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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; margin-right:24px; ">United States of America</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; margin-right:24px; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">C</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">OMMISSION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; margin-right:24px; ">1120 20<span style="position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; ">th</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Street, N.W., Ninth Floor</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; margin-right:24px; ">Washington, D.C.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>20036-3457</p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR,</p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:center; ">Complainant,</p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:center; ">v.<span>
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						<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_Heading2 style_Heading2 " style="text-align:left; outline-width:2; " xmlns:text="urn:oasis:names:tc:opendocument:xmlns:text:1.0" text:is-list-header="true"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:13pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
								</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:13pt; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC<span>
								</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:13pt; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:13pt; font-size:12pt; ">ocket No.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:13pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
								</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:13pt; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:13pt; font-size:12pt; ">8-1261</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">HOURAN USA CONSTRUCTION, LLC,</p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:center; ">Respondent.</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">Appearances:<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>David J. Rutenberg, Esq.<span>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Office of the Regional Solicitor</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>United States Department of Labor</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>201 Varick Street, Room 983</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>New York, N.Y. 10014</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For the Complainant</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Steve J.<span>
					</span>Houran,<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Pro Se</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Houran<span><span></span>
					</span>USA Construction, LLC</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>10 Stuyvesant Ave., 2<span style="position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; ">nd</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Floor</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For the Respondent</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">Before:<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Keith E. Bell</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Administrative Law Judge</p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span> </p>
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				<p style="page-break-before:page; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;"></span> </p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>This proceeding is 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. § 451 (the Act). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an inspection of a worksite located</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">193 Palisade Ave. in Jersey City, N.J. 07306</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on or about<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">May 9, 20</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">1</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">8</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. As a result,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">o</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">n<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">July 13, 2018</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">OSHA issued a Citation and Notification o</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">f Penalty (Citation</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">) to<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>USA Construction, LLC<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">(</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent or<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">), alleging<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">multiple</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">violations of the Act. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Citation 1 include</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s three (3) items and is<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">classified as “serious”.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">This case<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">is a<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">simplified proceeding</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>under<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the Occupational Safety and Health Review<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Commission Rule</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s of Procedure Rule</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>202. 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">2200.20</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">2</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Therefore, no complaint or answer was filed. Respondent did not assert an affirmative defense during the pre-hearing conference. 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">2200.207(b).<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">A hearing was held on June 11, 2019.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">For the reasons that</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>follow, Citation 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Items 1, 2, and 3<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">are AFFIRMED.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Jurisdiction</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The parties have stipulated to the Commission’s jurisdiction over this proceeding and cove</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">rage under the Act. (JX-1, no. 1)</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref1" href="#ftn1">1</a></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The parties have<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">stipulated that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is a New Jersey</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>co</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">mpany</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with its principal place of business in<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Lyndhurst</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, New Jersey</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">(JX-1, no.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">2</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>T</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">evidence adduced at the hearing establishe</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">d</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was an “employer” engaged in a “business affecting commerce” within the meaning of section 3(5) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 652(5).</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The evidence supports a finding</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the Act<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">applies,</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the Commission has jurisdiction over this proceeding pursuant to section 10(c) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 659(c). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="page-break-before:page; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;"></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Stipulated</span><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span>Facts</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">2</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_NoSpacing style_NoSpacing " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Jurisdiction of this action, OSHRC Docket No. 18-1261</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is conferred upon the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission by<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ection 10(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1590, 29 U.S.C. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">651,<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">et seq</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.).</span></p>
