 243; Ex. P-39). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber’s 1999 noise audit<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In 1999, safety and compliance manager<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>asked the state of New Jersey to conduct a voluntary noise audit. Three areas were tested for excessive noise levels. The results showed a noise level at Mill Three that required an operator to use hearing protection.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref23" href="#ftn23">22</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 40-41, 349; Ex. P-30, p. 12). The state’s testing report explicitly stated that OSHA’s requirements at 29 CFR § 1910.95 (occupational noise exposure) must be followed and the report stated that annual and baseline audiograms were required for Mill Three operators and must be documented. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Further, the report stated that a copy of OSHA’s noise standards was provided to Home Rubber during the audit. (Ex. P-30, p. 13). For a few years after the 1999 audit, Home Rubber provided audiograms and hearing protection for any employee that worked at Mill Three. (Tr. 349). The Chrome Mill was added to the production floor in 2007 so it was not evaluated during the audit. (Tr. 342-43, 354-55). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">ANALYSIS</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish a violation of an OSHA standard, the Secretary must prove that: (1) the cited standard applies; (2) the terms of the standard were violated; (3) one or more employees had access to the cited condition; and (4) the employer knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the violative condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharm. Prods., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 2126, 2129 (No. 78-6247, 1981),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 681 F.2d 69 (1st Cir. 1982).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">THE CITATIONS</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Applicability — All citation items</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber used chemicals, forklifts, mill machines, and electrical equipment in its rubber production. Home Rubber was cited for safety violations related to housekeeping, noise, injury reporting, electrical, forklifts, compressed air settings, bloodborne pathogens (exposure control), and hazard communications. I find the standards cited are applicable to Home Rubber and this element of the Secretary’s case is proved. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Knowledge — All citation items</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish his prima facie case, the Secretary must prove the employer either knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the violative condition.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Revoli</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Constr. Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 19 BNA OSHC 1682, 1684 (No. 00-0315, 2001). The employer's knowledge is directed to the physical condition that constitutes a violation.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix Roofing, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>17 BNA OSHC 1076, 1079-1080 (No. 90-2148, 1995) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). It is not necessary to show that the employer knew or understood the condition was hazardous.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes the “‘obligation to inspect the work area, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence”’ of hazards.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pub Utils.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Maint</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">., Inc. v. Sec'y</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 417 F. Appx 58, 63 (2d Cir. 2011) (unpublished) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">PUMI</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">North Landing Line Constr. Co.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC 1465, 1472 (No. 96-721, 2001) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Knowledge is imputed to the employer “through its supervisory employee.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">American Eng'g & Dev. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2093, 2095 (No. 10-0359, 2012) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">AEDC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (citations omitted). The formal title of an employee is not controlling.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Commission has imputed the knowledge of crew leaders and foremen.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kerns Bros. Tree Serv</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 18 BNA OSHC 2064, 2069 (No. 96-1719, 2000) (citations omitted);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see generally</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Penn. Power & Light Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 737 F.2d 350, 357-58 (3d Cir. 1984) (crew leader is a supervisory employee). An employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel. See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hamilton Fixture</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1073, 1091 (No. 88-1720, 1993) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Knowledge particular to each citation item is discussed below. For most of the citation items, the violative condition was in plain view. According to Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, managers were in the production area “all the time every day.” (Tr. 345). Plant manager, Mr. Bole, stated that he routinely travelled through the various departments. (Tr. 330). Mr. Bole and the maintenance manager told the CO they routinely inspected the facility for safety hazards. (Tr. 35-36). Generally, knowledge is proved because management employees were routinely in the production area for conditions that were in plain view or because Home Rubber had a written policy that mirrored OSHA’s requirement. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation Classification – All citation items<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citations at issue were classified as willful, serious, or other-than-serious. Respondent asserts that many of the willful and serious citation items should be classified as other-than-serious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">because there was a low risk of harm and Home Rubber had promptly abated the violations. (R. Br. 3, 7, 17-22, 29-35, 37).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A willful violation is “one committed ‘with intentional,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knowing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or voluntary disregard for the requirements of the Act or with plain indifference to employee safety.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Burkes Mech., Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">21 BNA OSHC 2136, 2140 (No. 04-0475, 2007) (quoted cases omitted) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Burkes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Act states that “a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">serious violation shall be deemed to exist in a place of employment if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition which exists, or from one or more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes which have been adopted or are in use, in such place of employment unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation.” Sec. 17(k) of the Act;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. § 666(k)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A serious classification is established upon determining that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“a </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">serious</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> injury is the </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">likely<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">result should an accident </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">occur</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pete Miller, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1257, 1258 (No. 99-0947, 2000). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Act does not define other-than-serious; however, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Commission has stated that an other-than-serious violation “is one in which there is a direct and immediate relationship between the violative condition and occupational safety and health but not of such relationship that a resultant injury or illness is death or serious physical harm.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Crescent Wharf & Warehouse Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 1 BNA OSHC 1219, 1222 (No. 1, 1973) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Crescent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref24" href="#ftn24">23</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> As discussed below, I find the citations were properly classified as issued and have not downgraded the items cited as serious and willful. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">THE NOISE EXPOSURE VIOLATIONS</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The analysis of the four citation items related to violations of the hearing protection standard (willful citation items 2.1a and 2.1b and serious citations items 1.2 and 1.3) follows. </span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Willful Citations - Citation 2, Item 1a & Citation 2, Item 1b</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 2, Item 1a alleged a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(g)(5)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(g)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Audiometric testing program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . ..<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(5)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Baseline audiogram</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) Within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level, the employer shall establish a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 2, Item 1b alleged a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(g)(6).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(g)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Audiometric testing program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . ..<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(6)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Annual audiogram</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. At least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram, the employer shall obtain a new audiogram for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that mill operators exposed to noise above the action level</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref25" href="#ftn25">24</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had not received baseline audiograms within 6 months of the employee’s first exposure. The Secretary further alleges that mill operators exposed to noise above the action level had not received annual audiograms. (S. Br. 4-5). Respondent contends that, at most, it was unintentionally negligent in not providing the required audiometric testing for its employees. (R. Br. 13). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established violations of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(g)(5)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) and 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(g)(6).<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied and employees were exposed.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The June 2 audiometric monitoring showed employees who worked at the Chrome Mill and Mill Three were exposed to noise above the action level of 85 dBA. (Tr. 96; Ex. P-29, p. 3). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber was required to provide baseline and annual audiograms for employees working on the Chrome Mill and Mill Three. The cited standards apply.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The five employees that operated the two mills at Home Rubber were required to have baseline and annual audiograms. Employees were exposed to the cited hazard. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent offered evidence of a few audiograms provided to mill operators in 2000 and 2002. (Tr. 100-01, 353; Ex. P-30, pp. 6-10). The safety and compliance manager initially responsible for obtaining the employees’ audiograms, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, had left Home Rubber in 2006. (Tr. 96, 101). The CO determined that only one of the five mill operators, the injured employee, had received a baseline audiogram. (Tr. 96-97, 100-01; Ex. P-30, pp. 3, 6-10). Neither of the two employees monitored on June 2 had received a baseline or annual audiogram. (Tr. 97, 101). One<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had worked for Home Rubber for about one year and the other had worked for Home Rubber for eleven years. (Ex. P-29, p. 3). Respondent does not dispute baseline and annual audiograms had not been provided to the operators of Mill Three and the Chrome Mill. (R. Br. 13). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I find Respondent did not provide baseline or annual audiograms and thus violated the cited standards.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary must prove “the employer knew or, with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known of the hazardous condition.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">PSP<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Monotech</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ind.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">22 BNA OSHC 1303, 1305 (No. 06-1201,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2008) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">PSP</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (citations omitted). Knowledge is directed to the physical conditions that constitute the violation and does not require the employer to know or understand the condition was hazardous. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber’s documents demonstrate knowledge that audiometric testing was necessary. Knowledge is also demonstrated through Home Rubber’s records of audiometric testing it conducted in 2000-2002. (Tr. 97, 100-01; Ex. P-30, p. 11). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The 1999 noise audit results showed that employees operating Mill Three were exposed to noise levels above the action level. (Ex. P-30, p. 12). OSHA’s requirements for audiograms were provided to Respondent during the 1999 audit. (Ex. P-30, p.12). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">safety</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and compliance manager, received the audit report. The report remained available to company president, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, after Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>departure. (Tr. 353-54). Home Rubber’s written Hearing Protection Policy was developed after the 1999 audit. (Tr. 346, 349-50, 353; Ex. P-30, pp. 6-10). The Policy stated that employees working on Mill Three would be provided baseline and annual audiometric tests. (Tr. 96, 350-52; Ex. P-30, p. 11). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>actual knowledge of the requirement for audiograms is imputed to Respondent. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Caterpillar</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>17</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>BNA OSHC 1731,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1732</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 93-373, 1996),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>122 F.3d 437 (7th Cir. 1997)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(corporate knowledge is imputed from current and past agents). Further, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>oversaw production and had been the owner of Home Rubber since 1996. (Tr. 340, 346). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew that after the 1999 noise audit Mill Three operators were required to use ear protection. (Tr. 352-53). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>admitted that it was likely he had reviewed the Hearing Protection Policy document when it was issued. (Tr. 351-52). Mr. Bole, plant manager, knew that a noise protection plan had been developed in the past. (Tr. 330). Both Mr. Bole and Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>told the CO that the testing had stopped when a previous manager left the company many years<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">before. (Tr. 96</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent had actual knowledge audiometric testing was required for the operators of Mill Three.</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, Respondent had constructive knowledge that audiograms were needed for the operators of the Chrome Mill. The hazardous condition was readily apparent because the Chrome Mill was so loud that it was necessary to shout when having a conversation near the machine. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091. (An employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel). Yet, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>took no action to determine if audiograms were needed to protect the Chrome Mill’s operators from hearing loss. (Tr. 355). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">PUMI</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 417 F.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">App’x</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 63 (citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC at 1472) (constructive knowledge where employer did not make reasonably diligent actions to inspect, anticipate, or prevent hazardous condition). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find Respondent had knowledge that audiometric testing was required for operators of Mill Three and the Chrome Mill.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Willful Classification</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent asserts a willful classification is not merited because it was merely unintentionally negligent.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref26" href="#ftn26">25</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (R. Br. 13).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A willful violation is “one committed ‘with intentional,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knowing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or voluntary disregard for the requirements of the Act or with plain indifference to employee safety.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Burkes,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">21 BNA OSHC at 2140;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bianchi<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Trison</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp. v. Sec’y,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">409 F.3d 196, 208 (3d Cir. 2005) (“Although the [OSH] Act does not define the term<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">willful,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>courts have unanimously held that a willful violation of the [OSH] Act constitutes an act done voluntarily with either an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the [OSH] Act's requirements.”).  </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“The Secretary must show that the employer was actually aware, at the time of the violative act, that the act was unlawful, or that it possessed a state of mind such that if it were informed of the standard, it would not care.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Burkes,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">21 BNA OSHC at 2140 (citations omitted). “A willful violation is differentiated by heightened awareness of the illegality of the conduct or conditions<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and by a state of mind of conscious disregard or plain indifference.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">E.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Smalis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Painting Co., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1553, 1569 (No. 94-1979, 2009)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Five employees operated the mills at Respondent’s facility. (Tr. 344-45). Respondent’s written Hearing Protection Policy required it to conduct baseline and annual audiograms for operators working at Mill Three. (Ex. P-30, p. 11). The Policy also required the operators of Mill Three to use hearing protection. (Tr. 96, 350-52; Ex. P-30, p. 11). Records show no audiograms had been conducted since 2002.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref27" href="#ftn27">26</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Ex. P-30, pp. 6-10). The CO was prompted to conduct a noise study because she had to shout to have a conversation in the production area. (Tr. 37). Both Mr. Bole and Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew Home Rubber had noise protection requirements. (Tr. 330, 335-54). Mr. Bole and Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>were in the rubber production area daily and could hear the noise at Mill Three. (Tr. 330, 334, 393). Despite this daily reminder, neither took action to ensure employees were receiving baseline and annual audiograms. Further, when the Chrome Mill was added to the facility in 2007 there was no attempt to determine if the noise levels were above the action level. (Tr. 355). Home Rubber knew of the requirements of the standard and chose to disregard the requirements.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had a heightened awareness of the need for audiograms. Home Rubber’s Hearing Protection Policy was developed after the state of New Jersey conducted a noise audit of the facility and determined that Mill Three operators were exposed to noise levels that required baseline and annual audiograms to comply with OSHA standards. As the owner of Home Rubber, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was aware Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, who had initially implemented the hearing program, had left the company in 2006 and thus his safety and compliance duties would need to be assigned to someone else. Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>also knew there had been significant turn-over in the safety and compliance position since then. </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent’s assertion, that the violation was not willful because it was simply negligent and had no bad intent, is rejected. The Secretary is not required to prove a bad motive to support a willful classification. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kaspar</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Wire Works, Inc. v. Sec’y</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 268 F.3d 1123, 1129 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (an employer’s action may be willful without showing evil intent or bad motive);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">generally, Hartford Roofing Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 17 BNA OSHC 1361, 1363-64 (No. 92-3855, 1995) (violation was not willful where employer had implemented significant safety measures).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find Respondent willfully violated the cited standard. Respondent learned from a 1999 audit that it needed a hearing protection program. Respondent developed a Hearing Protection Policy, with requirements for the operators of Mill Three that mirrored OSHA standards. Home Rubber ignored the requirements for baseline and annual audiograms set forth in its Hearing Protection Policy. Documents show no audiograms were conducted after 2002. As owner of the company Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew the person responsible for implementing the policy left the company in 2006, yet he made no effort to ensure the policy was followed thereafter. There is no evidence of an attempt to provide the required baseline and annual audiograms for employees that operated Mill Three. Respondent did not implement its hearing policy. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, Respondent made no effort to determine if the Chrome Mill’s operators were exposed to excessive noise. To have a conversation near the Chrome Mill, the CO had to shout. (Tr. 37). Despite the noise level, and the existing hearing policy, Respondent took no action to provide audiograms to the operators of the Chrome Mill. (Tr. 342-43). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Despite the apparent noise level of the Chrome Mill, the documented noise exposure at Mill Three, and the requirements of its own hearing policy, Home Rubber did not provide audiograms for its mill operators. Respondent did not simply forget some of the required audiograms; it provided no audiograms to employees for at least ten years. Home Rubber knew of the requirements for audiograms and made no effort to comply. