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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">United States of America</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION<span>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR,<span>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> v. </span></p>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DENUCCI CONSTRUCTORS, LLC,</span></p>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent.</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC Docket No. 18-1847</span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Appearances:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Karla Jackson Edwards, Esq., Department of Labor, Office of Solicitor, Dallas, Texas</span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For Complainant</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Anthony D. Tilton, Esq. & Patrick S. Bickford,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Cotney</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction Law, LLP, Tallahassee, Florida</span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Before: Judge Patrick B. Augustine – U. S. Administrative Law Judge</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
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				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">I.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Procedural History</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On July 30, 2018, DeNucci Constructors LLC (“DeNucci” or “Respondent”) performed work at a jobsite located at 500 Sabine Street in Austin, Texas (“Worksite”). (Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 5). On said date, two of Respondent’s employees, Daniel Ponce (“Ponce”) and Ramiro Vasquez Paz (“Paz”), entered a trench on the Worksite in order to locate and uncover existing piping. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 10). At approximately 10:20 a.m., an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) Compliance Assistance Specialist (“CAS”), Joann Natarajan happened to walk by the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Worksite. (Tr. 39, 42-43). As CAS Natarajan walked past the Worksite, she observed two employees digging under and around four exposed pipes in the bottom of the trench. (Tr. 39, 42-43, 47-48, 50, 65-66). Based on her visual observations of the trench depth, angle, sides</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and sloughing of soil into the trench, she determined the trench was unsafe. (Tr. 51-56). </span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CAS Natarajan notified<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>about<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">what she observed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 54-56). In response,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>initiated an in</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">spection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Respondent and the Worksite. (Tr. 284). As a result of the inspection, Compliance Safety and Health Office</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">r</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(“CSHO”) Darren Beck recommended, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>issued, a Citation and Notification of Penalty (“Citation”) alleging two violations of the Act. (Tr. 320-321; Ex. C-2). The Citation alleged<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent failed to train its employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on unsafe excavation conditions</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, exposed its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees to a cave-in hazard and proposed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; 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-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalty of $12,934. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §§ 1926.21(b)(2), 1926.652(a)(1).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">withdr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w Citation 1, Item 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at the beginning<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of the trial. (Tr. 9-10).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cuyahoga Valley Ry. Co. v. United Transp. Union,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">474 U.S. 3 (1985) (holding Secretary’s discretion to withdraw citation is unreviewable).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As a result of the withdrawal, the only remaining item before the Court was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Citation 1, Item 2, with a proposed penalty of $6,467. (Tr. 9-10, 321-32</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent filed a timely notice of contest bringing the matter before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (the “Commission”). The matter was designated for Simplified Proceedings by the Chief Administrative Law Judge and assigned to th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Court on December 17, 2018. On</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">January 31, 2019, Respondent moved to discontinue simplified proceedings in favor of conventional proceedings</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">which motion<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was granted on February 19, 2019. A trial was held on August 8 and 9, 2019</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in San Antonio, Texas</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he following individuals testified: (1) CAS Natarajan; (2) Ramiro Vasquez Paz,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">through an i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nterpreter</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>one of Respondent’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">laborers; (3) Daniel Ponce,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">through an</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>interpreter</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">another<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">one of Respondent’s laborers; (4) Jorge Morales,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">through an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">interpreter</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent’s Worksite Foreman; (5) David Lucas, Respondent’s Superintendent; and (6) CSHO Darren Beck. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">oth parties submitted timely post-trial briefs.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">2</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Pursuant to Commission Rule 90, after hearing and carefully considering all the evidence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and the arguments of counsel</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Court issues this Decision and Order as its findings of fact and conclusions of law. </span></p>
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			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">II.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Stipulations & Jurisdiction</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The parties stipulated to various facts, including several jurisdictional details.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">3</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Ex. J-1). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Based on the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Joint</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tipulations, the Court finds the Commission has jurisdiction over th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>action pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 659(c).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, the Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">obtained jurisdiction over this matter under section 10(c) of the Act upon Respondent’s timely filing of a notice of contest.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">finds Respondent was an employer engaged in a business and industry affecting interstate commerce within the meaning of sections 3(3) and 3(5) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 652(3), (5). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">III.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Factual Background</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">4</a></span></p>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">The Company and Worksite</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DeNucci Constructors, Inc. operates as a construction company performing various construction<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and excavation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">services in the State of Texas. (Tr. 8; Ex. J-1 Stip. No</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 2, 5). In 2018, DeNucci was engaged in construction and excavation work on a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>located on Sabine Street in Austin, Texas</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t least seven employees. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5 &<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">6).