			<div>
				<p class="style_NoSpacing style_NoSpacing " style="text-align:justify; margin-left:24px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_NoSpacing style_NoSpacing " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Houran</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>USA Construction, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey, maintaining its principal office and place of business at 10 Stuyvesant Ave., 2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>Floor, Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071, and doing business in the State of New Jersey, is and at all times hereinafter mentioned was engaged in residential and commercial construction and related activities. </span></p>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_NoSpacing style_NoSpacing " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Steve J.<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Houran</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>is and at all relevant times was the owner and president of Respondent.</span></p>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_NoSpacing style_NoSpacing " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent performed work at 193 Palisade Ave., Jersey City, N.J.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>07306 (worksite) on, among other dates, May 9, 2018.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">3</a></span></p>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Background</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>USA Construction, LLC</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is a New Jersey limited liability corporation engaged in residential and commercial construction and related activities. JX-1, no</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2. Steve J.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is the owner and president of the company. JX-1, no. 3. Respondent performed work at 193 Palisade Ave. in Jersey City, New Jersey</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on May 9, 2018. JX-1, no. 4. The worksite was a small renovation job on a<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">100-year-old</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>historic building that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">involved</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>fixing the gutters, soffits, corbels, and the installation of siding. Tr. 287-88. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The building consisted of three stories. Tr. 131, 197-198; GX-2. On the outside of the building was a four-tier tubular scaffold that was wrapped around the front and right side (facing the building) of the building. Tr. 31.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">OSHA Inspection</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">On May 9, 2018, OSHA Compliance Officer (CO) Idalia Rosa</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Venkatraman was assigned<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">perform local targeting inspection</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for fall hazards in Jersey City. Tr. 25. In the course of<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">performing her duties, CO Venkatraman happened upon a worksite located at 193 Palisade Ave. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Initially,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Venkatraman parked across the street from the worksite and made observation</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s of</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the workers and the work being done. Tr. 26. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">T</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">he</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">n,</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the CO</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>took some pictures of the worksite. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">At</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the front of the building</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, the CO<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">observed a sign that read, “</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>USA Construction”. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> CO Venkatraman approached an employee working outside and asked to speak to the project manager. Tr. 26. The employee went inside the building and returned with the project manager whose name was Jerry<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Pod</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">czerwnski</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Jerry). Tr. 26-27</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 31</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. Jerry confirmed that he was the project manager. Tr. 32, 34. The CO conducted an opening conference with Jerry</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. Tr. 31. Additionally, she conducted interviews with other</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees on the<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">worksite</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">includ</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ing</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Neil<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Sonnick</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Jose Castro, Angel Diaz, and John Massey</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. Tr. 34</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 37.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Discussion</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">To prove a violation of an OSHA standard, the Secretary must show by a preponderance of the evidence that (1) the cited standard applies; (2) the employer failed to comply with the terms of the cited standard; (3) employees had access to the violative condition; and (4) the employer either knew or could have known with the exercise of reasonable diligence of the violative condition. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">JPC Grp., Inc</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 22 BNA OSHC 1859, 1861 (No. 05-1907, 2009). A preponderance of the evidence is “that quantum of evidence which is sufficient to convince the trier of fact that the facts asserted by a proponent are more probably true than false.” </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharma. Prods</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 9 BNA OSHC 2126, 2131, n. 17 (No. 78-6247, 1981)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part,</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>681 F.2d 69 (1st Cir. 1982).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; margin-right:57.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">Alleged Vio</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">lation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">100(a)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Citation 1, Item 1 alleges a viol</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">100(a)</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>which states</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">: </span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">[e]mployees<span><span></span>