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find the willful classification is supported for Citation 2, Items 1a and 1b.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Penalty</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:-5.933px; text-indent:1.266cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The maximum penalty for a willful violation is $124,709.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref28" href="#ftn28">27</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 28 USC § 666(a), 29 C.F.R. § 1903.15(d)(1) (2016). Section 17(j) of the Act requires the Commission to give due consideration to four criteria in assessing penalties: the size of the employer’s business, the gravity of the violation, the employer’s good faith, and the employer’s prior history of violations. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Compass<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Envt’l</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC 1132, 1137 (No. 06-1036, 2010),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>663 F.3d 1164 (10th Cir. 2011). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity of the violation is generally accorded greater weight. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">J. A. Jones Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 2201, 2214 (No. 87-2059, 1993). </span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary proposed a combined penalty of $74,825 for Citation 2, Items 1a and 1b. The penalty was based on a greater gravity due to the risk of hearing loss from operating mills for a full shift, several times a week. (Tr. 38). The size adjustment of 40% reduced the penalty to $74,825. (Ex. P-29, p. 2; Ex. P-2). I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for these violations. I affirm the willful classification for both items and assess a combined penalty of $74,825.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 2 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(d)(1)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(d)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Monitoring</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (1) When information indicates that any employee's exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a monitoring program. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent did not implement a noise monitoring program for employees who were exposed to noise at an 8-hour time weighted average above 85 dBA (action level) at the Chrome Mill. (S. Br. 16). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent asserts the Chrome Mill was added in 2007 so it was not at the facility during the 1999 noise audit. (Tr. 342-43). Further, Respondent asserts that Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>thought the Chrome Mill would have a lesser noise level because it was smaller than Mill Three. (Tr. 355; R. Br. 12).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of 29 C.F.R. §1910.95(d)(1). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed to the hazard, and the standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As discussed above, June 6 audiometric monitoring demonstrated the operator of the Chrome Mill was exposed to noise above 85 dBA. Thus, a monitoring program for operators of the Chrome Mill was required. The standard applied.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The employees operating the Chrome Mill were exposed to cited hazard. Home Rubber violated the cited standard because it did not have a noise monitoring program for the operators of the Chrome Mill. Employees were exposed and the standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew the 1999 noise audit revealed that operators of Mill Three needed hearing protection. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s safety and compliance manager at the time, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, received this report a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nd his knowledge is imputed to Home Rubber. A copy of the report was in Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">files and available to the company president, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, after Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>departure. (Tr. 353-54). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>also knew the Chrome Mill had not been evaluated for noise above the action level when it was added in 2007. (Tr. 342-43). Mr. Bole knew there were no hearing protection requirements for operators of the Chrome Mill. (Tr. 331-32</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The loudness of the Chrome Mill was apparent because the OSHA CO had to shout to have a conversation, alerting her to the possibility the noise was above the action level. (Tr. 37). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Mr. Bole were routinely in the production<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">area</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>so the condition was readily apparent to them. (Tr. 330, 344, 393). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091 (an employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are apparent to its supervisory personnel).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber did not exercise reasonable diligence to develop and implement a noise monitoring program for the Chrome Mill. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC at 1472 (Reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes, among other factors, the “obligation to inspect the work area, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence” of hazards.)</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find Home Rubber had constructive knowledge that there was no noise monitoring program for the Chrome Mill.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Under §17(k) of the Act, a violation is serious “if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result.” 29 U.S.C. § 666(k);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pete Miller</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1258 (Commission precedent requires a finding that “a </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">serious</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> injury is the </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">likely<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">result should an accident </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">occur</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.”) </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was classified as serious because exposure to excessive noise levels can result in hearing loss. (Tr. 38). I agree that not implementing a monitoring plan can result in hearing damage and thus the violation is serious.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref29" href="#ftn29">28</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See generally, Crescent,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1 BNA OSHC at 1222 (an other-than-serious violation does not result in serious physical harm or death).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The maximum penalty for a serious violation is $12,471.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref30" href="#ftn30">29</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 28 U.S.C. § 666(b),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1903.15(d)(3) (2016).</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The penalty was based on a greater gravity due to the risk of hearing loss from operating a mill for a full shift, several times a week. (Tr. 38). The size adjustment of 30% reduced the penalty to $8,730. (Tr. 42). I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and establish a penalty of $8,730.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 3 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(k)(1)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(k)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Training program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (1) The employer shall train each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that, Respondent did not institute or ensure employee participation in a training program for operators of the Chrome Mill and Mill Three. (S. Br. 17). Respondent contends it was not cited for this condition during a prior OSHA inspection and any violation should be other-than-serious. (R. Br. 16).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The lack of prior citation is not a defense to a violation of the cited standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S&G Packaging Co., LLC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1503, 1507 n.12 (No. 98-1107, 2001) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S&G</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is well established, however, that the Secretary's failure to cite a condition does not amount to a determination that the condition does not constitute a violation.”).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(k)(1). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed to the hazard, and the standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As discussed above, June 6 audiometric monitoring demonstrated that the operators of the Chrome Mill and Mill Three were exposed to noise above 85 dBA. Any employee that operated these mills must be trained. The standard applied.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Employee training had not been conducted in many years; neither Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Mr. Bole, nor Mr. Fisher</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref31" href="#ftn31">30</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had ever provided training to employees. (Tr. 45-47). Five employees were mill<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">operators and exposed to these noise levels. (Tr. 345). Employees were exposed and the standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The report from the 1999 noise audit stated that Respondent “shall institute a training program for all employees exposed to noise at or above the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8-hr TWA of 85 decibels and shall ensure employee participation in such program.” (Ex. P-30, p. 13). The safety and compliance manager at the time, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, received this report and his knowledge is imputed to Home Rubber. A copy of the report was in Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>files and available to the company president, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, after Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>departure. (Tr. 353-54). Home Rubber’s own Hearing Protection Policy, which stated that “[e]ach employee working on the #3 Mill will annually receive hearing training,” shows knowledge of the requirement to train the mill operators. (Ex. P-30, p. 11). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080 (employer knowledge is directed to the hazardous condition, not whether the employer knew the condition was hazardous). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, the CO had to shout to have a conversation near the Chrome Mill, alerting her to the possibility the noise was above the action level. (Tr. 37). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Mr. Bole were routinely in the production<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">area</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>so the condition was readily apparent to them. (Tr. 330, 344, 393). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew the position for the safety and compliance manager had significant turnover since 2006 and with reasonable diligence could have known that no training had been provided for employees in many years. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The exercise of reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes, among other factors, the “obligation to inspect the work area, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence” of hazards. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC at 1472</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Neither Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>nor the management staff made any efforts to implement the required training. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find Home Rubber had constructive knowledge of its lack of training for mill operators.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Under § 17(k) of the Act, a violation is serious “if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from” the violative condition. 29 U.S.C. § 666(k). I<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">find that a lack of training can lead to failure to use and improper use of hearing protection and result in permanent hearing damage; thus, the violation is serious.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref32" href="#ftn32">31</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The maximum penalty for a serious violation is $12,471. 28 U.S.C. § 666(b), 29 C.F.R. § 1903.15(d)(3) (2016). The penalty was based on a greater gravity due to the risk of hearing loss from operating mills for a full shift, several times a week. (Tr. 38). The size adjustment of 30% reduced the maximum penalty to $8,730. (Tr. 47). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and establish a penalty of $8,730.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">THE REMAINING SERIOUS CITATIONS</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 1a – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.22(a)(1) and</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 1b – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.22(a)(2)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(a)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Housekeeping.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref33" href="#ftn33">32</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(1) All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, and service rooms shall be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(2) The floor of every workroom shall be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained, and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places should be provided where practicable.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that, in the Mill Three area, dust was accumulated in a quantity greater than five percent on the mill, wall ledges, walls, pipes, lights, electrical equipment (item 1a) and the floor (item 1b). (S. Br. 13-14). Respondent asserts the factory was not unusually dusty or dirty and the Secretary failed to show it could cause serious injury. (R. Br. 14-15). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standards, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.22(a)(1) and (a)(2).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:line-through ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied and employees were exposed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Dust was produced as a part of Home Rubber’s production operation. (Tr. 436-37). The Mill Three area was separated from the rest of the production areas to prevent migration of carbon<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">black dust. (Tr. 370-71). The standard applied. Employees worked in the Mill Three area; thus, exposure is established. </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary is not required to prove a hazard is serious to prove a violation of the cited standard; severity of the hazard is relevant to the citation’s classification. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See generally,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kaspar</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Electroplating</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 16 BNA OSHC 1517, 1523 (No. 90-2866, 1993);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also, Pyramid Masonry Contractors,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>16 BNA OSHC 1461, 1464 (No. 91-0600, 1993) (when standard presumes a hazard exists, Secretary need only show the standard’s requirements were not met).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The standard requires the Mill Three area be kept in a clean condition. The Secretary has demonstrated that the Mill Three area was not kept in a clean condition.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mill Three was separated from the rest of the facility to prevent the carbon black, used on Mill Three, from migrating to the other mills. (Tr. 370-71). A curtain of black, vertical, plastic strips separated the Mill Three area from the rest of the facility. (Tr. 142; Ex. P-6, p. 3). The strips allowed a mill operator to walk in and out of the area while preventing the carbon black from migrating outside the Mill Three area. (Tr. 370-71). The CO observed dust accumulations more than 1/32-inch thick on five percent of the surfaces of the room and floor, including the canopy above the mill, the mill equipment, wall ledges, pipes, walls, and the curtain of black plastic strips in the Mill Three area.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref34" href="#ftn34">33</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 28-29, 460; Ex. P-6, pp. 1, 5-6; Ex. R-23). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A visible layer of dust can be seen on the mill equipment in photographs taken by the CO on May 16. (Ex. P-6, pp. 5-6). Photographs of an employee operating Mill Three show a build-up of dust on the walls,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">floor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and canopy of the ventilation system, as well as the mill. (Tr. 32-33, 36-37; Ex. P-6, p. 6; Ex. P-7, p. 9). The photographs also show the build-up of dust on the plastic curtain that separated the Mill Three area from the rest of the production area, on the walls around the Mill Three doorway, and on the floor. (Tr. 202-03; Ex. P-6; Ex. P-40, #P1040631).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The material safety data sheets show that some of the chemicals used for Respondent’s rubber products had combustible or flammable properties.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref35" href="#ftn35">34</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 31, 35, 145-47). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">safety data sheets indicated some of the chemicals used were flammable or combustible, the CO collected dust</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref36" href="#ftn36">35</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>from the surfaces and floor in the Mill Three area for testing.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref37" href="#ftn37">36</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 145-46). The testing showed the dust had explosive properties. (Tr. 224; Ex. P-39, pp. 51, 56). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent had no cleaning schedule to prevent excess dust accumulation. The plant manager, Mr. Bole, told the CO the rollers on the mills were cleaned with each product change, but the room was not routinely cleaned. (Tr. 30, 35). R.B., the maintenance manager, told the CO that he assumed the room was cleaned routinely, but did not know how. (Tr. 35). Home Rubber provided no evidence of a housekeeping schedule to minimize dust accumulation. In his testimony, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>admitted there was dust<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">build-up</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and that Home Rubber could have done more to keep the Mill Three area clean.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref38" href="#ftn38">37</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 436-37). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I find Home Rubber did not keep the Mill Three area clean, thus the standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary must prove “the employer knew or, with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known of the hazardous condition.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">PSP,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">22 BNA OSHC at 1305</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Knowledge is directed to the physical conditions that constitutes the violation and does not require the employer to know or understand the condition was hazardous. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A hazardous condition that is “readily apparent” because of its location in a conspicuous, area will support a finding of constructive knowledge, especially where employees are working in the area where the hazard is located. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See KS Energy Servs., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1261, 1267-68 (No. 06-1416, 2008) (signage was in plain view establishing constructive knowledge);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kokosing Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1869, 1871 (No. 92-2596, 1996) (presence of crews in the area warrant a finding of constructive knowledge);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">A. L. Baumgartner Constr., Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">16 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1995, 1998 (No. 92-1022, 1994) (constructive knowledge where a condition is “readily apparent to anyone who looked”).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As shown in the photographs, the dust accumulation was visible on the walls, floor, the ventilation hood’s canopy, and on the equipment. (Tr. 32-33; Ex. P-6). Home Rubber’s managers were in the production area “all the time every day.” (Tr. 345). The plant manager routinely travelled through the various departments. (Tr. 330). These managers would have seen and known of the excessive dust accumulation. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091 (an employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are apparent to its supervisory personnel). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew of the dust accumulation. He acknowledged that he wore “it home every day” and that more could be done to clean the area. (Tr. 436-37). Knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification & Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As discussed below, electrical boxes and exposed electrical conduits in the Mill Three area had openings where the dust accumulated. (Tr. 88, 90). There was a significant amount of dust in the Mill Three area. (Tr. 86). The Secretary asserts that a fire in the Mill Three area could be exacerbated by the accumulated explosive dust causing third-degree burns, smoke inhalation, and death from a fire-related explosion. (Tr. 29). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent asserts the violation should be classified as other-than-serious because the chance of injury was remote. (R. Br. 15). However, the likelihood of injury is not the basis for a serious classification. Under § 17(k) of the Act, a violation is serious “if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from” the violative condition. 29 U.S.C. § 666(k). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“This does not mean that the occurrence of an accident must be a substantially probable result of the violative condition but, rather, that a serious injury is the likely result if an accident does occur.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ConAgra Flour Milling Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1817, 1824 (No. 88-2572, 1992). I find that if an accident occurred that serious injury would be the likely result.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Items 1a and 1b were combined for the penalty. The penalty was based on a moderate gravity due to a lesser probability rating. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. P-6, P-7). The size adjustment of 30% reduced the penalty to $6,236. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I affirm the serious classification and combined penalty of $6,236 for Citation 1, Items 1a and 1b.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 4 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">1910.106(e)(6)(ii)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(e)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Industrial plants</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . . (6)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Sources of ignition</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . (ii)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Grounding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100°F (37.8°C), shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floorplate on which the container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of a bond wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been complied with.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges the pump’s nozzle was not electrically interconnected to the transfer container when Category 2 flammable liquids were transferred from 55-gallon drums. (S. Br. 18). Respondent asserts this condition was not identified as a violation during a 2012 OSHA inspection and there had never been an incident when transferring chemicals. (Tr. 385-86). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s assertions are rejected. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The lack of a prior citation or injury is not a defense to a violation of the cited standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S&G</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1507 n.12 (“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is well established, however, that the Secretary's failure to cite a condition does not amount to a determination that the condition does not constitute a violation.”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Peacock Eng’g, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 26 BNA OSHC 1588, 1590 (No. 11-2780, 2017) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Peacock</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (finding absence of prior injury not dispositive since goal of the Act is to prevent the first accident). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.106(e)(6)(ii). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Toluene and naphtha, which are Class II flammable liquids, were transferred from fifty-five-gallon drums into dispensing cans for use in the mill room and hose room. (Tr. 48; Ex. P-10, p. 2; Ex. P-40, #P1040671). The standards applied.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>R.B. and V.D. transferred the chemicals from the drums a couple of times a day. (Tr. 49; Ex. P-10, p. 2). Employee exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Fifty-five-gallon drums of toluene and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">naptha</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>were stored on the exterior wall of the compounding area in a cage-like area. (Tr. 385-86). The chemicals were transferred from 55-gallon drums into smaller dispensing containers. (Ex. P-10, p. 2). A grounding wire connected a drum to the metal fencing behind the drum. (Tr. 50, 190). The nozzle on the drum’s pump was not electrically connected to the transfer container as required by the standard. (Ex. P-10, p. 2). The cited standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The material safety data sheets (MSDS) provided by Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>described the chemicals as flammable and stated that a bonding wire was required to avoid buildup of static electricity. (Tr. 49). The MSDS were posted on the fence behind the drums. (Tr. 48). Mr. Bole, plant manager, knew these chemicals were transferred from their drums daily and R.B. knew there was no bonding wire that connected the nozzle to the dispensing container. (Tr. 49). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080 (employer knowledge is directed to the hazardous condition, not whether the employer knew the condition was hazardous). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Because the posted MSDS stated that a bonding wire was required to avoid static electricity buildup, the managers at Home Rubber could have known of the requirement with reasonable diligence. Further, the managers knew the chemicals were transferred daily without a bonding wire for electrical interconnection. Knowledge is established. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The hazard was serious because of the risk of fire from a buildup of static electricity when transferring flammable liquids. (Tr. 48). The $3,742 penalty was based on a lesser gravity and a 30% reduction for employer size. (Tr. 49-50; Ex. P-10). I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $3,742 for Citation 1, Item 4.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 5 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(c)(6)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(c)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">General</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . . (6)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Periodic inspection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) The employer shall conduct a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">periodic inspection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">of the energy control</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">procedure at least annually</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(A) The periodic inspection shall be performed by an authorized employee other than the ones(s) utilizing the energy control procedure being inspected.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(B) The periodic inspection shall be conducted to correct any deviations or inadequacies identified.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(C) Where lockout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(D) Where tagout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized and affected employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected, and the elements set forth in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">emphasis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>added.)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:.635cm; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent did not conduct annual inspections of energy control (lockout-tagout) procedures for the Mill department equipment serviced and maintained by employees. (S. Br. 19). Respondent asserts the Secretary did not prove that its energy control procedures were deficient. (R. Br. 17). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(c)(6)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The energy control (lockout-tagout) standard applies to the “servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">unexpected</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> energization or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">start up</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of machines or equipment” could injure an employee. 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(a)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (emphasis in original);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dayton Tire, Bridgestone/Firestone</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1247, 1250 (No. 94-1374, 2010), </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd in relevant part,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>671 F.3d 1249 (D.C. Cir. 2012). <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Maintenance department employees were constantly servicing the various equipment at Home Rubber, so lockout was a regular activity. (Tr. 52). The standard applied. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Employees were exposed to the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Maintenance employees, R.B. and V.D., repaired and serviced equipment in the Mill room. (Tr. 388, 443; Ex. P-11, p. 2). These maintenance employees used the energy control procedures and were exposed to the hazard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber had general and specific written energy control (lockout-tagout) procedures for its equipment. (Tr. 51, 387-88; Ex. P-13, p. 4). The lockout-tagout procedure stated that the procedure “must be followed throughout the facility. . . [</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">]f anyone has any questions concerning the written procedures<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>contact the Plant Manager immediately.” (Ex. P-13, p. 4). The equipment with specific procedures included, Mixing Mill #1, Mixing Mill #2, Mixing Mill #3, Stock Calendar, Friction Calendar, High Pressure Boiler, Hose Room Vulcanizer, Mill #4, Extruder #1, Extruder #2, and Light Work Room Vulcanizers. (Ex. P-13, pp. 4-31). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The standard requires an authorized employee, who does not utilize the lockout procedures, to inspect Home Rubber’s energy control procedures at least annually. The plant manager and the two maintenance employees were the authorized employees. (Ex. P-13, p. 5). As users of the lockout procedure the maintenance employees could not inspect the procedures. Thus, as plant manager, Mr. Bole was required to conduct the inspection.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr. Bole stated that he had sometimes conducted a periodic inspection of the program but did not specify how often he had done so. (Tr. 333-34). Respondent presented no evidence that it conducted an annual inspection of its lockout-tagout program. Instead, Respondent argues it wasn’t necessary to conduct an annual inspection because there were no deficiencies in the procedure. (R. Br. 17). Respondent’s argument is rejected. The standard requires an employer to conduct an inspection of its program, at least annually, to confirm its procedures are followed. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The requirements of the cited standard were violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber had a written general lockout procedure and written procedures for specific equipment, such as the stock calendar machine. (Ex. P-13, pp. 5-31). Home Rubber’s internal lockout procedure stated that “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">all authorized employees will be required to demonstrate at least annually that they have the skill to perform a general lockout/tag out procedure.” (Ex. P-13, p. 5).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew that maintenance employees serviced machines and used the lockout-tagout procedure. (Tr. 443-44). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew that he had not conducted an annual inspection of the energy control program or observed employees implementing the procedure. (Tr. 443-44). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s written procedures were stored in the office of a prior safety and compliance manager, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and were available to Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 351, 353, 426). Mr. Bole conducted lockout procedure inspections from time to time, but not annually. (Tr. 333). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>made no effort to ensure annual inspections were conducted. (Tr. 443-44). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s management did not make a reasonably diligent effort to ensure the lockout-tagout process was inspected at least annually. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See NLLC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1472 (Reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes, among other factors, the “obligation to inspect the work area, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence” of hazards.)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>With reasonable diligence Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>could have known that annual inspections of the energy control program had not been conducted. Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was characterized as serious due to possible injuries that can result from an inadequate energy control (lockout-tagout) policy, including amputation and fractures. (Tr. 52). The gravity was rated as moderate because multiple machines were covered by the procedures. (Tr. 51-52). The gravity-based penalty was reduced by 30% to $6,236 for employer size</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. I find<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $6,236 for Citation 1, Item 5. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 6 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(c)(7)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">)(B)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(7)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Training and communication</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees. The training shall include the following:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(A) Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(B)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Each affected employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>shall be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(C) All other employees whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be utilized, shall be instructed about the procedure, and about the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize machines or equipment which are locked out or tagged out.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">emphasis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>added). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent did not provide training to affected employees that used equipment in the Mill department, including but not limited to, the calendar equipment. (S. Br. 22). Respondent simply asserts the mill operators were not trained because they were not affected employees. (R. Br. 18-19).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.147(c)(7)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)(B)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber had an energy control (lockout-tagout) program in place for several machines, including Mixing Mill #1, Mixing Mill #2, Mixing Mill #3, Stock Calendar, Friction Calendar, High Pressure Boiler, Hose Room Vulcanizer, Mill #4, Extruder #1, Extruder #2, and Light Work Room Vulcanizers. (Tr. 51, 387-88; Ex. P-13, pp. 4-31). The standard applied. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>An affected employee is defined as “[a]n employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">servicing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The standard requires training for both authorized employees and affected employees. Home Rubber only provided training to authorized employees. (Tr. 54-55; Ex. P-12, p. 3). The mill operators used the machines serviced under the lockout-tagout program; thus, a mill operator’s job “requires him/her to work in areas in which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">servicing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or maintenance is being performed.” (Ex. P-13, 4). The mill operators were affected employees and must be trained on the purpose and use of the lockout-tagout procedures.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber did not train its mill operators, who were affected employees, on the lockout-tagout program. The standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Employees were exposed to the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>A calendar machine was locked out and tagged out to remove a gear for repair during the last week of May 2016. (Tr. 56-57). The mill operators were affected employees and exposed to the hazard of lack of training about the purpose and use of lockout-tagout procedures. Employee exposure is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s lockout-tagout procedure stated that operators were affected employees and that “all new employees, whether authorized or affected, must be trained.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref39" href="#ftn39">38</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Ex. P-13, p. 5). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr. Bole and Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew the mill operators were not trained on the company’s lockout-tagout procedures. (Tr. 52, 54; Ex. P-12, p. 3). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because Home Rubber’s own policy required the training of affected employees and management knew the affected employees worked on those machines where servicing occurred, knowledge is established. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was characterized as serious due to possible injuries that can result from a lack of training on energy control procedures, including amputation and fractures. (Tr. 54). The gravity was rated as moderate due to the multiple machines serviced. (Ex. P-12). The gravity-based penalty was reduced by 30% to $6,236 for employer size. (Tr. 55). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $6,236 for Citation 1, Item 6.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 7 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(f)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Additional requirements</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . . (3)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Group lockout or tagout</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(ii) Group lockout or tagout devices shall be used in accordance with the procedures required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section including, but not necessarily limited to, the following specific requirements: . . .<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(D) Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device, group lockbox, or comparable mechanism when he or she begins work, and shall remove those devices when he or she stops working on the machine or equipment being serviced or maintained.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that a personal lockout or tagout device was not affixed to the group lockout device before working on the calendar machine. (S. Br. 24). Respondent asserts that because there were only two maintenance employees at Home Rubber, and they always knew what the other was doing, it was unlikely there would be a problem with not applying a personal lock. (R. Br. 18-19).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied and employees were exposed to the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Lockout was a regular activity because machines were constantly being serviced by the maintenance department. (Tr. 56). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Two maintenance employees were authorized to service the machines, R.B. and V.D. (Tr. 389-90). The standard applied. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gear on the calendar machine was serviced by R.B. and V.D. (Tr. 55-56). Employee exposure is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Where more than one employee services a piece of equipment the standard requires<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">each individual</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to place his/her lock onto a group lock. “The core concept of lockout/tagout is </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">personal</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> protection, that each individual worker controls his/her own lock or tag.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Exelon Generating Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 1087, 1090 (No. 00-1198, 2005) (where lockout/tagout requirement for power generation standard mirrored the general industry requirement);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Final Rule, Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout), 54 Fed. Reg. 36644, 36681 (Sept. 1, 1989),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">as amended at,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>55 Fed. Reg. 38677, 38683 (Sept. 20, 1990) (to be codified at 29 C.F.R. pt. 1910) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“the placement of a personal lockout or tagout device enables that employee to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">control his</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">/her own protection, rather than having to depend upon another person”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In May 2016, a repaired gear was reinstalled on a calendar machine. (Tr. 55-56). The two maintenance employees replaced the machine’s gear, but only one lock was applied to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">disconnect switch. (Tr. 55-56). The standard requires each authorized employee working on the machine to apply his personal lockout-tagout device. 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber violated the standard’s requirements.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber’s lockout-tagout procedure required each employee to apply a lockout device to a machine in service. (Ex. P-13, pp. 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 30).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">If more than 1 employee is locking out this machine or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">equipment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>then a tree lock shall be used and each employee shall follow the outlined procedure below for group lockout devices. . .. NOTE: When servicing or maintenance is to be performed by a group or crew of persons,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">each employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>doing the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">servicing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or the maintenance<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">must apply their own, individual lockout device</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on the machine or equipment. Also, with the group lockout devices, primary responsibility for the group or crew of persons must be vested in one designated, authorized employee, who shall be responsible for coordinating the work forces and ensuring continuity of the lockout protections.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">emphasis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>added.) (Ex. P-13, p. 14).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Mr. Bole told the CO that he knew there was only one lock in use and thought that was enough since the two employees worked together. (Ex. P-13, p. 3). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080 (knowledge is directed to the physical condition that constitutes the violation).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because Mr. Bole knew that each employee did not use a personal lock and Home Rubber’s policy states that each employee must apply a lockout device, knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was characterized as serious due to possible injuries, including amputation and fractures, that can result if parts move while an employee is still servicing the machine. (Tr. 56-57). The gravity was rated as moderate because the machines had more than one energy source. (Tr. 57; Ex. P-13). The gravity-based penalty was reduced by 30% to $6,236 for employer size. (Tr. 57). I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $6,236 for Citation 1, Item 7.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 8 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.157(g)(2)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(g)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Training and education</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(1) Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fire fighting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(2) The employer shall provide the education required in paragraph (g)(1) of this section upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that employees were not trained on the general use of a fire extinguisher at hire and at least annually thereafter. (S. Br. 25). Respondent contends that one of its employees was a trained fire fighter and several other employees were trained on fire extinguisher use. (R. Br. 19-20).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.157(g)(2). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber supplied fire extinguishers for employee use throughout the facility. (Tr. 160, 391). The standard applied. Employees had used fire extinguishers when a fire occurred a few years before. (Tr. 58; Ex. P-14, p.3). Employees working at Home Rubber were exposed to the hazard of lack of training in the hazards and use of fire extinguishers. Employee exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent admits that all employees were not trained; Respondent asserts that “several” employees had been trained. (R. Br. 20). During the inspection, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>told the CO that the Trenton Fire Dept used to provide training to employees, but he could not recall the last time training had been provided. (Tr. 59, 461). The Trenton Fire Department had not done training for at least 5 years.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref40" href="#ftn40">39</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 59; Ex. P-14, p. 4). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent asserts that OSHA regulations only required it to train one employee. (R. Br. 20). However, Respondent does not provide support for this assertion.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref41" href="#ftn41">40</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s assertion that only certain employees must be trained is rejected. The cited standard requires Home Rubber to train all employees who could use a portable fire extinguisher. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent also asserts it trained employees through the fire extinguisher policy in its employee handbook. (R. Br. 20; Ex. P-37, p. 41). The policy consisted of a sole sentence that stated, “Do not block fire exits or fire extinguishers in the production or warehouse areas.” (Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">P-37, p. 41). This sentence in its handbook did not train an employee on the hazards and use of a fire extinguisher.