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DeNucci’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">W</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">orksite management consisted of a general superintendent and Worksite foreman. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 6). On July 30, 2018, DeNucci’s general superintendent was David<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Lucas and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Worksite foreman was Jose Martin Morales</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 6). Both individuals oversaw all operations at the Worksite, including the excavation of a trench. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 6, 7, 8, 10, 12). On July 30, 2018, Superintendent Lucas and foreman Morales<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knew</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>two DeNucci laborers, Daniel Ponce and Ramiro Vasquez Paz, entered the trench to locate existing piping. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 10, 12). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">The Trench</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On July 30, 2018, DeNucci’s operator, Miquel Hernandez,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">dug</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a trench at the Worksite<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an excavator. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 6, 8). DeNucci was attempting to locate existing communication lines to replace them with new ones. (Tr. 160, 179, 236-239; Ex. R-28 at 1). At the bottom of the trench, DeNucci’s employees located four pipes at approximately 8-9 feet deep. (Tr. 40, 51, 292, 299-300, 385-386;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. R-13 at p. 2, R-21 at p. 4). At approximately 10:00 a.m., DeNucci’s employees Paz and Ponce entered the trench to hand dig the soil surrounding the four pipes. (Tr. 39-40, 47, 87-88, 385-386;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. J-1 Stip. No. 10, R-28 at p. 1). In order to enter the trench, both employees climbed down a ladder leaning on the northern end of the trench. (Tr. 48-</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">49, 89-90). Paz testified before he entered the trench, he could see the four pipes at the bottom of the trench<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">because</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>they had already been exposed. (Tr. 109-110). Paz further testified in order to hand dig around the pipes, he had to step off the ladder and stand on the bottom of the trench. (Tr. 90). Superintendent Lucas corroborated Paz’s testimony by testifying he observed both Paz and Ponce standing at the bottom of the trench while they dug around the exposed pipes. (Tr. 258-259). Ponce and Paz were in the trench for approximately 5-15 minutes. (Tr. 241; Ex J-1 Stip. No. 11).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">After DeNucci’s employees had entered the trench, OSHA CAS Natarajan walked by the Worksite, by happenstance, while on her way to an unrelated conference. (Tr. 39-41). As CAS Natarajan was walking by the Worksite, she observed two men in the bottom of a trench digging around four exposed pipes. (Tr. 39, 50). Through her observations, Natarajan<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">estimated</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the trench to be 8-9 feet deep</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">lacked</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>proper sloping, had material sloughing into it, and was ultimately unsafe. (Tr. 54-56). Based on her observations and experience, Natarajan called the OSHA Austin Area Office to make a safety hazard referral. (Tr. 55-56).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">The OSHA Inspection</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">After receiving the referral from CAS Natarajan, CSHO Darren Beck<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">traveled</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the Worksite and inspected it th</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>same day. (Tr. 284-285). Through the course of CSHO Beck’s investigation, he spoke with David Lucas, Jose Martin Morales, Daniel Ponce, Ramiro Vasquez Paz</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Paul DeNucci, the owner of DeNucci. (Tr. 299-300, 319-320, 356-357, 391;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. J-I Stip. No. 6, C-2). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As a result of Beck’s investigation, he determined while Ponce and Paz were in the trench it was hazardous and not in compliance with the cited standard. (Tr. 316-319, 387-391). CSHO Beck found,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">inter alia ̧<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the soil was Type B, the trench was 8-9 feet deep, the mouth of the trench at its widest point was 13 feet, the west and east walls of the trench were completely vertical,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the north wall was insufficiently benched, and the south wall was not benched at all. (Tr. 292-293, 295, 304, 306-319 360-367, 377;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. J-1 Stip. No. 9, C-6 at p. 580, C-7, R-13; R-21). Furthermore, Beck determined the widest part of the trench</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s bottom</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to be 3 feet. (Tr. 314-315); Ex. R-21 at p. 3).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DeNucci neither had nor enforced any trench safety rules pertaining to the Worksite. (Tr. 180, 206-207; Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 13). DeNucci’s superintendent Lucas testified the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ritten trench safety plan provided to OSHA was inapplicable to the Worksite. (Tr. 206-207). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Morales<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testified<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had never seen a written trench safety plan for the Worksite. (Tr. 161-162).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Furthermore, there were no safety measures taken before DeNucci employees entered the trench. Neither superintendent Lucas nor foreman Morales took any measurements of the trench before Ponce and Paz entered the trench. (Tr. 163-165, 174-175, 218-220). The record revealed that foreman Morales did not take any steps to determine the safety of the trench before Ponce and Paz entered. (Tr. 180). In fact, the record shows foreman Morales did not know the type of soil or what degree of angle slope was required. (Tr. 172-173). Ultimately, no safety precautions were relayed to the employees to make the trench safe or properly bench and slope it. (Tr. 180, 240-241).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With the investigation concluded, Beck determined that DeNucci had violated the requirements of Section 652(a)(1</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 316-319, 387-391). Based on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">his</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>findings</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he recommended, and OSHA issued, a citation with two serious items for violations of 29 C</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.21(b)(2) and 29 C</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.652(a)(1). (Tr. 9-10, 320-321). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As noted above, Complainant withdrew Citation 1, Item 1. Thus, the only item before the Court is Citation 1, Item 2, which alleges a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.652(a)(1).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">IV.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Discussion</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Law Applicable to Alleged Violations</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In order to establish a violation of a safety standard under the Act, in this case 29 CFR §1926.652(a)(1),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>must prove by a preponderance of the evidence: (1) the cited standard applies; (2) the employer failed to comply with the terms of that standard; (3)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees had access to the hazardous condition covered by the standard; and (4)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the employer knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the violative condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharm. Prods</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 9 BNA OSHC 2126, 2129 (No. 78-6247, 1981), </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 681 F.2d 69 (1st Cir. 1982);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Atlantic Battery Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 2131, 2138 (No. 90-1747, 1994).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has the burden of establishing each element by a preponderance of the evidence. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hartford Roofing Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1361 (No. 92-3855, 1995). “Preponderance of the evidence” has been defined as:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:53.733px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The greater weight of the evidence, not necessarily established by the greater number of witnesses testifying to a fact<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">but by evidence that has the most convincing force</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; superior evidentiary weight that, though not sufficient to free the mind wholly from all reasonable doubt, is still sufficient to incline a fair and impartial mind to one side of the issue rather than the other. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Black’s Law Dictionary, “Preponderance of the Evidence” (10th ed. 2014) (emphasis added). </span></p>