					</span>working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling, or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_NoSpacing style_NoSpacing " style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Specifically,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleges that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on or about May 9, 2018, an employee working on the ground floor of the worksite was not wearing a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hard hat</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and was exposed to a potential head injury while working below employees performing carpentry work on a scaffold</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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: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: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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Venkatraman</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>observed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>working in front of the building picking up garbage</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Tr. 49. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CO Venkatraman</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">observed,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and the photographic evidence purports to show the employee<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">walking underneath the scaffold without a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hard hat</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Tr. 52;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>CX-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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: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: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: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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cited</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>standard applies.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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 class="style_NoSpacing style_NoSpacing " style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CO Venkatraman testified that she observed Jose Castro<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">working on the ground floor picking up garbage in front of the building. Tr. 49. She further testified that Mr. Castro was not wearing a hard hat. Tr. 52. Instead, Mr. Castro was wearing a baseball cap while walking underneath the scaffold. Tr. 58. There were employees above Mr. Castro working from the scaffold</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(approx. 24 feet high)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>using tools such as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">caulking gun</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, hammer, and other materials. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Additionally, the scaffold was not completely planked. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> CO Venkatraman testified that there was a danger of Mr. Castro being struck in the head by falling objects. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; 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:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Finally, CO Venkatraman testified that there were no nets or toe boards to catch falling objects. Tr. 59. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Jose Castro testified that he didn’t have his hard hat on because he had just returned from a break. Tr. 243. Owner Steve<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Houran</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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 his employees don’t like to wear hard hats because it makes them sweat. Tr. 293. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Notwithstanding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; 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; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>defense, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he standard requires employees working under these conditions to wear protective head gear. The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited standard was violated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; 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="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Employee Exposure</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Employees may come within the zone of danger “while in the course of assigned working duties, personal comfort activities while on the job or their normal means of ingress-egress to their assigned workplaces.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Gilles &<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Cotting</span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 3 BNA OSHC 2002, 2003 (No. 504, 1976)</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">T</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">he Third Circuit</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Court of Appeals</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has held that an employee is exposed to a hazard if he/she has<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">access to the zone of danger.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Donovan v. Adams Steel Erection, Inc</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 766 F.2d 804, 812 (3d Cir. 1985)<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">(“</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">‘</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">access,’ not exposure to danger is the proper test”).<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Venkatraman observed that employee J</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ose<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">C</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">astro</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was not wearing a hard hat<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">even though</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>he was walking underneath the scaffolding.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> Tr. 52. The CO expressed concern that an employee working on the ground below the scaffolding could be struck in the head by</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>falling object. Tr. 58. Mr. Castro testified that he was working 10-15 feet away from the scaffold. Tr. 238. Moreover, he<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">initially<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">claimed that he never passed under the scaffold. Tr. 239</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">However,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Castro then conceded that he must have been under the scaffold at some point during the day. Tr. 240.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Employee exposure to the fall</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ing/flying object</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hazard is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Employer Knowledge</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Commission has held that an employer is chargeable with knowledge of conditions which are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">A.L. Baumgartner Constr.</span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">16 BNA OSHC 1995, 1998 (No. 92-1022, 1994).</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">“An employee who has been delegated authority over other employees, even if only temporarily, is considered to be a supervisor for the purposes of imputing knowledge to an employer.