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find Respondent did not train its employees at hire and annually thereafter as required by the standard. The standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew the Trenton Fire Department no longer provided training to Home Rubber’s employees. (Tr. 391). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080 (knowledge is directed to the physical condition that constitutes the violation). With reasonable diligence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>could have known that employees were not trained at hire and annually on fire extinguisher use and hazards. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC at 1472 (Reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes, among other factors, the “‘obligation to inspect the work area, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence”’ of hazards.). Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The hazard was serious because of fire-related injuries, such as burns and smoke inhalation. (Tr. 59). The $3,742 penalty was based on a low gravity assessment and a 30% reduction for employer size. (Tr. 59-60; Ex. P-14). I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent asserts the violation should be classified as other-than-serious because fire extinguishers were in the facility and the severity, probability, and gravity are low. (R. Br. 19-20). Respondent cites to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Thermal Reduction Group,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1986 WL 53480, *21 (No. 83-1073, 1986) (ALJ) as support that a violation of § 1910.157(g)(2) can be categorized as other-than-serious. (R. Br. 19-20). However,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Thermal</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>provides no rationale for the other-than-serious classification; the ALJ simply affirmed the Secretary’s recommended classification. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Further,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Thermal</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has no precedential value. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Elliot Constr. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2110, 2114 n. 4 (No. 07-1578, 2012) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Elliot</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Unreviewed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> administrative law judge decisions have no precedential value.). Respondent’s reliance on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Thermal</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is inapt.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The classification of a citation as serious is based on the severity of harm if an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser Constr.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC 1044, 1046 (No. 08-0631, 2010). Respondent’s assertion that the classification should be other-than-serious is rejected. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $3,742 for Citation 1, Item 8.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 9 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(l)(4)(iii)</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(l) Operator training. . .. (4)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Refresher training and evaluation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . .. (iii) An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance shall be conducted at least once every three years.</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent had not conducted an evaluation for its powered industrial truck operators at least once every three years. (S. Br. 26). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(l)(4)(iii). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed, and the terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span>Powered industrial trucks (forklifts) were used in Home Rubber’s facility to move rolls of rubber and pallets of chemicals. (Tr. 63-64; Ex. P-15). The standard applied. </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span>Three employees operated these forklifts. (Tr. 61-63; Ex. P-15, p.2). Documentation shows that one operator was last evaluated in 2010.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref42" href="#ftn42">41</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The other two operators had been evaluated at a previous employer, more than three years before the OSHA inspection. (Tr. 61-62, 64, 163, 217; Ex. P-15, p. 2; Ex. P-33, p. 3). Tim Fisher,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">safety</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and compliance manager at the time of the inspection, evaluated new hires during the two years that he worked at Home Rubber but had not re-evaluated any existing employees. (Tr. 62, 461). The cited standard was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and employees were exposed. </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber did not evaluate a forklift operator’s performance at least once every three years. Mr. Fisher knew that he had not re-evaluated any employee hired by Home Rubber before he became the safety and compliance manager.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref43" href="#ftn43">42</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 62). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As a manager, his knowledge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is imputed to Home Rubber. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">AEDC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2095</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s documentation showed that a forklift operator, Mr. Lopez, had not been evaluated since 2010. (Tr. 217; Ex. P-33, p. 3). W</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ith reasonable diligence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>could have known that forklift operators were not being evaluated every three years. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC at 1472 (Reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes, among other factors, the “obligation to inspect the work area, to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence” of hazards.). Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The hazard was classified as serious because injuries such as broken bones and lacerations can occur when a forklift is not operated properly. (Tr. 62). The $4,988 penalty was based on a moderate gravity assessment and a 30% reduction for employer size. (Tr. 62-63; Ex. P-15). I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent asserts the violation is other-than-serious because Home Rubber believed there was low likelihood of injury because the forklifts were operated in a limited area. (R. Br. 22). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This assertion is rejected. The classification of a citation as serious is not based on the likelihood of occurrence, but instead is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC at 1046. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $4,988 for Citation 1, Item 9.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 10 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.212(a)(1)</span></p>
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			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">(a)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Machine guarding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (1)<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Types of guarding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are—barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc. </span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that employees were exposed to an unguarded rotating arm on the Kobe Mill. (S. Br. 27). Respondent asserts the rotating arm could only be accessed if an employee intentionally placed his hand there. (R. Br. 22). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.212(a)(1).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Kobe Mill had a rotating shaft that extended from the left side of its gear box. The standard applied.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Employees were exposed to the hazard and the standard was violated.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:16px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish exposure under the cited standard, the Secretary “must show that it is reasonably predictable either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), that employees have been, are, or will be in the zone of danger.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated Metal Prods.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>18 BNA<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHC 1072, 1074 (No. 93-1853, 1997) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The zone of danger is “that area surrounding the violative condition that presents the danger to employees [that] the standard is intended to prevent.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S&G</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1507</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">; see<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Delek</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Refining, Ltd.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 25 BNA OSHC 1365, 1374 (No. 08-1386, 2015),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">845 F.3d 170 (5th Cir. 2016) (Secretary must show how close an employee is to the zone of danger, “either as their work required or through inadvertence”). The Commission has long held the definition of the hazard depends on how the machine functions and how it is operated. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>18 BNA OSHC at 1074. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">There is no dispute the rotating shaft was not guarded. The dispute is whether the unguarded rotating shaft exposed an employee to injury. The Secretary asserts that employees could get their clothing caught on the rotating shaft when filling the oil pot next to the rotating shaft. (Tr. 65). I agree.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Kobe Mill consisted of a series of horizontally interconnected components, such as the motor and gearbox, that rested on an I-beam platform a few inches above the floor. (Tr. 394-96).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Kobe Mill’s first module was a metal box that contained the mill’s motor. The next module in line, and to the left of the motor, was the gearbox that contained the mill’s main gears. (Tr. 394, 403-04). </span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The rotating shaft that is the subject of this citation item was to the left of gearbox. The oil pot was a tall plastic cylinder next to the rotating shaft. (Tr. 67, 394, 403-04; Ex. P-40, #1040681). The horizontal distance from the gearbox to the oil pot was 6-1/2 inches. (Tr. 406). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I find that an employee’s clothing could get caught on the rotating shaft when adding oil. Oil was added to the oil pot while the machine was operating. (Tr. 66). A photograph and video taken by the CO shows the machine’s operator, his back to the camera, standing on the Kobe Mill’s raised platform facing the oil pot cylinder directly in front of him. (Tr. 67; Ex. P-40, Video #12; Ex. P-40, #1040681). The photographs and video show the employee’s body was very close to the rotating shaft. (Ex. P-16, pp. 3, 5; Ex. P-40, Video #12; Ex. P-40, #1040681). The heels of his boots were on the edge of the raised I-beam platform. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>His right hand rested on the gearbox to his right, as he faced the oil pot. (Ex. P-40, #1040681). The oil pot and rotating shaft were about 15 inches from the outer edge of the platform. (Tr. 398). The rotating shaft, slightly behind and a few inches to the right of the oil pot, was at about the level of the employee’s upper leg.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref44" href="#ftn44">43</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> In other words, the employee was standing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">within</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the 15-inch space between the rotating shaft and platform’s edge. This puts the employee’s body close enough to make inadvertent contact with the rotating shaft.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s assertion that the shaft was too far away for contact is not credible based on the actual location of the Kobe Mill operator in the video. I find that while filling the oil pot cylinder, an employee could inadvertently contact the rotating shaft. Guarding would prevent contact. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The standard was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and an employee was exposed to the hazard.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">While the CO was taking a video of the Kobe Mill in operation, the operator stepped onto the platform next to the oil pot cylinder and rotating shaft. (Ex. P-40, Video #12, Photo #1040681). The Kobe Mill’s configuration was open and in plain view. Home Rubber’s managers were in the production area “all the time every day.” (Tr. 345). The plant manager, Mr. Bole, stated that he routinely travelled through the various departments. (Tr. 330). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091 (an employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel). Because the hazardous condition was in plain view, knowledge is established.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The citation was characterized as serious</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref45" href="#ftn45">44</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>due to possible injuries, such as lacerations and broken bones, if an employee was pulled into the machine’s rotating parts. (Tr. 65). The gravity was rated as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">moderate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the penalty was reduced by 30% to $4,988 for employer size. (Tr. 66; Ex. P-16). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $4,988 for Citation 1, Item 10.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 11 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(a)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Machine guarding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">— </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(3)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Point of operation guarding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) Point of operation is the area on a machine where work is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually performed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>upon the material being processed.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(ii) The point of operation of machines whose operation exposes an employee to injury, shall be guarded. The guarding device shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards therefor, or, in the absence of applicable specific standards,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the operator from having any part of his body in the danger zone during the operating cycle. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that ingoing nip points were not guarded at the point of operation on the Chrome Mill, the Kobe Mill, Mill One, and Mill Three. (S. Br. 29). Respondent contends that guarding was infeasible. (R. Br. 28).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.212(a)(3)(ii). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied and employees were exposed to the hazard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Each mill had a point of operation where the mill operator performed work on the rubber being processed. The standard applied. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Working at the ingoing nips points was a routine step in processing the rubber on all four mills. An employee operating the Chrome Mill was injured when his left hand was pulled into the ingoing nip point while he was manipulating the rubber product. Exposure is established.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The mills were large and in plain view. Operators worked near each mill’s ingoing nip points to make the rubber products. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s managers were in the production area “all the time every day.” (Tr. 345). Mr. Bole routinely travelled through the various departments. (Tr. 330). Managers would have seen operators working at a mill’s ingoing nip points.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Because the machines were in plain view and management knew that employees were routinely near the ingoing nip points when working on the rubber product, knowledge of the hazard is established. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091 (an employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are apparent to its supervisory personnel).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To produce a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1-inch thick</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>sheet of thoroughly mixed rubber compound, an operator began by placing a block of natural rubber into the mill’s ingoing nip point.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref46" href="#ftn46">45</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 410, 418-19). A</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fter placed into the nip, the rubber block went around the rollers and “just like chewing gum” the rubber started to soften until it warmed up enough to bond around the roller and smooth out. (Tr. 411). When that happened, the operator added ingredients, including chemicals, binders, and oils, to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rubber. (Tr. 411-12). The ingredients were in pellet, powder, or oil form. (Tr. 418). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Chemicals added to the rubber included carbon black, sulfur, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Industrene</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>R. (Tr. 147; Ex. P-7). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A mill operator poured the additives into the rubber at the ingoing nip point of the rollers. (Tr. 410, 412, 418). Some of the added ingredients mixed into the rubber and some fell into a pan beneath the rollers. (Tr. 418). During the first 10-15 minutes of the mixing process, the mill operator scooped up the ingredients that fell through the rollers and added them back into the rubber compound at the ingoing nip point. (Tr. 418-19). The rubber and additives were continuously fed back through the rollers to create a final, compounded product. (Tr. 416). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When processing the rubber, the operator folded the rubber back into itself to achieve a final well-mixed 1-inch sheet of rubber compound. (Tr. 412, 416, 419). The operator cut the rubber sheet just below the center-point of the roller, where he had leverage in front of his chest. He then held the rubber against the roller to build a mound of banked rubber at the rollers’ nip point. (Tr. 413). The banked rubber compound could be up to 16 inches high. (Tr. 415). The operator built the rubber compound into a loose, round cylinder that allowed the machine to carry the rubber sheet back up to the bank so that was pulled in again. (Tr. 416). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The manufacturing process required an operator to work near the mill’s ingoing nip points. The point of operation (ingoing nip point) on the Chrome Mill was not guarded. Instead, the Chrome Mill had a brake cord 61 inches above the ground, at an employee’s head or shoulder height. (Tr. 70-71, 168, 194; Ex. P-17, pp. 5, 7). When pulled, the brake cord stopped and reversed the machine’s roller. (Tr. 194-95). However, it did not prevent an operator from contacting the nip point as he fed the rubber into the machine. (Tr. 68). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mill One had an overhead brake cord (trip wire) as well. There was no guard at Mill One’s point of operation. (Tr. 68, 72; Ex. P-17, p. 8). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Kobe Mill had a non-adjustable safety bar near the bottom of the mill that stopped the mill when contacted. (Tr. 68-69, 167). The bar might have prevented a shorter employee from reaching the nip point; however, a taller operator could reach into the machine while feeding the rubber into the nip point. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">There was no guard at the Kobe Mill’s point of operation. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 69-71; Ex. P-17, p. 6).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mill Three’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nip point area was also unguarded. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 68;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex. P-17, p. 1).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">There is no dispute the four machines did not have guards to prevent an employee placing his hands into the ingoing nip points. The Secretary proved the points of operation on the four mills were not guarded and the standard was violated. However, Home Rubber asserts that it was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">infeasible to guard the point of operation for the four mills because the operators had to work near the ingoing nip points to process the rubber.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Infeasibility Defense</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To succeed in an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">infeasibility</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>defense the Respondent must show<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that: (1) literal compliance with the terms of the cited standard was infeasible; and (2) an alternative protective measure was used or there was no feasible alternative measure.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Otis Elevator Co.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>24 BNA OSHC 1081, 1087 (No. 09-1278, 2013),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 762 F.3d 116 (D.C. Cir. 2014). Infeasibility can be either economic or technological. </span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1994530633&pubNum=0003227&originatingDoc=Ifb080455e58e11e39488c8f438320c70&refType=CA&fi=co_pp_sp_3227_1874&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Folder*cid.a971af3be8534acea686b684d93cbf65*oc.Search)#co_pp_sp_3227_1874"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">V.I.P. Structures, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1873, 1874 (No. 91-1167</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1994). Respondent bears the burden of proof for this defense. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Briones Util. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 26 BNA OSHC 1218, 1220 (No. 10-1372, 2016). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To succeed with an economic<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">infeasibility</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>defense the employer must show that the cost of compliance would have adversely affected the company’s existence. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gregory & Cook, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>17 BNA OSHC 1189, 1191 (No. 92-1891, 1995) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gregory</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Home Rubber made no argument and presented no evidence of the costs of compliance or the effect on the company’s finances. This leaves a defense based solely on technological infeasibility. </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">First, Respondent must demonstrate that literal compliance was infeasible. Respondent asserts that a physical guard cannot be placed between the ingoing nip point and the operator’s hands because of its manufacturing method. The processing of the rubber compound requires its operators to manipulate the rubber and additives near<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the nip point and the banking of rubber during mixing prevents the use of a barrier near the nip point. (Tr. 418-19).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A fixed guarding approach cannot be used because it blocks an operator’s access to the materials that fall between the rollers, which must be scooped up and put back into the rubber being mixed. (Tr. 418-19; Ex. P-38, p. 18). Further, it would block the operator from getting to the bottom of the roller to cut off the rubber and feed it back into the nip. (Tr. 419).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent established that a simple barrier guard could not be used.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#7030A0; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">However, guarding is not limited to a physical barrier. As set forth in 29 C.F.R. § 1910.212(a)(1), “guarding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">methods are—barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent has not demonstrated that it was infeasible to utilize non-barrier guarding methods.