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			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:120px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:120px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Item 2</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Item 2 as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1): Each employee in an excavation was not protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.652 (b) or (c):<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On or about July 30, 2018, employees were installing an electrical manhole for the City of Austin wastewater line improvements in an excavation approximately 8 feet deep with inadequate cave-in protection, exposing employees to a cave-in hazard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation at 7.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section except when: (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) Excavations are made entirely in stable rock; or (ii) Excavations are less than 5 feet (1.52m) in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-1.27cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.652(a)(1). </span></p>
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				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Standard Applies<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Under Commission precedent, “the focus of the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s burden of proving that the cited standard applies pertains to the cited conditions, not the particular cited employer.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ryder Transp. Servs.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 24 BNA OSHC 2061, 2064 (No. 10-0551, 2014)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(concluding “that the Secretary has failed to establish that the cited general industry standard applies to the working conditions here”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">KS Energy Servs., Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>22 BNA OSHC 1261, 1267 (No. 06-1416, 2008)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(finding “the cited ... provision was applicable to the conditions in KS Energy's traffic control zone”),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 701 F.3d 367 (7th Cir. 2012);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Active Oil Serv., Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>21 BNA OSHC 1092, 1094 (No. 00-0482, 2005)(finding “that the confined space standard applies to the cited conditions” because “the vault was a confined space”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Arcon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>20 BNA OSHC 1760, 1763 (No. 99-1707, 2004)(“In order to establish a violation, the Secretary must show that the standards applied to the cited conditions.”)</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DeNucci<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a construction company</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">performing construction and excavation services when the violation occurred. (Ex. J-1 Stip. Nos. 2, 5, 7, 8). Therefore, the excavation work DeNucci performed would fall under the purview of Part 1926, Subpart P, Section 650 - Excavations. Any hazards involving excavations or trenches would fall within the scope of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">aforementioned Subpart</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>including its relevant sections. 29 C.F.R. § 1926.650</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The scope and application paragraph of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.650 is quite extensive and broad in its applicability. The excavation regulations scope applies to “all open excavations made in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">earth’s surface” and “excavations are defined to include trenches.” 29 C.F.R. § 1926.650(a). Excavation is further defined as “any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.650(b). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trench or trench excavation is defined as “a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet (4.6 m) ...” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.650(b). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO Beck concluded the trench was 8-9 feet deep, the mouth of the trench at its widest point was 13 feet and was three feet wide at the bottom. The trench was deeper than it was wide. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 314-315, 385-386; Ex. R-21).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Court finds 29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§ 1926.652(a)(1) applies</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Standard was Violated.<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Although the cited standard applies, Respondent contends Complainant failed to show Respondent did not comply with its terms. Respondent argues between the time CAS Natarajan saw two men in the trench and when CSHO Beck arrived on scene, the excavation was materially altered. Th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Court finds Respondent’s argument unpersuasive.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Here, the cited standard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">required Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to safeguard trenches in Type B soil</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">5</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by utilizing a system of benches and slopes at a 1:1 ratio or no more than a 45-degree angle</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or the use of trench box.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.652(b); 29 C.F.R. § 1926 Appendix B to Subpart P (Table B-1.2). The record reveals the west and east walls of the trench were not sloped to 45-degrees when Ponce and Paz were in the trench. (Tr. 54, 99-100, 186-187, 214, 310; Ex. C-6 at pp. 573-574, 580).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is undisputed Respondent did not use a trench box. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Instead, the record shows the west and east walls were vertical at the time the employees were in the trench and at the time CSHO Beck arrived. (Tr. 54, 99-100, 186-187, 214, 310; Ex. C-6 at pp. 573-574, 580). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Furthermore, the north and south sides of the trench had inadequate benching and/or sloping or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">none at all</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 310-313, 318-319; Ex. R-13).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The north side of the trench contained three partial benches. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">306-311</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ex.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>R-21 at p. 4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Superintendent Lucas and CSHO Beck measured the height of the partial benches from the bottom of the trench as 3 feet 6 inches, 2 feet, and 2 feet 6 inches. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 295</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 306-311</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ex.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>R-21 at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The north wall was also measured as benched back 5 feet. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 309-310;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-21 at p. 4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> This partial benching did not extend the entire width of the trench. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 310;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-21 at p. 4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Additionally, the south side of the trench contained no slopping or benching. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">312-313;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-13 at p. 3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> It would have been impossible for Respondent to slope the south wall at a 1:1 ratio without cutting through the paved sidewalk. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 53</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">389-390; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-13 at p. 3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Because the trench was 8-9 feet deep, Respondent would have needed to slope or bench every wall of the trench back at least 8-9 feet in order to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">comply</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with the required 1:1 ratio in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.652(b); 29 C.F.R. § 1926 Appendix B to Subpart P (Table B-1.2).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> However, the record reveals Respondent not only failed to bench the north side of the trench at least 8-9 feet back but did not bench or slope any of the trench’s walls at a 1:1 ratio. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 295, 306-311; Ex. R-21 at p. 4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent asserts after Ponce and Paz exited the trench, the excavation was materially changed due to continued excavator and skid-steer operations. (Tr. 104, 108, 114, 115, 142). Respondent claims the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">se</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>operations significantly altered the configuration and dimensions of the trench. Th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Court finds these claims lack</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>merit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">While the testimony support</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">excavation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>activities continued</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>after 10:30 a.m. (Tr. 104, 108, 114, 115, 142), the record overwhelming</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>shows the area where Ponce and Paz were working by the pipes was undisturbed. (Tr. 89-90, 109-110, 133-135;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6 at pp. 572-573, R-21 at pp. 1, 4, R-28 at pp. 1-2). Both Ponce and Paz<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">recalled</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>standing and cleaning on and around the pipes prior to CSHO Beck’s arrival. (Tr. 89-90,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">109-110, 133-135). Two hours later when CSHO Beck arrived, these same four pipes were still clean and unaltered by subsequent excavation. (Tr. 292, 295-296, 316-319, 387-391;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6 at pp. 572-573, R-21 at pp. 1, 4, R-28 at pp. 1-2). CSHO Beck<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">measured</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the depth of these pipes to be 8 feet. (Tr. 292). It was not until Respondent released white sand into the trench the pipes were covered up. (Tr. 292, 295-296, 387-391;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6, R-21, R-28).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent had</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>dumped<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sand</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>into the bottom of the excavation between the time CSHO</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Beck arrived at the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Work</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">site and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">before he could finish his investigation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">295-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">296</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In addition to the unaltered depth of the trench, the record indicates the length had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>changed from the morning to the time of the inspection. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 319-320, 35</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-357</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent incorrectly argues in order to measure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the width of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a trench opening, you also measure outside of the opening including up to the cuts in the pavement or sidewalk. (Tr. 265-268;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6 at p. 580, R-13). Following this erroneous formula, Respondent would have measured the trench opening to be 16 feet. (Tr. 265-268;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6 at p. 580, R-13).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The record revealed when<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">measur</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; 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-size:12pt; ">n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>opening of an excavation, the measurement does not include horizontal flat areas or sidewalks outside of the opening.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 304-305, 316-319;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-7</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>sentiment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">further supported</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">diagrams</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and tables in the standard.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR §1926, Subpart P, Appendix B, Table B-1.2.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> CSHO Beck correctly measured the trench opening to be 13 feet. (Tr. 360-361; Ex. R-13 at p. 3).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Court finds neither measurement would bring Respondent into compliance with the cited standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926, Subpart P, Appendix</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B, Table B-1.2). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an 8-9 feet deep trench with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Type B soil,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>would have had to bench or slope on a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1:1 ratio</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.652(b); 29 C.F.R. § 1926 Appendix B to Subpart P (Table B-1.2)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Since the depth of the trench was 8-9 feet,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">needed to slope or bench the walls of the trench back at least 8-9 feet.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As such</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the trench’s opening</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>needed to be at least<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">19-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">feet<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">wide to account</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for a depth of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>feet and a width at the bottom of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>feet.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 310</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-311</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 390-391</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. C-7)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In order to bring the trench into compliance, Respondent would have had to remove the pavement and sidewalk that CAS Natarajan was walking on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or install a trench box</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 53; Ex. C-6 at pp. 580, 590). The record does not support the contention that the pavement or sidewalk was altered at all between the time CAS Natarajan saw two men in the trench and when CSHO Beck arrived for inspection. (Tr. 53, 360-361;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6 at pp. 580, 590, R-13). Accordingly,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in light of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the abovementioned, th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Court finds Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the terms of the standard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Employees were Exposed to a Hazardous Condition<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“The Secretary always bears the burden of proving employee exposure to the violative conditions.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated Metal Products, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1072, 1074 (No. 93-1853, 1997) (citations and footnotes omitted). The Commission’s longstanding test for hazard exposure requires<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to “show that it is reasonably predictable either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), that employees have been, are, or will be in the zone of danger.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Delek</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ref., Ltd.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 25 BNA OSHC 1365, 1376 (No. 08-1386, 2015) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">citing id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also Rockwell Intl. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 1092 (No. 12470, 1980);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gilles &<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cotting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 3 BNA OSHC 2002 (No. 504, 1976).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">6</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The zone of danger is the “area surrounding the violative condition that presents the danger to employees.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Boh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Bros. Constr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Co., LLC, 24 BNA OSHC 1067, 1085 (No. 09-1072, 2013)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">citing RGM Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1229, 1234 (No. 91-2107, 1995)). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The zone of danger is determined by the hazard presented by the violative condition and is normally th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>area<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">surrounding the violative condition that presents the danger to employees which the standard is intended to prevent. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">RGM Construction</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Co., 17 BNA OSHC at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1234; </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gilles</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>&<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cotting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 3 BNA OSHC at 2003.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s employees, Ponce and Paz, were directly exposed to a hazardous condition when they worked in the noncompliant and unsafe trench. (Tr. 39, 50, 385-386; Ex. J-1 Stip. No</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 10, 11). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Courts have long held exposure is met by an employee’s mere access to a hazardous situation.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Gilles &<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cotting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 3 BNA OSHC 2002, 2003 (No. 504, 1976);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Donovan v. Adams Steel Erection, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 766 F.2d 804, 812 (3d Cir. 1985);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S. Hens, Inc. v. Occupational Safety & Health Review Comm'n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 930 F.3d 667, 681 (5th Cir. 2019). Here it is undisputed, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually stipulated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to, that Ponce and Paz had access to and entered the trench during the morning of July 30, 2018. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 10). Specifically, there was employee exposure at approximately 10:15 a.m. a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s CAS Natarajan walked past the Worksite and observed two employees in the bottom of the trench. (Tr. 39, 42-43, 47-48, 50, 65-66). Both employees corroborated Natarajan’s testimony when they<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testified</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>they were working on removing sand around and on the four pipes that had been exposed during excavation. (Tr. 89-90, 109-110, 133-135). Furthermore, both employees, and the weight of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evidence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, indicates they were in the excavation 6-7 minutes each and separately. (Tr. 39, 42-43, 47-48, 50, 65-66, 89-90, 109-110, 133-135). As such, th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Court finds Ponce and Paz were exposed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DeNucci had Actual Knowledge<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent’s knowledge of the violation may be established by showing the employer knew, or with reasonable diligence could have known of the violative condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. § 666(k)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nat’l Eng’g & Contracting Co. v. Occupational Safety & Health Admin,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">928 F.2d 762, 767 (6th Cir. 1991). An employer’s awareness of the violation may be shown through actual or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">constructive knowledge of said violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is not necessary to show the employer knew or understood the condition was hazardous. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix Roofing, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079-1080 (citations omitted);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Peterson Bros. Steel Erection Co.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>16 BNA OSHC 1196, 1199 (No. 90-2304, 1999),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>26 F.3d 573 (5th Cir. 1994</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Court finds Respondent had actual knowledge. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Actual knowledge is established when a supervisor directly engages in or sees a subordinate’s misconduct.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See, e.g., Secretary of Labor v. Kansas Power & Light Co.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>5 BNA OSHC 1202, at *3 (No. 11015, 1977)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(holding because the supervisor directly saw the violative conduct without stating any objection, “his knowledge and approval of the work methods employed will be imputed to the respondent”).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">oth superintendent Lucas and foreman Morales<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">saw, and therefore,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knew the employees were in the trench. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 12). Aside from Respondent stipulating to the fact Lucas and Morales had knowledge that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ponce</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Paz entered the trench on July 30, 2018, the record substantiates Respondent’s knowledge. Superintendent Lucas testified<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he saw Ponce and Paz</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in the trench. (Tr. 243). As such, the Court finds Respondent had actual knowledge that two of its employees had entered the Worksite trench. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">However, there is no proof Lucas or Morales entered the noncompliant trench. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to the Commission, w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">here<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shows a supervisor</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had actual knowledge of the violation, such knowledge is generally imputed to the employer.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ComTran</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">722 F.3d at 1307–08)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Am. Eng’g & Dev. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2093, 2095 (No. 10-0359, 2012) quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Access Equip. Sys.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 1400, 1401 (No. 03-1351, 2006)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Regina Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1044, 1046 (No. 87-1309, 1991).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Fifth Circuit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in which this case arises</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has addressed the issue of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">whether or not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a supervisor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s misconduct can be imputed to the employer absent a showing of foreseeability.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">8</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Calpine Corporation v. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">774 Fed. Appx. 879 (5th Cir. 2019)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(unpublished</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">),</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Fifth Circuit clarified its decision in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Co., OSHRC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">459 F.3d 604 (5th Cir. 2006).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Calpine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Fifth Circuit clarified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Yates</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“addresses only when a supervisor’s knowledge of his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">own</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>misconduct violates an employer’s policy of instructions.