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Tampa Shipyards Inc</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 15 BNA OSHC 1533, 1537 (No. 86-630, 1992)</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(consolidated)</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Dover Elevator Co</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 16 BNA OSHC 1281, 1286 (No. 91-862, 1993) (</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">noting that “</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">It is the substance of the delegation of authority that is controlling, not the formal title of the employee having this authority; an employee who is empowered to direct that corrective measures be taken is a supervisory employee</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.”</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. v. OSHRC,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">737 F.2d 350, 352</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 355 (3d Cir. 1984)</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, the Third Circuit considered the crew leader of a three-person electrical utility crew at a remote worksite to be a supervisor for purposes of determining the employer's knowledge of the violative conditions.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Owner</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Steve<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was not at the worksite on the day of the inspection. Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">45</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. Instead</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Jerry<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">identified himself<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">to CO Venkatraman as the project manager on site. Tr. 32, 34. Other employees interviewed also referred to Jerry as their supervisor. Tr. 34. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">In rebuttal,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">S</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">teve<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that Jerry was just a “consultant” who happened to be on-site on the day of the inspection. Tr. 302-03. Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>further testified that Jerry was not the project manager. Tr. 304. According to Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, the project manager was a man named Scott Adkins who was absent on the day of the inspection and he was the person in charge. Tr. 304-05. Finally, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified, “to the best of my knowledge, I can’t pinpoint who was really<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">took in (sic) charge.” Tr. 307.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran’s</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>statements<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">denying that Jerry was the supervisor on May 9, 2018, are undermined by the fact that, during the inspection, Jerry instructed Angel Diaz to close the gap in the guardrail and Angel responded, “ok boss”. Tr. 82-83. In any case, Respondent’s assertions regarding the<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">absence of a person in charge during the inspection do not negate the Secretary’s theory that Respondent had “constructive” if not “actual” knowledge of this and other violative conditions cited. Sec’y<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">B</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">r. 2</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">-3, 20. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">To establish constructive knowledge, the Secretary must show that the employer, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, could have known of a hazardous condition.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Kerns Bros. Tree Serv</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 18 BNA OSHC 2064, 2067 (No. 96-1719, 2000).</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Based on CO Venkatraman’s testimony, Mr. Castro was observed working in plain sight near or underneath the scaffold without a hard hat. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Venkatraman also testified that</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Mr. Castro had to go inside the building to get the<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Jerry the project manager. So</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, it is possible that Jerry was unaware that Jose Castro was not wearing his hard hat. However, with reasonable diligence, he could have discovered this violative condition.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">It is noteworthy that Jerry still did not instruct Mr. Castro to put on his hard had when the CO brought it up during the closing conference. Tr. 60. In fact, CO Venkatraman only observed Jose Castro put on his hard hat as she was exiting the worksite. Tr. 62-63. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">It has been held that a</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">n employer has a duty “to take<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">reasonably</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>diligent measures to inspect its worksite and discover<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">hazardous conditions; so long as the employer does so, it is not in violation simply because it has not detected or become aware of every instance of a hazard.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1995533442&pubNum=0003227&originatingDoc=Iba763926339611e7b73588f1a9cfce05&refType=CA&fi=co_pp_sp_3227_1051&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Search)#co_pp_sp_3227_1051"><span class="style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-style:italic; color:WindowText; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-style:italic; "><span class="IDLVSNQO1O1JMXOBKYTZWMJAEGFCX3J15AWZTA20RTYVKUBO0JXL">Texas A.C.A., Inc.</span></span><span class="style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="color:WindowText; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span class="IDSQMURXWH0SR0NSSP5ZLCOJ00COMTW2CPUWEBT2H5CFSWGAZQPXUK">, 17 BNA OSHC 1048, 1051 (No. 91-3467</span></span></a><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 1995) (citations omitted).<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Commission has held that an employer is chargeable with knowledge of conditions which are plainly visible to its supervisory personnel. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">A.L. Baumgartner Constr. Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">16 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1998.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Assuming<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">arguendo</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the undersigned<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">accept</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran’s</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">contention</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that there was no on-site supervisor at the time of the inspection, the evidence still establishes a finding of constructive knowledge of this violation. Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>admitted that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">his employees don’t like to wear hard hats and sometimes work without them because the hats make them sweat. Tr. 293</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">With that knowledge, Jerry or Steve<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>should have been diligent about checking to make sure that all employees were wearing hard hats on the day of the inspection. Steve</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that he was nearby the worksite. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">287. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">So, it was possible for him to return to the worksite before or during the inspection to observe Jose Castro working near and under the scaffold without a hard hat in plain sight. </span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">W</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">hether<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the undersigned</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>believe</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that Jerry was the site supervisor or that the supervisor was absent, the Secretary has established constructive knowledge in that a reasonably diligent employer<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">would have</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>inspected</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the worksite and</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>observed this employee working in plain sight without a hard hat.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; "> However, the evidence of record clearly establishes that Jerry was the on-site supervisor on the day of the inspection.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">T</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">he Secretary has proven, by a preponderance of the evidence, that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">R</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">espondent violated 29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">100</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">(</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">a</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Serious Classification</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">To prove a violation</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was “serious” under section 17</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">(</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">d) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 666(d)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Secretary must show there was a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could have resulted from the cited condition and that the employer knew or should have known of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">condition; the likelihood of an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">accident occurring is not required.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Spancrete</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>N</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">e.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1020, 1024 (No. 86-521, 1991).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Based on her experience, CO Venkatraman testified that the injury that could have resulted from Jose Castro’s failure to wear a hard hat while working near or under a scaffold could have ranged from a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bump on the head to a severe laceration, concussion, or other serious injury. Tr. 58-59. The testimony regarding the serious nature of this violation is unrebutted.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Secretary has met his burden of proving that the violation alleged in Citation 1, Item 1 is properly classified as serious.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">Alleged Violation</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">451(</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">g)(4)(</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">i</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">2</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleges a violation</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">451(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">g</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">4</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">i</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">) which states:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[g]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">uardrail</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">platforms. Guardrail systems shall be installed before the scaffold is released for use by employees other than erection dismantling crews.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Specifically, Citation</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">2</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleges</span><span><span></span>
					</span>that on or about<span>
					</span>May 9, 2018, employees working on the fourth tier of a scaffold were exposed to a fall of approximately 24 feet because the scaffold was missing a guardrail. CO Venkatraman observed,<span><span></span>
					</span>and the photographic evidence shows a gap in the guardrail on the top<span><span></span>
					</span>(fourth)<span><span></span>
					</span>tier of the scaffold. Tr.<span>
					</span>27;<span>
					</span>CX-4, 5. The cited standard applies.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Upon arrival at the worksite, CO Venkatraman observed guardrails missing from the scaffold that framed the building and an employee working on the scaffold exposed to a fall hazard of about 24 feet. Tr. 25. The CO testified that there appeared to be two rails missing from the top tier of the scaffold. Tr. 142, 165. The gap in the guardrail was approximately seven (7) feet wide.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">4</a></span> Tr. 69. The CO noticed an employee working on the scaffold on the right side (facing the building)<span><span></span>
					</span>on the fourth tier which was missing guardrails. Tr. 49; GX-4. CO Venkatraman interviewed the<span>
					</span>employee<span>
					</span>seen<span>
					</span>working on the scaffold, Angel Diaz, who informed her that he was performing soffit repair. Tr. 54. When the CO inquired about the missing guardrails, Jerry informed her that they were removed the day before because they were hoisting up materials. Tr. 61. Steve<span>
					</span>Houran’s<span><span></span>
					</span>testimony supports Jerry’s explanation regarding the missing guardrails. Tr. 298. Respondent argues that<span>
					</span>the scaffold was to be dismantled. Tr. 288. Yet,<span>
					</span>Jerry never mentioned anything about dismantling the scaffold. Tr. 298<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span> According to Jose Castro, they finished the job on the morning of the inspection and were in the process of breaking down the scaffold to get it out of the way. Tr. 216. If true, Respondent’s claim would negate a violation of this standard because<span><span></span>
					</span>dismantling a scaffold is an exception to the requirement to have guardrails. However, Respondent’s argument is rejected as inconsistent with CO Venkatraman’s observations and the<span>
					</span>statement of Angel Diaz regarding the work he was performing. The<span>
					</span>cited standard was violated.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Employee Exposure</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>CO<span>
					</span>Venkatraman<span><span></span>
					</span>testified that she observed and employee working atop the scaffold on the fourth tier with missing guard rails. Tr. 49. She confirmed her observations with an interview of the employee seen working on the scaffold. Tr. 54. Another employee, John Massey, was performing soffit repair on the left-side of the building. Tr. 40-41. He was doing his work from the roof of the adjacent building; however,<span>
					</span>he<span>
					</span>admitted<span><span></span>
					</span>that he had to<span><span></span>
					</span>access the scaffold<span>
					</span>to<span>
					</span>get to and from the other building. Tr. 41. CO Venkatraman testified that she observed an employee enter the building from the top/fourth tier of the scaffold. Tr. 49. Presumably, all employees on the scaffold were within the zone of danger which was the<span>
					</span>gap created by the missing guardrail.<span>
					</span>However, the Secretary need not show it was certain that employees would be in the zone of danger, but he must show that exposure was more than theoretically possible. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated Metal Prods., Inc</span>. 18 BNA OSHC 1072, 1074 (No. 93-1853, 1997);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix Roofing</span>, 17 BNA OSHC<span>
					</span>1076<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>1079<span><span></span>
					</span>(No. 90-2148, 1995)<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span>, 79 F.3d 1146 (5th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 1996);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Kaspar</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Wire Works, Inc</span>., 18 BNA OSHC 2178, 2195 (No. 90-2775, 2000) (finding that it was “<span><span></span>