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s expert, Dr. Howard,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref47" href="#ftn47">46</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>gave examples of other possible means to guard a machine. He suggested a conveyor system, raising the height of the mill, and using an e-stop safety mat. (Tr. 309, 314; Ex. P-38). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>explained why Home Rubber had not tried these methods. (Tr. 417-423). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>explained that a conveyor system would not work at Home Rubber, because a conveyor system high enough to allow for their rubber banking method, would require the ventilation hood be raised up four to five feet above the mill. (Tr. 421-22). At that distance, the ventilation hood would not be effective at keeping chemicals and other materials from escaping the area. (Tr. 421-22). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>also stated that raising the mill’s height 12-24 inches would not work. (Tr. 416-422). An operator needed leverage to cut through the 1-inch rubber sheet on the roller; raising the mill would place the operator in a difficult and less safe position to make the cut.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 416, 422). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, it would be more difficult for the operator to feed the rubber back into the mill’s nip point and the operator would not be able to see the ingredients that are mixed into the batch at the nip point. (Tr. 422). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>explained that the use of an e-stop safety mat device</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref48" href="#ftn48">47</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>floor mat would be unusable because a mill operator had to get close to the rollers to cut the rubber and to scoop up the material that fell below. (Tr. 421-23). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent provided no evidence that it had attempted or explored possible guarding methods beyond a barrier guard. Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>admitted Home Rubber had not implemented any guarding or similar methods on the mills since the inspection. (Tr. 444-45). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The burden for this affirmative defense lies with Respondent. Respondent must demonstrate that it was infeasible to utilize any guarding method, not just physical barrier guards. The definition of guarding methods includes “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two-hand tripping devices [and] electronic safety devices.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent did not determine whether a two-hand tripping device or electronic safety device could be used to prevent contact at the point of operation. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission expects<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“employers to exercise some creativity in seeking to achieve compliance.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gregory</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1191. Respondent did not establish that all types of guarding methods would not work on Home Rubber’s mills. Thus, Respondent did not establish that literal compliance with the standard was infeasible.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secondly, if literal compliance is not feasible, Respondent must show that it used an alternative measure or that no feasible measure was available, to support its infeasibility defense. Respondent had not explored all non-guarding options available that could prevent an employee from contact with the ingoing nip points on its mills. (Tr. 424-25, 444-45). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>stated that he had not observed other local rubber manufacturers using the guarding methods suggested by Dr. Howard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref49" href="#ftn49">48</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 424-25). This argument is rejected. Respondent cannot shift its burden for this affirmative defense to the Secretary with a claim that the Secretary’s expert did not propose an acceptable guarding method. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pitt-Des Moines, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1429, 1433 (No. 90-1349, 1993) (employer’s burden to show infeasibility as an affirmative defense, not the Secretary's burden to show feasibility). Further, an employer “cannot generally avoid abatement by relying on industry custom and practice alone.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Seibel Modern Mfg. & Welding Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1218, 1227 (No. 88-821, 1991);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see, Consolidated Aluminum Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 1144, 1158 (No. 77-1091, 1980) (defense failed where employer had not considered possible methods of preventing employees from contacting the ingoing nip points). This is especially so here, where Respondent made no effort to explore creative methods for guarding nor explored alternative means of protection. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s infeasibility defense fails because it did not demonstrate that literal compliance was infeasible, that an alternative protective measure was used or there was no feasible alternative measure available. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I find the Secretary has proved his prima facie case and affirm the citation item.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The violation was classified as serious due to injuries that can occur if an employee is drawn into the ingoing nip points, including lacerations, broken bones, and amputation. (Tr. 69). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Here, an employee’s hand was drawn into the nip point of the Chrome Mill resulting in amputation of four fingers. (Tr. 69). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity was rated as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">high</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the maximum penalty was reduced by 30% for employer size to $8,730. (Tr. 70). I find the penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $8,730 for Citation 1, Item 11.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 12 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.215(b)(9)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(b)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Guarding of abrasive wheel machinery</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(9)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Exposure adjustment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Safety guards of the types described in subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this paragraph, where the operator stands in front of the opening, shall be constructed so that the peripheral protecting member can be adjusted to the constantly decreasing diameter of the wheel. The maximum angular exposure above the horizontal plane of the wheel spindle as specified in paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this section shall never be exceeded, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">the distance between the wheel periphery and the adjustable tongue or the end of the peripheral member at the top shall never exceed one-fourth inch</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">emphasis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>added.)<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that distances greater than one-fourth inch between the grinding wheel and the periphery existed because tongue guards were missing on both sides of a double-sided bench grinder. (S. Br. 31). Respondent states that it abated the condition by making the needed adjustments and the condition was added to Home Rubber’s weekly inspection checklist. (R. Br. 29)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.215(b)(9).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Employees sharpened their rubber-cutting knives on the double-sided bench grinder. (Tr. 74; Ex. P-18, p. 4). The standard applied and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The terms of the standard were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The double-sided bench grinder was not adjusted to no more than one-quarter of an inch between the periphery and the grinding wheel. (Tr. 72-73). The CO measured the openings between the grinding wheel and the periphery on each side of the bench grinder. One side had a gap of one-half inch and the other a gap of three-fourths inch. (Tr. 74-75; Ex. P-18, pp. 5-6). Respondent does not refute the grinder was not compliant with the cited standard, but simply asserts it has fixed the problem. (R. Br. 29; Ex. R-1).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find the standard was violated because the distance between the grinding wheel and the periphery exceeded one-fourth of an inch. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber’s managers were in the production area daily. (Tr. 345). The grinder was in plain view. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091 (an employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because the hazard was in plain view and managers could have known of the condition with reasonable diligence, knowledge is established. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC at 1472 (Reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes, among other factors, the “obligation to inspect the work area, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence” of hazards.).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The classification of a citation as serious is not based on the likelihood of occurrence, but instead is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC at 1046. The citation was characterized as serious due to possible injuries, such as lacerations and amputations from a gap exceeding one-fourth inch. (Tr. 73). Respondent’s assertion that the classification should be other-than-serious is rejected. The gravity was rated as medium-lesser and reduced for employer size by 30% to $4,988. (Tr. 73.). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span>I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $4,988 for Citation 1, Item 12.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 13 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.219(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">)(2)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Collars and couplings</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Couplings.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Shaft couplings shall be so constructed as to present no hazard from bolts, nuts, setscrews, or revolving surfaces. Bolts, nuts, and setscrews will, however, be permitted where they are covered with safety sleeves or where they are used parallel with the shafting and are countersunk or else do not extend beyond the flange of the coupling. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that a rotating shaft on the Kobe Mill had unguarded bolts that extended beyond the flange coupling. (S. Br. 32). Respondent contends that no one working near the machine could get clothing caught on the bolts and there had been no history of injuries related to these bolts. (Tr. 397). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The lack of prior injury is not a defense to a violation of the cited standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Peacock</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 26 OSHC at 1590 (finding absence of prior injury not dispositive since goal of the Act is to prevent the first accident). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Bolts that protruded from a coupling on the Kobe Mill’s spinning shaft were not covered with a safety sleeve. The standard applied.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Employees were exposed to the hazard and the terms of the standard were violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">There was no dispute the bolts extended from the shaft’s coupling and were not sleeved. The dispute lies in whether an employee would predictably contact these bolts during machine operation. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission has long held the definition of the hazard depends on how the machine functions and how it is operated. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>18 BNA OSHC at 1074. To establish exposure under the cited standard, “the Secretary must show that it is reasonably predictable either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), that employees have been, are, or will be in the zone of danger.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The zone of danger is “that area surrounding the violative condition that presents the danger to employees [that] the standard is intended to prevent.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S&G</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1507. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As discussed above, the Kobe Mill was a series of interconnected modules resting on an I-beam platform. (Tr. 394-397). A horizontal shaft between the mill’s motor and the gear box had a flange coupling with bolts that protruded one inch. (Tr. 397, 77; Ex. P-19, p. 5).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The shaft rotated at 1700 rpm during the mill’s operation. (Tr. 76; Ex. P-19, p. 1). The coupling with the protruding bolts was about eight inches to the right of the gearbox. (Tr. 397). The shaft was about 15 inches from the front edge of the raised platform the Kobe Mill rested on. (Tr. 398). Employees walked along the front edge of the mill’s platform during operation. (Tr. 399; Ex. R-23, #P1040677). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>I find an employee could inadvertently contact these bolts because employees worked<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in close proximity to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the rotating shaft. The gears powering the Kobe Mill’s rollers were constantly bathed in oil during operations. (Tr. 400-03). A bucket used to add oil into the gear box as the oil<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">level dissipated was placed on the floor directly in front of the coupling’s bolts.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref50" href="#ftn50">49</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 399, 400-03; Ex. R-23, #P1040677). Employees walked past the rotating shaft during the mill’s operation, as illustrated in the video taken by the CO. (Tr. 76, 197-98; Ex. P-40, video #12). The video shows the employee was at least as close as 15 inches when he walked by the spinning bolts on the coupling. Further, the bucket placed directly in front of the coupling demonstrated an employee was near the rotating shaft when oil was added during the mill’s operation. There was no barrier or structure to prevent an employee from placing a hand on the shaft or from standing on the platform directly in front of the spinning shaft. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The standard was violated because the bolts that extended past the flange of the coupling were not covered with a safety sleeve. Further, employees were exposed to the bolts on the rotating shaft while the Kobe Mill operated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Kobe Mill was a large machine and in plain view. As the CO was recording a video of the machine in operation, the operator walked along the front edge of the Kobe Mill. (Ex. P-40, Video #12). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>stated that Home Rubber’s managers were in the production area “all the time every day.” (Tr. 345). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because the spinning shaft was in plain view and management knew that employees worked in the area, knowledge of the hazard is established. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091 (an employer has knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was characterized as serious</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref51" href="#ftn51">50</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>due to possible injuries, such as broken bones, if clothing was caught and an employee was pulled into the machine’s rotating parts. (Tr. 76). The gravity was rated as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">moderate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the penalty was reduced by 30% to $4,988 for employer size. (Tr. 77; Ex. P-19). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $4,988 for Citation 1, Item 13.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 14 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.242(b)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(b)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Compressed air used for cleaning</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">where</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>reduced to less than 30<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p.s.i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that employees used compressed air above 30<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p.s.i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. to clean clothing without the use of effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment. (S. Br. 34). Respondent contends that it was unaware employees used the compressed air to clean clothing and the serious classification is excessive. (R. Br. 31).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, its terms were violated, and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The CO observed an employee using compressed air to clean off his clothing. (Tr. 79-80). Employees told the CO they used the air to clean off the mills and to clean dust from their clothes. (Tr. 79). Photographs taken by the CO show the setting was above 90<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p.s.i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 79-81; Ex. P-20, pp. 4-5).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The standard was violated, employees were exposed, and the standard applied.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">An employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel. <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Employees used the compressed air in plain view, as witnessed by the CO. (Tr. 79). Home Rubber management employees were in the production area every day; Mr. Bole, plant manager, and R.B., maintenance manager, walked the plant throughout the week looking for safety hazards. (Tr. 79-80, 330, 345). Additionally, text on the face of the compressed air device stated that a setting above 30<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p.s.i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. was a federal violation. (Ex. P-20, p. 5). Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The classification of a citation as serious is not based on the likelihood of occurrence, but instead is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC at 1046. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was classified as serious due to possible injuries of particles blown into the eye and embolism if the nozzle deadheaded against skin. (Tr. 78-79). Respondent’s argument the classification should be other-than serious is rejected. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity was rated as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">low</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the penalty was reduced for employer size by 30% to $3,741. (Ex. P-20). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $3,741 for Citation 1, Item 14.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Items 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>These four alleged serious violations of the electrical standard were grouped together for a proposed penalty of $3,742. The four violations are for improperly installed equipment, broken equipment, a missing receptacle cover and an unclosed opening on a receptacle in the Mill Three area.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With respect to Item 15a, Respondent contends the violation should be classified as other-than-serious because the hazard was remedied during the inspection. For Items 15b, 15c, and 15d, Respondent contends these items are impermissibly duplicative because they arise from the same factual scenario. (R. Br. 31-33).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As discussed separately below, the Secretary proved applicability,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">exposure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and a violation of each cited standard. The four citations are combined for discussion of knowledge.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 15a,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">29 C.F.R. § 1910.303(b)(2) applied, was violated, and employees were exposed. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(b)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Examination, installation, and use of equipment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . .. (2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Installation and use</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The CO observed and photographed a 2x4 receptacle box near Mill Three that was designed to be mounted to the wall. Instead of being mounted to the wall, it was suspended by an electrical cord that ran over a door frame and was used to power two fans. (Tr. 82-83; Ex. P-21, p.4). The standard applied. The unmounted receptacle box was not installed as designed; thus, the standard was violated. Employees worked in and around the Mill Three area. Exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 15b,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">29 C.F.R. § 1910.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">303(b)(7)(iv) applied, was violated, and employees were exposed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(iv) There shall be no damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that are broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The CO observed and photographed a junction box in the Mill Three area with a broken conduit line. (Tr. 84, 86; Ex. P-22, p. 4). The standard applied. Respondent does not dispute the line was broken. The conduit line was damaged; thus, the standard was violated. Employees worked in and around the Mill Three area. Exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 15c,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">29 C.F.R. § 1910.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">305(b)(1)(ii) applied, was violated, and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(b)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cabinets, boxes, and fittings</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(1)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . .. (ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The CO observed and photographed an unmounted 2x4-inch metal receptacle box near the Mill Three area that had an opening at the top. (Tr. 86; Ex. P-23, p. 4 #30). The standard applied. The opening allowed dust to get inside causing a fire hazard from dust buildup. (Tr. 86). Respondent does not dispute there was an unclosed opening in the receptacle box. The box’s opening was not closed; thus, the standard was violated. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Employees worked in and around Mill Three area. Exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 15d,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">29 C.F.R. § 1910.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">305(b)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">) applied, was violated, and employees were exposed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(b) (2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Covers and canopies</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers identified for the purpose. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded. In completed installations, each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy. Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The CO observed and photographed a wall-mounted 2x4 inch metal receptacle box, used to power the unmounted receptacle, that did not have a cover. (Tr. 88; Ex. P-23, p. 4 #29). The Respondent does not dispute the cover was missing. The wall-mounted receptacle box’s cover was missing; thus, the standard was violated. Employees worked in and around the Mill Three area. Exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Items 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are not duplicative.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission may find a citation duplicative where the “standards cited require the same abatement measures, or where abatement of one citation item will necessarily result in the abatement of the other item as well.” <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Rawson Contractors, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>20 BNA OSHC1078, 1082 n.5 (No. 99-0018, 2003)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Flint Eng’g. & Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 2052, 2056-57 (No. 90-2873,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1992).