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>See Yates,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">459 F.3d at 609 n. 8 (noting that the case addressed only situations where the supervisor himself engages in unsafe conduct contrary to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employer’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>policy.) There is no evidence to indicate the supervisor<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or foreman at the Worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>engaged in the misconduct of working in the trench – the evidence only establishes the supervisor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>observed the two employees working in the unprotected trench. Therefore,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Yates</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is not applicable to this case. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Thus,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Calpine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Commission precedent applies to the facts of this case. Under<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Calpine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Commission precedent,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a supervisor’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knowledge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of his employee’s misconduct</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>may be imputed to the employer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>without<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">determining whether the supervisor’s actions were foreseeable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Am. Eng’g & Dev. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2093, 2095 (No. 10-0359, 2012)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Access Equip. Sys.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 1400, 1401 (No. 03-1351, 2006). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">oth superintendent Lucas and foreman Morales knew the employees were in the trench. (Ex. J-1 Stip. No. 12). Aside from Respondent stipulating to the fac</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Lucas and Morales had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knowledge Ponce and Paz entered the trench on July 30, 2018, the record substantiates Respondent’s knowledge. Superintendent Lucas testified to specifically observing the employees in the trench. (Tr. 243). As such, the Court finds</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent had actual knowledge two of its employees had entered the Worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>non-compliant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trench</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and such knowledge will be imputed to Respondent.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Accordingly, Citation 1, Item 2 shall be AFFIRMED. </span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Characterization<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="background-color:#FFFFFF; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Under the Act, “a serious violation shall be deemed to exist in a place of employment if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition which exists ... unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">666(k). If the possible injury addressed by a regulation is death or serious physical harm, a violation of the regulation is serious.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Mosser Construction</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA 1044, 1047 (No. 08-0631, 2010);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dec-Tam Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA 2072, 2077 (No. 88-523, 1993).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Complainant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>need not show there was a substantial probability an accident<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">occur; he need only show if an accident occurred, serious physical harm<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">could<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">result.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Sec’y of Labor v. Phelps Dodge Corp. v.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Occupational Safety & Health Review Comm'n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 725 F.2d 1237, 1240 (9th Cir. 1984). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Complainant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleges the violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.652(a)(1) is serious</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which is supported by</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>CSHO Beck’s testimony. (Tr. 321). CSHO Beck<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testified that an improperly built trench could result in a cave-in, which has been shown to cause serious injuries, ranging from permanent disability to death</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 321;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex. C-2). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Court finds the violation was serious within the meaning of section 17(k) of the Act. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Penalty </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When a citation is issued, it may include a penalty amount. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 U.S.C. § 659(a). OSHA has published a Field Operations Manual (“FOM”) to, among other things, guide its employees in determining what penalty, if any, to propose for violations. FOM at 1-1, 6-1. FOM, Directive No. CPL-02-00-150, effective April 22, 2011, available at 4 Employment Safety and Health Guide, (CCH), ¶7965, at 12,133, 12,139 (2015). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The penalty amounts proposed in a citation become advisory when an employer timely contests the matter. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Brennan v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 487 F.2d 438, 441-42 (8th Cir. 1973);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Revoli</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1682, 1686 n. 5 (No. 00-0315, 2001).</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s proposed penalties are not accorded the same deference the Commission gives<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>reasonable interpretations of an ambiguous standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hern Iron Works</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1619, 1621 (No. 88-1962, 1994)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(rejecting Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s contention that his penalty proposals are entitled to “substantial weight”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nacirema Operating Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 1 BNA OSHC 1001, 1003 (No. 4, 1972) (declining to agree with the result or methodology the Secretary used to calculate the penalty). It is the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>burden to introduce evidence bearing on the factors and explain how he arrived at the penalty he proposed. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Valdak</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 17 BNA OSHC at 1138;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Orion Constr. Co., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1867, 1868 (No. 98-2014, 1999) (giving less weight to the history factor as the Secretary provided little specific information)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“Regarding penalty, the Act requires that “due consideration” be given to the employer's size, the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer, and any prior history of violations.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Briones Util. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 26 BNA OSHC 1218, 1222 (No. 10-1372, 2016) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">citing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 U.S.C. § 666(j);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Jim Boyd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 26 BNA OSHC at 1117;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Capform</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1374, 1378 (No. 99-0322, 2001),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 34 F.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">App'x</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>152 (5th Cir. 2002) (unpublished)). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">These factors are not necessarily accorded equal weight.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">J.A. Jones Constr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 2201, 2216 (No. 87-2059,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1993) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">citation omitted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When applying the penalty assessment factors, the Commission need not accord each one equal weight. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>e.g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharm. Prods., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 10 BNA OSHC 2070, 2071 (No. 78-6247, 1982);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Orion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC at 1867 (giving less weight to the size and history factors). Rather, the Commission assigns the weight that is reasonable under the circumstances. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Eric K. Ho,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>20 BNA OSHC 1361, 1379 (No. 98-1645, 2003) (Consol.),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd sub nom., Chao v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 401 F.3d 355 (5th Cir. 2005).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:13.333px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:13.333px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Gravity<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity of the violation is the principal factor in a penalty determination</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Assessing gravity involves considering: (1) the number of employees exposed to the hazard; (2) the duration of exposure; (3) whether any precautions have been taken against injury; (4) the degree of probability that an accident would occur; and (5) the likelihood of injury. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>e.g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Capform</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1374, 1378 (No. 99-0322, 2001),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 34 F. Appx. 152 (5th Cir. 2002) (unpublished). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ernest F. Donley’s Son, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1 BNA OSHC 1186 (No. 43, 1973) (viewing gravity as the probability of an accident's occurrence and the extent of exposure). “A lack of injuries is not a measure for determining gravity or any other penalty factor.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Altor Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1458, 1468 (No. 99-0958, 2011),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>498 F. Appx. 145 (3d Cir. 2012) (unpublished). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to the CSHO, he assessed the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>gravity of the violation as moderate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. He determined the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">severity of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the violation was high due to the possibility of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">death or</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>serious physical</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">injury</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, but</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>found the probability of any such injury occurring was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>low. (Tr. 322). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on CSHO Beck’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">probability determination, which was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>due</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in part</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on Respondent having done some benching and shoring, the Court grants a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n additional</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>five percent reduction. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:13.333px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:13.333px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Size<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity factor focuses on treating violations of similar quality and severity alike. In contrast, the other three factors—size, history, and good faith—require consideration of circumstances pertaining specifically to the cited employer. The Commission frequently relies on the number of employees to evaluate the merits of altering a penalty for size.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission has viewed the size factor as “an attempt to avoid destructive penalties” that would unjustly ruin a small business.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Colonial Craft<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Reprod</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 1 BNA OSHC at 1064. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also Intercounty Constr. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1 BNA OSHC 1437, 1439 (No. 919, 1973),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>522 F.2d 777 (4th Cir. 1975). This concern for small businesses must be tempered with the need to achieve compliance with applicable safety standards. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Atlas Roofing Co. v. OSHRC,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>518 F.2d 990, 1001 (5th Cir.1975) (OSHA penalties are meant to “inflict pocket-book deterrence”),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>430 U.S. 442 (1977). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With respect to the size of the business,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the CSHO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">initially</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">recommended a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">30</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">% reduction</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 322-323). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based upon the evidence, the Court concludes<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">no further reduction based on size is warranted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">History<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The next statutory consideration, history, examines an employer’s full prior citation history, not just prior citations of the same standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Orion,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>18 BNA OSHC at 1868;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Manganas</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Painting Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 2043, 2055 (No. 95-0103, 2007) (Consol.) (history includes prior uncontested citations). Even if the prior violations were of a different degree or nature, and therefore could not support a repeat characterization, they still are properly part of the employer’s history for penalty purposes. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Quality Stamping Prods., Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1929.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">here was no penalty reduction for history</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>because</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent was not inspected during the five years prior<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to CSHO Beck’s inspection. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">324). The Court grants a ten percent reduction for history as there have been no citations against Respondent over the past five years. </span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Good Faith</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.6px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As to the final factor, good faith, this entails assessing an employer’s health and safety program, its commitment to job safety and health, its cooperation with OSHA, and its efforts to minimize any harm from the violation. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Monroe Drywall Constr., Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 24 BNA OSHC 1209, 1211 (No. 12-0379, 2013);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nacirema,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1 BNA OSHC at 1002. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">There was no reduction for good faith because Respondent’s safety program was not effective. (Tr. 323-324)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">9</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>e.g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Daniel Crowe Roof Repair</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2001, 2017 (No. 10-2090, 2011) (where Commission Judge Dennis Phillips held a company's failure to provide its roofers with any form of fall protection or training demonstrates that it is not entitled to any credit for good faith in the penalty assessment). Although not binding precedent,</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">10</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Court agrees with Judge Phillips and concludes Respondent’s failure to provide<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an effective safety and health policy which it enforced<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">demonstrates that it is not entitled to any credit for good faith.</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Calibri; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Upon due consideration of section 666 (j) of the Act, the enumerated penalty calculation factors,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and the facts of this case,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Court modifies the original penalty proposed by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Thus, a penalty of $4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">746 is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">assessed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for Citation 1, Item 2.</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The foregoing Decision constitutes the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is ORDERED that:</span></p>