					</span>‘reasonably predictable’ that an employee would come into contact with the unguarded belt and pulley either while attempting to reposition the fan, or inadvertently while passing nearby”),<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff'd</span>, 268 F.3d 1123 (D.C. Cir. 2001).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Given the CO’s observations of employees working on and accessing the top tier of the scaffold where the guardrail was missing, it was<span>
					</span>reasonably<span>
					</span>predictable that<span>
					</span>those<span>
					</span>employees would be in the zone of danger. Employee exposure is established.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Employer Knowledge</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The evidence is clear that both Jerry and Steve<span>
					</span>Houran<span><span></span>
					</span>were aware that the guardrails had been removed before the inspection. Tr. 61, 298. Employer knowledge is established.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary has proven, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Respondent violated 29 C.F.R. §1926.451(g)(4)(i).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Serious Characterization</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>CO Venkatraman testified that the employee working from the scaffold was exposed to a fall of approximately 24 feet. Tr. 25.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">5</a></span> She<span>
					</span>also<span>
					</span>testified that the opening in the scaffold constituted an “imminent danger”. Tr. 177. CO Venkatraman further testified that a fall from a height of approximately 24 feet to the concrete below could been deadly, or at least resulted in broken bones. Tr. 107. The Secretary’s characterization of this violation as “serious” is established.<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">Alleged Violation of 29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">1926.1053(b)(1)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">3</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleges a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">1053(b)(1)</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>which states: </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">[</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">w]hen portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the ladder is used to gain access, or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder’s length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to slip off its support.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Specifically, Citation 1, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">3</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleges that, on or about<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">May 9, 2018, employees were exposed to a ladder<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">extend</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ed</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>onto<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">1</span><span style="color:#000000; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; ">st</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>floor of the house</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>but</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>did not extend three (3) feet over the landing.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">6</a></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">T</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">he photographic evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">clearly<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">shows a ladder</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on the worksite</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that does not extend three feet above the upper landing. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Tr. 28-29;<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CX-6, 7</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>& 8</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">7</a></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The cited standard applies.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Venkatraman testified that there was an extension ladder inside the building</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>extending from the ground floor to the second floor. Tr. 83. The CO recognized the ladder as a Werner extension ladder. Tr. 85. The ladder was missing the extension part that would have made it a full 20 feet in length.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> Without the missing part, the ladder was approximately 13 feet in length.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Tr. 171.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Venkatraman counted the rungs of the ladder to determine<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">its length as used at the worksite. Tr. 85. The ladder extended approximately 1 foot over the landing. Tr. 86. The height of the second floor over the ground floor was 10 feet. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> According to CO Venkatraman, the ladder only extended one (1) foot over the landing because it was placed at an angle rather than perpendicular. Tr. 87. Additionally, CO Venkatraman testified that the ladder was just leaning against the landing and was not secured to anything. Tr. 86. Respondent</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">’s defense is</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the ladder didn’t belong to it. Tr. 227, 299. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">To that end, Jose Castro</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that there were subcontractors on site doing plumbing and electrical<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">work<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">on the day of the inspection. Tr. 210. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">However,<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Venkatraman did not observe any subcontractors on site during her inspection. Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">173.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Also, e</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ven if there were subcontractors, Respondent Steve<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>confirmed that his company was the general contractor<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">in charge<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">on site. Tr. 300. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Moreover, his testimony that employees understand that the ladder<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">must</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>be held by another helper down below supports<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the CO’s testimony that the ladder was not secured as required by the standard</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. Tr. 292. The cited standard was violated.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Employee Exposure</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>CO Venkatraman testified that she observed an employee access the ladder during her inspection. Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">89. Her observation is supported by a photograph taken during the inspection. GX-6. The man observed using the ladder was an employee of Respondent as confirmed by a conversation the CO had with him and others. Tr. 90-91. Employee exposure is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Employer Knowledge</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The project manager, Jerry, told the CO that the cited ladder was the easiest way from the first floor to the second floor. Tr. 91.