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Here, each item requires a separate abatement measure. Respondent’s assertion that the items are duplicative is rejected.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Knowledge for Citation 1, Items 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The unmounted, hanging receptacle box in items 15a and 15c was in plain view just outside the Mill Three production area. (Tr. 82; Ex. P-21, pp. 4-5). The broken conduit line of item 15b was in plain view near Mill Three. (Tr. 84, 86; Ex. P-22, p. 4 #30). The wall-mounted receptacle box of item 15d was also in plain view in the Mill Three area. (Ex. P-23, p. 4 #29).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">All violative conditions were in plain view. Home Rubber management employees were in the production area every day and the plant manager and maintenance manager walked the plant throughout the week looking for safety hazards. (Tr. 79-80, 330, 345). An employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel. <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091. Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious classification and penalty for Citation 1, Items 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The classification of a citation as serious is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs, not the likelihood of occurrence. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC at 1046. The citation items were classified as serious due to possible injuries from electrical shock and burns. (Tr. 82, 84-86, 88). For item 15a, wires can become loose inside an unmounted receptacle box and electrify the box. (Tr. 82). For item 15b, the conduit to the junction box was broken exposing the conductors inside. (Tr. 84-85). For time 15c, the opening on the top of the unmounted 2x4 receptacle box allowed dust to accumulate inside creating a fire hazard. (Tr. 86). For item 15d, the mounted receptacle box had a missing cover allowing employee contact with the wires inside the box. (Tr. 88). Respondent’s argument the classification should be other-than-serious is rejected.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity was rated as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">low</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the penalty was reduced for employer size by 30% to $3,742. (Ex. P-21, Ex. P-22, Ex. P-23, Ex. P-24). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for these violations.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref52" href="#ftn52">51</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> I affirm the serious classification and the grouped penalty of $3,742 for Citation 1, Items 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 16 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.305(g)(2)(iii)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(g)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Flexible cords and cables</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . . (2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Identification, splices, and terminations.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. .. (iii) Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that flexible cords in the Mill department had torn strain relief in three instances: a control panel for the slitter machine, an extension cord to a pedestal fan in Mill Three area, and an electrical safety bar near the Kobe warm-up mill. (S. Br. 37).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.305(g)(2)(iii). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, its terms were violated, and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The CO observed and photographed the three flexible cords used to power a pedestal fan in the Mill room, a safety bar on the Kobe Mill, and the control panel of a slitter machine. (Tr. 89-91; Ex. P-25, pp. 5-7). The control panel to the slitter machine’s cord had torn strain relief.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref53" href="#ftn53">52</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 89; Ex. P-25, p. 7). The extension cord to a pedestal fan used to cool rubber in the Mill Three area had torn strain relief at both ends. (Tr. 89; Ex. P-25, p. 7). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">And,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the flexible cord that powered a safety bar on the Kobe Mill had torn strain relief. (Tr. 89-90; Ex. P-25, pp. 5, 6). Employees worked in these areas several times a week or daily. (Tr. 38, 89, 344). I find the standard’s requirements were violated, employees were exposed, and the standard applied.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Photographs show the damaged strain relief was in plain view. (Tr. 90-91, Ex. P-25, pp. 5-7). Home Rubber management employees were in the production area every day and Mr. Bole, plant manager, and R.B., maintenance manager, walked the plant throughout the week looking for safety hazards. (Tr. 79-80, 90, 330, 345). An employer has constructive knowledge of conditions that are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel. <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hamilton</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1091. Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent contends that the violation should be classified as other-than-serious. (R. Br. 34). The classification of a citation as serious is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs, not the likelihood of occurrence. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC at 1046. Respondent’s argument the classification should be other-than-serious is rejected.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was classified as serious because when the strain relief is torn, conductor wires are exposed and can become damaged, which can result in fire and related injuries, such as, burns. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 90). The gravity was rated as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">low</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and a 30% size reduction was applied for a penalty of $3,742. (Tr. 90). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation. I affirm the serious classification and penalty of $3,742 for Citation 1, Item 16.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Items 17a & 17b</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 17a alleged a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(c)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">):<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bloodborne pathogens</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . .. (c)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Exposure control</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">--(1)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Exposure Control Plan</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) Each employer having an employee(s) with occupational exposure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref54" href="#ftn54">53</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as defined by paragraph (b) of this section shall establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 17b alleged a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.1030(g)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">):<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bloodborne pathogens</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . .. (g)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Communication of hazards to employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . . (2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Information and Training</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) The employer shall train each employee with occupational exposure in accordance with the requirements of this section. Such training must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With respect to Item 17a, the Secretary alleges that Respondent did not develop and implement a written bloodborne pathogen Exposure Control Plan for employees that were expected to cleanup blood or bodily fluids. With respect to Item 17b, the Secretary alleges that Respondent did not provide a bloodborne pathogen training program for employees that were expected to cleanup blood or bodily fluids. (S. Br. 38, 40).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standards, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(c)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) and § 1910.1030(g)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standards applied and the standards were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because employees used knives to cut rubber there was always a possibility an employee could be cut. (Tr. 312, 416). Maintenance employees were expected to clean up blood in the plant. (Tr. 91-92, 312). The standard applied. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employees tasked with cleaning up the blood told the CO that Home Rubber had not provided training.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref55" href="#ftn55">54</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 93). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>thought there had been training, but there was no record of training in the office of the original safety and compliance manager, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Zigler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 426). Home Rubber had not provided bloodborne pathogen training. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>thought Home Rubber had a written policy; instead, he found it was merely a pamphlet from the National Safety Council. (Tr. 92, 425-26; Ex. R-15). Respondent admits it did not have a written Exposure Control Plan for bloodborne pathogens. (R. Br. 35). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Home Rubber violated the standard’s requirements because it did not establish a written Exposure Control Plan and did not provide training to the employees assigned to clean up blood.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Employees were exposed to the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Maintenance employees were responsible for cleaning up blood at Home Rubber. (Tr. 92). On May 6, 2016, two maintenance employees cleaned up the blood after a mill operator’s hand was caught in the Chrome Mill. (Tr. 92). Employee exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew that knives were used to cut the rubber so there was a risk of blood from cuts. (Tr. 312, 416). Both Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Mr. Bole, plant manager, expected the maintenance employees to clean up the blood. (Tr. 335, 368, 427-28). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was nearby immediately after the accident and knew that R.B. and V.D. cleaned up the blood. (Tr. 427-28). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew a bloodborne pathogen policy and training were needed but did not ensure the policy and training were developed and implemented. (Tr. 426). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080 (knowledge is directed to the physical condition that constitutes the violation). Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent contends the violations should be classified as other-than-serious because management mistakenly believed it had a written bloodborne pathogen policy and training program. (R. Br. 34-35). The classification of a citation as serious is not based on the likelihood of occurrence, but instead is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC at 1046. The citation items were classified as serious because of the potential of exposure to pathogens in the blood, such as Hepatitis B. (Tr. 92). Respondent’s argument the classification should be other-than serious is rejected.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity was rated as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">moderate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the penalty was adjusted 30% for the employer’s size resulting in a grouped penalty of $6,236 for the two items. (Ex. P-26, p. 1). I find these penalty adjustments are appropriate for these violations. I affirm the serious classification and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">grouped</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalty of $6,236 for Citation 1, Item 17a and Item 17b.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 18 – Alleged serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(f)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hepatitis B Vaccination</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) Hepatitis B vaccination shall be made available after the employee has received the training required in paragraph (g)(2)(vii)(I) and within 10 working days of initial assignment to all employees who have occupational exposure unless the employee has previously received the complete hepatitis B vaccination series, antibody testing has revealed that the employee is immune, or the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that upon initial assignment to the Mill department Respondent did not provide the Hepatitis B vaccination for employees that were expected to cleanup blood and bodily fluids. (S. Br. 41). Respondent contends that the one of the employees had already received the vaccine and the other employee declined. (R. Br. 36-37).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the following reasons, I find that the Secretary established a violation of the cited standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(f)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied and employees were exposed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Maintenance department employees working in the Mill department were expected to clean up blood and bodily fluids, thus Home Rubber was required to offer the Hepatitis B vaccine within 10 days of assignment. (Tr. 94). The standard applied.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On May 6, 2016, maintenance employees cleaned up the blood after an accident in the Chrome Mill area. (Tr. 92-93). Employee exposure is established. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard was violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">During the inspection, the maintenance employee, V.D., told the CO he had not received a Hepatitis B vaccination. (Tr. 94-95, 182-83). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that just after the accident, he did not know if the vaccine was offered to V.D. (Tr. 335). Maintenance manager R.B. had received the Hepatitis B vaccination before working at Home Rubber. (Tr. 430). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As a part of its abatement documentation, Home Rubber submitted a waiver from V.D. that stated the Hepatitis B vaccine had been offered and he declined the vaccination. (Ex. R-1, p. 16). The waiver was dated January 9, 2017. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber was required to offer the vaccine to a maintenance employee within 10 days of initial assignment. Even if May 6, 2016, was considered the initial day of assignment, a waiver dated January 9,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2017</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was not within ten days of that assignment. The standard’s requirements were violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Home Rubber had knowledge of the hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew that maintenance employees cleaned up the blood after the accident. (Tr. 427-28). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Phoenix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080 (knowledge is directed to the physical condition that constitutes the violation). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>did not know whether the Hepatitis B vaccine had been offered to employees. (Tr. 335). Knowledge is established because with reasonable diligence Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>would have known the vaccine was not offered to maintenance employees within 10 days of assignment to the maintenance department. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">NLLC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19 BNA OSHC at 1472 (Reasonable diligence for constructive knowledge includes, among other factors, the “obligation to . . . take measures to prevent the occurrence” of hazards.)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation was classified as serious because of potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as Hepatitis B. (Tr. 95). The classification of a citation as serious is not based on the likelihood of occurrence, but instead is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC at 1046. Respondent’s argument the classification should be other-than-serious is rejected. The gravity was rated as moderate and adjusted 30% for employer size to $6,236. (Tr. 95; Ex. P-28, p. 1). These penalty adjustments are appropriate for this violation.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The serious classification and penalty of $6,236 for Citation 1, Item 18 is affirmed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">OTHER-THAN-SERIOUS CITATIONS</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 3, Item 1 – Alleged other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1904.39(a)(2)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(a)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Basic requirement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . .. (2) Within twenty-four (24) hours after the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees or an employee's amputation or an employee's loss of an eye,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as a result of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a work-related incident, you must report the in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye to OSHA.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent did not report the work-related in-patient hospitalization and amputation that occurred on May 6, 2016. (S. Br. 42). Respondent contends the accident and hospitalization were reported on the next business day, Monday, May 9, 2016. (R. Br. 37).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed, the standard was violated, and knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span>Employers are required to notify OSHA within 24 hours of an inpatient hospitalization related to a work injury. There is no dispute that Respondent did not notify OSHA within 24 hours of the in-patient hospitalization of the mill operator. The injury occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. on May 6 and the employee was hospitalized that afternoon. (Tr. 429; Ex. P-31, p. 2). Employee exposure and applicability are established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber notified OSHA on May 9, three days after the accident. (Tr. 102, 429).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Because the accident occurred on Friday, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>thought he could report the next business day, Monday, May 9. (Tr. 430). Nonetheless, the standard’s 24-hour requirement is clear. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 429). A violation of the standard occurred because Respondent did not notify OSHA of the hospitalization within 24 hours. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was at the mill when the employee was injured and knew the employee was admitted to the hospital on Friday, May 6. Knowledge is established. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">Other-than-serious Classification and Penalty</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The citation was classified as other-than-serious because it was a reporting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the cited hazard would not likely lead to death or serious injury. (Tr. 103);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See generally, Super Excavators, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1313, 1317 (No. 89-2253, 1991) (lack of MSDS would not result in serious injury);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Crescent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1 BNA OSHC at 1222. The maximum penalty for an other-than-serious violation is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$12,471.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref56" href="#ftn56">55</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 3, Item 1 was grouped with Item 2 and Item 3 for a $3,500 proposed penalty. (S. Br. 42-43). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The other-than-serious classification for Citation 3, Item 1 is affirmed and the grouped penalty of $3,500 is assessed. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 3, Item 2 – Alleged other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.134(k)(6)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:6.667px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(k)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Training and information</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . .. (6) The basic advisory information on respirators, as presented in appendix D of this section, shall be provided by the employer in any written or oral format, to employees who wear respirators when such use is not required by this section or by the employer.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed, the standard was violated, and knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The standard applied because Home Rubber supplied N95 respirators (dust mask) for voluntary use by its employees. (Tr. 104). Employees working in the mill were not given the necessary information from appendix D about the use of the respirators. (Tr. 104). The standard was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and employees were exposed. Mr. Bole and Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew the respirators were provided for employee use. (Tr. 105). Knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary classified the cited hazard as other-than-serious. (Tr. 104-05). The penalty was grouped with Citation 3, Item 1. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The other-than-serious classification for Citation 3, Item 2 is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirmed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the grouped penalty is assessed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 3, Item 3 – Alleged other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(l)(6)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(l) . . . (6)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Certification</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l). The certification shall include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed, the standard was violated, and knowledge established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The standard applied and employees were exposed because employees operated forklifts at Home Rubber. (Tr. 63-64, 393). The standard was violated when the safety and compliance manager, Mr. Fisher, did not document the certification for a new employee as required by the cited standard. (Tr. 105). Mr. Fisher knew that he had not documented the required information. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As the safety and compliance manager, his knowledge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is imputed to Home Rubber. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">AEDC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2095. (Knowledge is imputed through an employer’s supervisory employees.) Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary classified the cited hazard as other-than-serious. (Tr. 106). The penalty was grouped with Citation 3, Item 1. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The other-than-serious classification for Citation 3, Item 3 is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirmed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the grouped penalty assessed. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 3, Item 4 – Alleged other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200(e)(1)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(e)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Written hazard communication program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (1) Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met, and which also includes the following: (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using a product identifier that is referenced on the appropriate safety data sheet (the list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas); and, (ii) The methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the cleaning of reactor vessels), and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed, the standard was violated, and knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The standard applied because Home Rubber used hazardous chemicals in its rubber production. Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>provided the material safety data sheets for several chemicals used, including<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">naptha</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, toluene, carbon black, sulfur, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Industrene</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>R. (Tr. 107; Ex. P-34, pp. 5, 24, 32, 132, 143). There was no written hazard communication plan for the employees that used the chemicals in their work areas. (Tr. 107). Thus, the standard was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and employees were exposed. The material safety data sheets showed the hazards of the chemicals used. (Tr. 107-08). Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Balka</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew the chemicals were used daily and Home Rubber had no written program. (Tr. 107-08). Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary proposed a zero penalty and classified the cited hazard as other-than serious because it was a violation for lack of documentation. (Tr. 107). The other-than-serious classification for Citation 3, Item 4 is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirmed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and zero penalty assessed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 3, Item 5 – Alleged other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200(h)(3)(iv)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(h)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Employee information and training</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . (3)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Training.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Employee training shall include at least: . . . (iv) The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system used by their employer; the safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">The standard applied, employees were exposed, the standard was violated, and knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The standard applied because employees used chemicals in rubber production. Employees were not trained on OSHA’s newly adopted global harmonization system, which would have provided information to employees about symbols on the safety data sheets and how to read a safety data sheet. (Tr. 109). The employees had received prior hazard communication training, but not on the new requirements of the standards. (Tr. 110). Employees were exposed and the standard was violated. Mr. Fisher,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">safety</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and compliance manager, knew the employees had not been trained. (Tr. 110). Knowledge is established.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary proposed a zero penalty and classified the cited hazard as other-than serious. (Tr. 109). The other-than-serious classification for Citation 3, Item 5 is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirmed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and zero penalty assessed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">In Summary</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:30px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>Home Rubber willfully violated the requirements to provide audiometric testing for employees operating Mill Three.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:30px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">2.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber did not prove that it was infeasible to guard the ingoing nip points on the Chrome Mill, Kobe Mill, Mill Three, and Mill One.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:30px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">3.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The willful and serious violations were properly classified.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-left:30px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">4.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary proved his prima facie case for all thirty alleged violations.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Findings Of Fact<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">And</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span>Conclusions Of Law</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">All findings of fact and conclusions of law relevant and necessary to a determination of the contested issues have been made in this decision. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Fed. R. Civ. P. 52(a). All proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law inconsistent with this decision are denied. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">ORDER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">           </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is ORDERED that:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 1a, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.22(a)(1) and Citation 1, Item 1b, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.22(a)(2), are AFFIRMED, and a grouped penalty of $6,236 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 2, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(d)(1), is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $8,730 is assessed.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:line-through ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 3, alleging a serious violation of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(k)(1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">), is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $8,730 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">4.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 4, alleging a serious violation of 29<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1910.106(e)(6)(ii</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">), is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $3,742 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 5, alleging a serious violation of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(c)(6)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is AFFIRMED,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and a penalty of $6,236 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">6.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 6, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147(c)(7)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)(B), is AFFIRMED,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and a penalty of $6,236 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">7.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 7, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.147(f)(3)(ii)(D)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $6,236 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 8, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.157(g)(2)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $3,742 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 9, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.178(l)(4)(iii)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $4,988 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 10, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.212(a)(1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $4,988 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:120px; text-indent:-.952cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">11.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 11, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.212(a)(3)(ii)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $8,730 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">12. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 12, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.215(b)(9)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $4,988 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">13. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 13, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.219(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)(2)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $4,988 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">14. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 14, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.242(b)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $3,741 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 15a, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.303(b)(2)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and Citation 1, Item 15b alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.303(b)(7)(iv), Citation 1, Item 15c alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.305(b)(1)(ii), and Citation 1, Item 15d alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.305(b)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) are AFFIRMED, and a grouped penalty of $3,742 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">16.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 16, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.305(g)(2)(iii)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $3,742 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">17.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 17a, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.1030(c)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and a serious violation Citation 1, Item 17b, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(g)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) are AFFIRMED, and a grouped penalty of $6,236 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">18. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 18, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(f)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $6,236 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">19. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 2, Item 1a, alleging a willful violation of 29 C.F.R. § 19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.95(g)(5)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and Citation 2, Item 1b, alleging a willful violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(g)(6), are AFFIRMED, and a grouped penalty of $74,825 is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">20. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 3, Item 1, alleging an other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1904.39(a)(2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is AFFIRMED, and a grouped penalty of $3,500 is assessed for Citation 3, Items 1, 2 and 3.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">21. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 3, Item 2, alleging an other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1910.134(k)(6)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is AFFIRMED and the penalty is grouped with Citation 3, Item 1.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">22. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 3, Item 3, alleging an other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(l)(6) is AFFIRMED and the penalty is grouped with Citation 3, Item 1.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 3, Item 4, alleging an other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200(e)(1) is AFFIRMED, and no penalty is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">24.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 3, Item 5, alleging an other-than-serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200(h)(3)(iv) is AFFIRMED, and no penalty is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-right:114.267px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">                                                                    /s/ _________________________</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:288px; margin-right:114.267px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Carol A. Baumerich</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:288px; margin-right:114.267px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Judge, OSHRC</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; margin-right:114px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; margin-left:288px; margin-right:114px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Date: September 23, 2019</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Washington, D.C.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<hr/>"
      <div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; ">
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
			</div>
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					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"></a> </p>
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					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">1 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“[A]n 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or a dose of fifty percent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the noise standard’s “action level.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95(c)(2).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> An “audiogram” is a “chart, graph, or table resulting from an audiometric test showing an individual’s hearing threshold levels as a function of frequency.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">app.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">I.</span></p>
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					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">2 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Section 1910.95(g)(1) requires an employer to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided in this paragraph by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Section 1910.95(g)(5)(i) requires the employer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">to obtain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">[w]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ithin 6 months of an employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">s first exposure at or above the action level,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">And § 1910.95(g)(6) requires the employer to obtain a new audiogram<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">[a]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">t least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">3 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The worksite and Home Rubber’s principal place of business are both in New Jersey, so this matter may be appealed to the Third Circuit or the D.C. Circuit. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. § 660(a)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">(b). The Commission generally applies the law of the circuit to which the decision is likely to be appealed. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kerns Bros. Tree Serv.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 2064, 2067 (No. 96-1719, 2000). </span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">4 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">safety director position was held by multiple people, and was vacant for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">a period of time, between Zigler’s departure and the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">inspection and citation.</span></p>
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					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The state did not test noise levels for the Chrome Mill as it was not added to the facility until 2007.<span>
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					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">6 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>It is unclear exactly when Home Rubber stopped obtaining audiograms. The Secretary states that Home Rubber “implemented its hearing policy for several years</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">in the early 2000s,” but stopped testing at least by 2006. Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">produced copies of some audiograms that it obtained for employees in 2000 and 2002. </span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">7 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber implies, though does not directly argue, that Zigler’s knowledge cannot be imputed to it since he left the company in 2006. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Bu</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">t the Commission has rejected the notion that a former supervisor’s knowledge cannot be imputed to an employer for purposes of assessing willfulness. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Caterpillar, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1731, 1732 (No. 93-373, 1996),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 122 F.3d 437 (7th Cir. 1997) (rejecting employer’s claim that a violation was not willful because only the former, not the current, supervisors had heightened awareness of the cited hazard). </span></p>
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					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To the extent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vaguely<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">asserting a good faith belief defense to willfulness,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we reject<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">argument</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">because<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>did not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>present this affirmative defense below, and the Commission “will ordinarily not review issues that the Judge did not have an opportunity to pass on.” Commission Rule 92, 29 C.F.R. § 2200.92</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also Dover High Performance Plastics, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>No. 14-1268,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2020 WL 5880242, at *4 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">O.S.H.R.C.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Sept. 25,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2020) (violation not willful if employer proves it had a “good faith” belief that its conduct conformed to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">law)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn10" href="#ftnref10"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">9 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">This is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">largely<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">why t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary’s reliance on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Great Lakes Packaging Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 2138, 2141-42 (No. 97-2030, 2000)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">in which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the Commission found that an employer’s failure to obtain annual audiograms was willful</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, is misplaced</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">violation in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Great Lakes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was willful because the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">employer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">fail</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">obtain audiograms</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>after being<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">informed five separate times by its insurance company over the course of a year<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">that OSHA required it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">do so</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">at 2139-42.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">evidence “clearly show[ed]”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the company<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">both “knew of OSHA’s requirement to conduct audiometric testing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">its own failure to do so.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">at 2142 (emphasis added)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">In contrast, Home Rubber was informed of OSHA’s audiogram requirements a single time—following an audit that it voluntarily sought from the state—and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">responded by adopting a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">h</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">earing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">rotection<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">olicy and conducting testing. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn11" href="#ftnref11"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commissioner Laihow<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">finds</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">company’s initial safety and compliance efforts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, as well as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">provision of hearing protection to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">all of its mill</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>operators</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>weigh against<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a plain indifference finding.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Chairman Attwood</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>agrees that plain indifference was not established, but<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">find</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company’s requirement that Mill Three operators use<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the provided<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hearing protection<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">should be accorded no positive weight because Home Rubber never required the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">same of its Chrome Mill<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">operators. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn12" href="#ftnref12"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">11 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>To be sure, the length of time that passed without testing shows that Home Rubber could, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, have learned of its failure to test. But establishing that an employer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">should</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>have known of a violative condition for the purpose of proving the knowledge element of the Secretary’s case is not the same as establishing that it willfully allowed that violative condition to occur. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Branham Sign Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2135 (“[A] lack of diligence that supports a finding of constructive knowledge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">does not establish willfulness.”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn13" href="#ftnref13"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">12 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber was also issued an other-than-serious citation for failing to comply with this certification requirement, which the judge affirmed. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">violation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">was not raised by Home Rubber<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">in its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">petition for discretionary review</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and is not at issue on review</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn14" href="#ftnref14"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">13 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">To<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the extent Home Rubber is arguing that the Secretary was required</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">to prove that the bolts posed a hazard to establish a violation, that argument fails because the standard itself presumes that protruding bolts pose a hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">: “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Bolts, nuts, and setscrews will, however, be permitted where they are covered with safety sleeves or where they are used parallel with the shafting and are countersunk or else do not extend beyond the flange of the coupling.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.219(i)(2).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">presumes that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">protruding bolts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">without</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>safety sleeves that are not countersunk or that otherwise extend beyond the flange of the coupling, like those on the Kobe Warm-up Mill, pose a hazard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Fabricated Metal Products, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1072, 1073 n.4 (No. 93-1853, 1997) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">when<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">“specification standard” set</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>forth specific design requirements, “proof of noncompliance</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">establishes the existence of a hazard”).