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			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; 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-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">WITHDRAWN.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">2.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 2 is AFFIRMED as a serious citation, and a $4,746 penalty is assessed.<span>
					</span></span></p>
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						</span>ORDERED</span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:22pt; font-family:Brush Script MT; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Brush Script MT; font-size:22pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/ Patrick B. Augustine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Patrick B. Augustine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Judge, OSHRC</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Date:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>May 15, 2020</span></p>
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			<hr/>"
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				<p>
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
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				<p>
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
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					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"></a> </p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Edith Serna<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Pintac</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was sworn in as a licensed court interpreter without objection from either party. (Tr. 82-85, Ex. J-2).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">2 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Affirmative<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">defenses not raised at the hearing are deemed waived and abandoned by Respondent. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Corbesco</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc. v. Dole,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>926 F.2d 422, 428–29 (5th Cir. 1991). In its Answer, Respondent raised several affirmative defenses, including unavoidable employee misconduct and infeasibility, that Respondent did not pursue at the hearing or in its post hearing brief. Any affirmative defenses not raised at the hearing are deemed waived by Respondent. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Corbesco</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc. v. Dole</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 926 F.2d 422, 428–29 (5th Cir. 1991). As such, the Court deems these affirmative defenses abandoned. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Georgia-Pacific Corp.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>15 BNA OSHC 1127, 1130 (No. 89-2713, 1991).</span></p>
			</div>
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				<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; ">3 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>References to the parties’ Joint Stipulations will indicate the source and specific stipulation, e.g., “Stip. No. ___”.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Joint Stipulations were received and admitted as J-1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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				<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; ">4 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The factual background is based on the credible record evidence, as discussed below, and consideration of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">record as a whole</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Contrary evidence is not credited.</span></p>
			</div>
			<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; ">5 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The parties stipulated the soil type was Type B. (Ex. J-I Stip. No. 9).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">6 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gilles &<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cotting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., the Commission rejected the “actual exposure” test, which required evidence that someone observed the violative conduct, in favor of the concept of “access”, which focuses on the possibility of exposure under the conditions. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Gilles &<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cotting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 3 BNA OSHC at 2002 (holding “that a rule of access based on reasonable predictability is more likely to further the purposes of the Act than is a rule requiring proof of actual exposure”). </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; ">7 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>It is well settled an employee who has been delegated authority over other employees, even if only temporarily,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is considered to be</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a supervisor for the purposes of imputing knowledge to an employer.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Access Equipment Systems. Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 18 BNA OSHC 1718, 1726 (No. 95-1449, 1999)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(employee who was “in charge of” or “the lead person for” one or two employees who erected scaffolds “can be considered a supervisor). The Commission has long held it is the substance of the delegation of authority not the formal title of the employee having the authority.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dover Elevator Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 16 BNA OSHC 1281 (No. 91-862, 1993).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Diamond Installations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 1688 (No. 02-2080, 2066 (permitting imputation of knowledge based on temporary delegation).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>A person not having the authority to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hire</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or fire, such power is not “sine qua non</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of supervisory status</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Rawson Contractors, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 20 BNA OSHC 1078, 1080 (No. 99-0018, 2003). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">8 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In general, “[w]here it is highly probable that a Commission decision would be appealed to a particular circuit, the Commission has . . . applied the precedent of that circuit in deciding the case—even though it may differ from the Commission’s precedent.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kerns Bros. Tree Serv</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 18 BNA OSHC 2064, 2067 (No. 96-1719, 2000) (citation omitted).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; text-indent:.318cm; ">
					<a name="ftn10" href="#ftnref10"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">9 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Aviation Constructors</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC at 1922 (“While we find that [the employer] did not make good faith efforts to comply with respect to the particular provision of the standard at issue here, we nevertheless conclude that [the] overall circumstances should be taken into consideration in assessment of an appropriate penalty [for a willful violation].”); </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Manganas</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Painting Co., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 2043, 2055 (Nos. 95-0103, 2007) (consolidated) (good faith can be mitigating factor in determining penalty for willful violation), </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">rev'd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in part on other grounds</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 540 F.3d 519 (6th Cir. 2008).</span></p>
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					<a name="ftn11" href="#ftnref11"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">10 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although they may be persuasive, unreviewed administrative law judge decisions do not constitute binding precedent.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">KS Energy Serv. Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1483 (No. 09-1272, 2011);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Leone Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 3 BNA OSHC 1979, 1981 (No. 4090, 1976).</span></p>
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