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">8</a></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> Steve<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran’s</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testimony that employees knew they had to have a helper down below holding the ladder when using it, indicates his knowledge that the ladder was not secure. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Assuming that</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>neither Jerry nor Steve<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(who was elsewhere at the time of the inspection)<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">saw<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">employee</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>u</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">sing</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the ladder as depicted in GX-6, both are charged with constructive knowledge because reasonable diligence would have revealed this violation in plain sight. Employer knowledge is established. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary has established, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Respondent violated 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">1926.1053(b)(1).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Serious Characterization</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Venkatraman testified that an employee on the cited ladder could have lost balance/footing and fallen approximately 10 feet to the ground below thereby suffering an injury ranging from fractures</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to paralysis or death. Tr. 108. The Secretary’s characterization of this violation as “serious” is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Penalty Determination</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Commission, as the final arbiter of<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">penalties</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, must give due consideration to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">gravity</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of the violation and to the employer's size, history and good faith.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">J.A. Jones Constr. Co.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 15 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">2201,</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">2213-</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">14</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">N</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">o. 87-2059, 1993)</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>These<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">factors</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>are not necessarily accorded equal weight, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">gravity</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is generally the most<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">important</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">factor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Trinity Indus., Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1481, 1483 (No. 88-2691, 1992).<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">gravity</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of a violation depends upon such matters as the number of employees exposed, duration of exposure, precautions taken against injury, and the likelihood that an injury would result. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">J.A. Jones</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 15 BNA OSHC at 2213-14.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>provides</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>no argument regarding the proposed penalties, but rather makes an unsupported and oblique reference to the penalties as an “unwarranted financial hardship”. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Resp’t</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">B</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">r. 7.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "> CO<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Venkatraman</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">determined</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the penalty factors for each of the violations affirmed as follows:</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Symbol; padding-right:20px;">·</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 1: gravity</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">9</a></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>(</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">low</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">); employer’s size (</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">60</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">% reduction); history<span>
					</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(no reduction because employer had not been inspected in the past five years</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">); and good faith (</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">no<span>
					</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reduction</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>because employer did not provide copies of</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>written safety and health plan</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
				</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 111-14</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The proposed penalty for this violation is $2,217.00. Tr. 111.</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Symbol; padding-right:20px;">·</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: gravity (</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">high</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">);<span>
					</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employer’s size (60% reduction); history (no reduction<span>
					</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">because employer had not been inspected in the past five years); and good faith (no reduction because employer did not provide copies of written safety and health plan). </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 114.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The proposed penalty for this violation is $3,696.00. </span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="color:#000000; font-family:Symbol; padding-right:20px;">·</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: gravity (low);<span>
					</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employer’s size (60% reduction); history (no reduction because employer had not been inspected in the past five years); and good faith (no reduction because employer did not provide copies of written safety and health plan). </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 115-16.</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The proposed penalty for this violation is $2,956.00. Tr. 114.</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:24px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The evidence supports a finding that the penalties proposed are appropriate.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; ">The foregoing constitutes the findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">ORDER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; "><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>
			<p style="margin-left:44px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:44px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">1.</span>Citation 1, Item<span>
				</span>1<span><span></span>
				</span>alleging a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.100(a)<span><span></span>
				</span>is AFFIRMED as issued and a penalty in the amount of $2,217.00<span><span></span>
				</span>is imposed.</p>
			<p style="margin-left:44px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:44px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">2.</span>Citation<span>
				</span>1, Item<span>
				</span>2<span><span></span>
				</span>alleging a violation of 29 C.F.R. §1926.451(g)(4)(i)<span><span></span>
				</span>is<span><span></span>