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn15" href="#ftnref15"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">14 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">’s testimony<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">sheds no light on this issue</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. After being asked</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“how close the employees got to the rotating parts,”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the compliance officer responded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">: “Probably about a foot. There was a bucket in front of the area. It was unclear what the bucket was used for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">And w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">hen asked, “what would cause an employee to be in the area” of the rotating bolts, the compliance officer replied: </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">I don’t know. They have buckets. But if you turn to page 5 of 5 of Exhibit [C-19], there’s a bucket directly in front of it. Looking at photo number 22, there’s another bucket on top of the machine, placing them within about a foot distance from this rotating shaft.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn16" href="#ftnref16"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Chairman Attwood notes that for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reasons stated in her dissenting opinion in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">N. E</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">. Precast</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, she<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">disagrees with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the test<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>duplicativeness<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">set forth</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in that decision.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 26 BNA OSHC at 2283-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">94<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Attwood,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commissioner</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, dissenting).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> However, because she concludes that the separate citation items at issue here do not violate due process, she agrees that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">y</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>are not duplicative.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn17" href="#ftnref17"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">16 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The compliance officer testified that both Balka and Bole told her that the vaccination had not been offered to one employee. And Balka acknowledged as much at the hearing, stating that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">employee’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">signed statement<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">declining the vaccination “was not, I understand, timely </span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(f)(2)(iv) (employees who decline vaccination must sign statement<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">included in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Appendix A to the standard)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn18" href="#ftnref18"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">17 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">With respect to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">tem 5 (Periodic inspection of energy control procedure), there is unrebutted testimony from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that unexpected energization of the machines in the mill department could result in serious injuries such as amputations or broken bones, and that this risk was amplified because the machines use several different energy types, such as electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With respect to Item 9 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">E</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">valuation of forklift operator performance), there is unrebutted testimony from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that forklift accidents can result in broken bones, lacerations, and amputations. This testimony is supported by the cited provision’s preamble</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>63 Fed. Reg. 66,238, 66,238 (Dec. 1, 1998) (stating the cited requirement is “intended to reduce the number of injuries and deaths that occur as a result of inadequate training”).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With respect to Items 15</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Electrical violations), there is unrebutted testimony from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the violations could result in electric shock, first-degree burns, and smoke inhalation in the event of a fire. This testimony is also supported by the preamble</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the electrical<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">installations standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">72 Fed. Reg. 7</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">136, 7</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">136 (Feb. 14, 2007)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(stating that electrical violations can result in electric shock, burns, fires, and explosions).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With respect to Item 18 (Hepatitis B vaccination), there is unrebutted testimony from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">compliance officer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the violation exposed employees to a risk of acquiring Hepatitis B. And the preamble to the final standard states that Hepatitis B can result in “serious liver” diseases, with about one third of infected individuals experiencing “severe” symptoms including jaundice, extreme fatigue, anorexia, nausea, and abdominal pain, and some developing “Fulminant hepatitis” which is “85% fatal even with the most advanced medical care.” 56 Fed. Reg. 64,004, 64,009 (Dec. 6, 1991).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn19" href="#ftnref19"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">18 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Specifically, we assess a penalty of $6,236 for Item 5, $4,988 for Item 9, $3,742 for Item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>15(a)-(d), and $6,236 for Item 18. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn20" href="#ftnref20"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">19 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>In the interest of privacy, the injured employee will be referred to as J.L. The maintenance manager will be referred to as R.B. The maintenance employee will be referred to as V.D.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn21" href="#ftnref21"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">20 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Company owner, Richard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Balka was upstairs, in his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">office, when the accident occurred. (Tr. 426-27). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn22" href="#ftnref22"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">21 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>References in this decision to May 16 mean May 16,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">2016 and to June 2 mean June 2, 2016.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn23" href="#ftnref23"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">22 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Chrome Mill was not at the factory in 1999; it was added in 2007. (Tr. 342-43, 354-55)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn24" href="#ftnref24"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">23 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>By contrast, a </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">de minimis</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "> violation, “is one in which there is technical non-compliance with a standard but the departure from the standard bears such a negligible relationship to employee safety and health as to render inappropriate the assessment of a penalty or the entry of an abatement or order.” </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Keco Indus., Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "> 11 BNA OSHC 1832, 1834 (No. 81-1976, 1984);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">see also,</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Otis Elevator Co.</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1167, 1168 (No. 90-2046, 1995) (a </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">de minimis</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "> violation is one where the deviation from the cited standard increases the risk of injury so slightly that the relationship of the violation to safety and health was not direct or immediate).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn25" href="#ftnref25"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">24 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">As defined in the Appendix to the cited standard, the action level is “[a]n 8–hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels measured on the A-scale, slow response, or equivalently, a dose of fifty percent.” </span><span style="font-size:11pt; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.95, App. I. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn26" href="#ftnref26"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">25 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent relies on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Great Lakes Packaging Corp.</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">1998 WL 558896, at *5-6<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">(No. 97-2030, 1998) (ALJ) (finding two violations were other-than-serious) to support its argument that the noise citations should be classified as other-than-serious. This reliance is inapt. The cited case was not the final order of the Commission and has no persuasive nor precedential value. On review, the Commission reversed the ALJ’s other-than-serious classification and determined one of the citations was willful. </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Great Lakes Packaging Corp</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 2138, 2143-44 (No. 97-2030, 2000). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn27" href="#ftnref27"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">26 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Audiograms conducted in 2000 and 2002 for four employees were submitted for the record. (Tr. 97, 100-01; Ex. P-30, pp. 6-10). One was a baseline audiogram dated October 4,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">2000 for one employee. The others were follow-up audiograms for three employees dated March 29, 2002. </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "> No other audiogram records were presented.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn28" href="#ftnref28"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">27 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "> OSHA established new penalties effective August 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">2016 for violations occurring after November 2, 2015, pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015, Pub. Law 114-74 § 701, 129 Stat. 559-602 (2015). 81 Fed. Reg. 43430 (July 1, 2016). The violation in the instant case occurred after November 2, 2015 and was assessed after August 1, 2016 and on or before January 13, 2017, thus the statutory maximum of $124,709 and statutory minimum of $8,908 applied. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn29" href="#ftnref29"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">28 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The record evidence fully supports the serious classification pled regarding Citation 1, Item 2. In his discretion, Complainant, the Secretary of Labor, has not pled, in the alternative, a willful classification regarding Citation 1, Item 2. Accordingly, analysis of whether Respondent’s violation of 29 C.F.R. §1910.95(d)(1) also supports a willful classification is not necessary.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn30" href="#ftnref30"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">29 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>OSHA established new penalties effective August 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">2016 for violations occurring after November 2, 2015, pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015, Pub. Law 114-74 § 701, 129 Stat. 559-602 (2015). 81 Fed. Reg. 43430 (July 1, 2016). The violation in the instant case occurred after November 2, 2015 and was assessed after August 1, 2016 and on or before January 13, 2017, thus the statutory maximum of $12,471 applied. </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn31" href="#ftnref31"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">30 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Mr. Fisher was the safety and compliance manager at the time of the OSHA inspection.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn32" href="#ftnref32"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">31 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent asserted the citation should be other-than-serious because of immediate abatement. Abatement records show this condition was abated December 6, 2016, which was 6 months after the inspection and several weeks after the citation was issued in October 2016. (Ex. R-1, p. 2)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn33" href="#ftnref33"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">32 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C.F.R. § 1910.22(a) was amended effective January 16, 2017. Final Rule, Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment, 81 Fed. Reg. 82494, 82521 (Nov. 18, 2016) (to be codified at 29 C.F.R. pt. 1910). Here, the cited condition occurred on May 16, 2016, prior to the amendment.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn34" href="#ftnref34"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">33 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">The CO estimated the Mill Three area was approximately 30 by 30 feet based on information she received from Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">Balka during the investigation. (Tr. 460). Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">did not rebut the CO’s estimate of the size of the Mill Three area.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn35" href="#ftnref35"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">34 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The material safety data sheets for the following chemicals were entered into the record:<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">naptha, toluene, carbon black, limestone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Satintone W, silicon dioxide, Sundex, Calsol, Sunpar 2280, specialty magnesium oxide, Dixie Clay, Industrene R, sulfur, and dicumyl peroxide. (Ex. P-34, pp. 5, 24, 32, 40, 45, 55, 67, 75, 87, 100, 109, 120, 127, 132, 141, 150). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn36" href="#ftnref36"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">35 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>In her testimony, the CO referred to a “directive that we follow for combustible and explosive dust.” (Tr. 141). Here the cited condition was not a combustible dust allegation but an allegation for excessive amount of dust on the floor and surfaces in the Mill Three area.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn37" href="#ftnref37"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">36 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">The OSHA analytical chemist that conducted the laboratory tests for the dust sample testified about the methods used and the results. (Tr. 221, 223).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn38" href="#ftnref38"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">37 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber argued that the accumulated amount of dust was less than five percent. (Tr. 381). However, this argument was based on the size of the entire mill production room, not the much smaller Mill Three area at issue here. (Tr. 371, 382). This argument is meritless because the Secretary only alleges excess dust accumulation in the Mill Three area.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn39" href="#ftnref39"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">38 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber’s lockout-tagout procedures also uses the term “impacted employees” for its machine operators. (Ex. P-13, p. 5, 14).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn40" href="#ftnref40"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">39 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent subsequently trained all its employees in January 2017. (Ex. R-1).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn41" href="#ftnref41"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">40 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>I do note that a different standard, not cited here, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.158(g)(4), requires training only for employees designated to use<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">firefighting equipment</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">. That is not pertinent to the standard cited here, which requires training for all employees on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">portable fire extinguishers</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn42" href="#ftnref42"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">41 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Home Rubber had documentation for a forklift evaluation conducted by the safety and compliance manager, Michael Strasser, in June 2010. (Ex. P-33, p. 3). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn43" href="#ftnref43"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">42 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Tim Fisher became the safety and compliance manager about two years before the inspection. (Tr. 347, 353).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn44" href="#ftnref44"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">43 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">A close-up photograph, without an employee, also showed the rotating shaft close to the oil pot. (Ex. P-16, pp. 3, 5).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn45" href="#ftnref45"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">44 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The classification of a citation as serious is not based on the likelihood of occurrence, but instead is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">23 BNA OSHC at 1046.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn46" href="#ftnref46"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">45 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The operator adds half of the 75-pound block of the natural rubber into the in-running nip area of the machine’s rollers at a time. (Tr. 410, 415). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn47" href="#ftnref47"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">46 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Dr. William Howard was Secretary’s expert on the issue of machine guarding. (Tr. 298-326). Dr. Howard visited Home Rubber’s facility and watched two of the mills operate for about 10 minutes each. (Tr. 317). He was an expert in machine design and guarding; however, he had no experience or knowledge of the specific type of rubber processing done at Home Rubber. (Tr. 305-06, 457-58).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn48" href="#ftnref48"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">47 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>A safety mat device is “a device consisting of a sensing surface and control, which detects the presence of a person on its surface.” (Ex. P-38, p. 20).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn49" href="#ftnref49"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">48 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">“Section 1910.212(a)(1) is specific in its requirements. Accordingly, a reference to industry custom and practice is unnecessary.” </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Ladish Co</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 10 BNA OSHC 1235, 1238 (No. 78-1384, 1981)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn50" href="#ftnref50"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">49 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The photograph also shows a large drum of oil nearby. (Ex. P-19, p. 4).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn51" href="#ftnref51"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">50 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The classification of a citation as serious is not based on the likelihood of occurrence, but instead is related to the severity of harm when an accident occurs. </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See Mosser,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">23 BNA OSHC at 1046.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn52" href="#ftnref52"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">51 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent asserted the penalty amounts were excessive and cited two unreviewed ALJ decisions as support for this assertion. Because these decisions have no precedential value, Respondent’s argument is rejected. </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; font-size:11pt; ">Elliot</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC at 2114 n.4 (</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_cosearchterm style_cosearchterm " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">Unreviewed</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "> administrative law judge decisions have no precedential value.).</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn53" href="#ftnref53"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">52 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>This was repaired during the CO’s inspection. (Tr. 89).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn54" href="#ftnref54"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">53 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Occupational Exposure</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>means “reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(b).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn55" href="#ftnref55"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">54 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Balka believed that the maintenance manager, R.B., had received training outside of Home Rubber due to his work as a volunteer fireman. (Tr. 430). Nonetheless, this does not relieve Home Rubber’s duty under the cited standard to provide an Exposure Control Plan and training. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See Gary Concrete Prod., Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1051, 1055 (No. 86-1087, 1991) (employer cannot rely on employee’s judgment, work experience or non-specific training);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">A.P. O'Horo Co</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 14 BNA OSHC 2004, 2010 (No. 85-369, 1991) (improper for the employer to rely entirely on the prior experience of its crew in lieu of providing specific trenching instruction tailored to the job at hand).</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn56" href="#ftnref56"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">55 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>OSHA established new penalties effective August 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; ">2016 for violations occurring after November 2, 2015, pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015, Pub. Law 114-74 § 701, 129 Stat. 559-602 (2015). 81 Fed. Reg. 43430 (July 1, 2016). The violation in the instant case occurred after November 2, 2015 and was assessed after August 1, 2016 and on or before January 13, 2017, thus the statutory maximum of $12,471 applied. </span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span></p>
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