				</span>AFFIRMED as issued and a penalty in the amount of $3,696.00 is imposed.</p>
			<p style="margin-left:44px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:44px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">3.</span>Citation 1, Item<span>
				</span>3<span><span></span>
				</span>alleging a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1053(b)(1)<span><span></span>
				</span>is AFFIRMED as issued and a penalty in the amount of<span>
				</span>$2,956.00 is imposed.</p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; margin-left:336px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; text-decoration:underline ;">__________</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">                                                                        <span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>KEITH<span>
					</span>E.<span>
					</span>BELL</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">                                                                        <span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Judge, OSHRC</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">Dated:<span>
					</span>February 7, 2020</p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-indent:1.27cm; ">Washington, D.C.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">This is to certify that a copy of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Notice/</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Order was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">sent</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the parties listed below<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">electronically using the Commission’s E-Filing System</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">January 27, 2020.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "> </p>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Jeffrey Rogoff,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Regional Solicitor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">U.S. Department of Labor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Office of the Solicitor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">201 Varick Street, Room 983</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">New York, New York 10014</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Attention:</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> David J. Rutenberg, Esquire</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Email: </span><a href="mailto:Rutenberg.david.j@dol.gov"><span class="style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Rutenberg.david.j@dol.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">SERVED VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Steve J.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Houran</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Pro Se</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">HOURAN USA CONSTRUCTION, LLC</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">10 Stuyvesant Avenue, 2</span><span style="position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; ">nd</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Floor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Lyndhurst, NJ 07071</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">
					</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:16pt; font-family:Brush Script MT; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Brush Script MT; font-size:16pt; text-decoration:underline ;">T.B. Dillard</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">T.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">B. Dillard, Administrative Asst.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Post Office Address:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Judge Keith Bell</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">OSHRC</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">One Lafayette Center</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1120 20th Str., N.W. - 9th Floor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Washington, D.C. 20036-3419</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:7.62cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(202) 606-5405<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">FAX (202) 606-5409</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; "> </p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-indent:1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<hr/>"
      <div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">1 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">JX denotes “Joint Exhibit”;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">X denotes “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Exhibit”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">; and RX denotes “Respondent Exhibit”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. </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="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">2 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">At the start of the hearing, the parties</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>identified stipulated facts which the undersigned</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>admit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ted into the record as</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Joint Exhibit no.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">1<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">that included<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">tipulated<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">acts 1-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> Tr. 10.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">3 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The parties’ Joint Exhibit 1 erroneously references “Jersey City, N.Y.” in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">tipulated<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">act no. 4. The undersigned correctly references the worksite as located in “Jersey City, N.J.”.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">4 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The CO did not take actual measurements of the gap in the guardrail; instead, she based her calculation on standard measurements. Tr. 69.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">5 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">CO Venkatraman did not take measurement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, but rather based her estimate of the height of the scaffold on her knowledge of standard scaffold sizes/measurements and the fact that the scaffold on this worksite had four tiers. Tr. 53.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">6 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Testimony adduced at the hearing reveal that the ladder</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">extended</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>from the ground floor<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">or first floor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the second floor of this three-story building. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">7 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">CX-8 was also designated as RX-1.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">8 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">CO Venkatraman<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">actually testified</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Jerry told her the ladder was the easiest way for employees to get from the “basement” to the first floor. However, her description of the building was clarified on cross examination to reflect that there was no basement since it was at ground level and not underground thereby making this a three-story building. Tr. 197-98. Accordingly, references to a “basement” are meant to refer to the first floor.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">9 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">During her testimony, CO Venkatraman referenced “severity” instead of “gravity”. The undersigned takes the two to be one in the same.</span></p>
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