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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR,<span>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">v.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC Docket No.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
									</span></span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_TimesNewRoman style_TimesNewRoman " style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">20-0554</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">BONDED ROOFING SERVICES, INC.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-transform:uppercase;color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Attorneys and Law firms</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ordelia</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Renita Hollins</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Rachel L. Graeber</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Attorney</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, Atlanta, GA, for Complainant.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Blake Koch</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Owner,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded Roofing Services, Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Pompano Beach</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, FL,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for Respondent.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">JUDGE</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: John B. Gatto, United States Administrative Law Judge.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">I. INTRODUCTION</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded Roofing Services, Inc.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">contests a Citation and Notification of Penalty issued by the Secretary of Labor on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">March 6, 2020,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for alleged violations of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">three</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>construction standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act), 29 U.S.C. § 651-78.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref1" href="#ftn1">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Citation resulted from an inspection conducted by the United States Department of Labor, through its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">January 30, 2020,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Hollywood,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Florida. On that date,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n OSHA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Compliance</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Safety and Health Officer</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">2</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(CSHO)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">observed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">three men</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">working<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on the roof of a one-story</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>commercial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>building</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The CSHO conducted an inspection of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and the Secretary subsequently issued the Citation that gave rise to this proceeding.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of the Citation alleges a serious</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">3</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">102(a)(1)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">failing to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ensure that an employee using a pneumatic nail gun wore protective eye and face equipment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proposed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty of $3,084.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleges a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.50</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1(b)(10)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for failing to provide fall protection<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">exposed to fall hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s 6 feet or higher from a roof</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, with a proposed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty of $3,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">856</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleges a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1053(b)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) for failing to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ensure the side rails of a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ladder<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">extended at least 3 feet above the roof that the ladder was used to access</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, with a proposed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty of $</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3,084.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Bonded<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">contested the Citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">case was designated for Simplified Proceedings by the Chief Judge.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">4</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The parties stipulate the Commission has jurisdiction over this action,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is a covered employer under the Act, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s principal place of business is in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Pompano Beach</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Florida (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Trial Stipulations, p. 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">¶¶<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i-iii</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based on the stipulations and the record evidence, the Court concludes the Commission has jurisdiction over this proceeding under section 10(c) of the Act, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is a covered employer under section 3(5) of the Act. 29 U.S.C. §§ 659(c), 652(5).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Court held a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bench trial in this proceeding on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">October 5, 2021.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e Secretary filed a post-trial brief on November 24, 2021</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">id not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">file a brief. Purs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">uant to Commission Rule</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>90<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and 209,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">after hearing and carefully considering all the evidence and the arguments of counsel, the Court issues this Decision and Order, which constitutes its final disposition of the proceedings under section 12(j) of the Act. 29 U.S.C. § 661(j).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">5</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>For the reasons indicated<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">infra,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ourt holds the Secretary has proven his prima facie case<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with regard to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the cited items and therefore, the court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">AFFIRMS</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>all items and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">ASSESSES</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalt</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ies<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of $3,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">084, $3,856, and $3,084</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for Items 1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2, and 3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, respectively.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">II. BACKGROUND</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On J</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">anuary 30, 2020, a CSHO observed three men atop the roof of a o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ne-story<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">commercial building in Hollywood, California. He did not see any method of fall protection in use. The CSHO called OSHA’s Fort Lauderdale area office and received authorization to inspect the worksite under the agency’s regional emphasis program for falls in construction (Tr. 29-30). The CSHO met with Bonded owner Blake Koch (one of the three men he observed on the roof) and obtained photos, measurements, and signed interview statements from the workers (Tr. 32, 35). The CSHO transcribed the workers’ oral responses to his questions for the interview statements (Tr. 34-35).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>According to his interview statement, Koch declared,</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I am the owner of the company. I direct the work of the employees. I can stop unsafe work. We are doing roof repair. I was onsite when OSHA arrived.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The ladder was not 3 feet above the roof. I will correct the ladder. The ladder was tied off.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">My fall protection plan is roof anchors, ropes, fall harnesses, and rope grabs. The fall protection plan was not in effect upon my arrival at approximately 10:15 a.m.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Josh was using a Bosch nail gun approximately 2 feet from the roof’s edge.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I do not know why the employees did not have the fall protection plan in effect because they arrived at approximately 8:30. The fall protection plan went into effect after OSHA’s arrival. The employees are trained in the recognition of fall hazards in construction.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">If an employee were to fall approximately 15 feet to the ground and land on his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">head</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>he could die or sustain serious injuries. The glasses Josh was wearing while operating the nail [gun] are not the proper safety certified glasses. He could sustain an eye scratch if not wearing the proper glasses. I am going to buy the proper glasses today. The roof to ground where Josh was working is 14 feet, 8 inches.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Exh. C-5, pp. 1-2.)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The signed interview statement of Joshua Tharp says,</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I was near the roof’s edge without fall protection. I did not have the proper eye protection on when using a nail gun. The ladder did not extend 3 feet above the roof. The owner Blake was onsite.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Exh. C-7, p. 1.)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Juan Torres was an assistant area director for OSHA in its Fort Lauderdale office at the time of the inspection and supervised the CSHO (Tr. 21-23, 28).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">6</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Torres reviewed the Bonded case file and recommended the Citation be issued (Tr. 30-35, 46). The Secretary issued the Citation to Bonded on March 6, 2020.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Conduct of the OSHA Inspection</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Only two witnesses testified at trial: Assistant area director Torres and Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">'</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>owner Koch.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary called assistant area director Torres as a witness primarily to identify proffered exhibits as documents from OSHA’s case file on Bonded (Tr. 26-27).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Torres was not onsite the day of the inspection and could not testify regarding the CSHO’s interaction with Bonded’s employees (Tr. 25-26, 28). The lack of the CSHO’s testimony created gaps in the record and left some of Bonded’s allegations about the conduct of the inspection unanswered.</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In his opening statement, Koch questioned the propriety of the OSHA inspection.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[A]ll the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation[</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>items] should be vacated because . . . an inspection was never performed. The inspector never got out of the vehicle. He never inspected anything. He was at the 7-Eleven across the street having coffee, looked over to my jobsite and told me he decided to come over there and see what’s going on.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 17.)</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">7</a></span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Koch also claims that as the CSHO sat in his vehicle, he would beep the horn at Koch and his employees to summon them. The CSHO would then instruct the employee to take photos of specified areas with his camera and to take certain measurements (Tr. 138).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">8</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Koch argues this is contrary to the guidelines set out in OSHA’s Field Operations Manual (FOM), which is designed to be used as “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a reference document for field personnel, providing enforcement policies and procedures in conducting OSHA investigations.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” United States Department of Labor, Field Operations Manual,<span>
						</span></span><a href="https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/cpl-02-00-164/chapter-1"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/cpl-02-00-164/chapter-1</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Because the CSHO did not attend the trial, he was not available to confirm or refute Koch’s allegations. His alleged failure to follow the procedures set out in the FOM would not, however, invalidate the legitimacy of the inspection.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[T]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he guidelines provided by the manual are plainly for internal application to promote efficiency and not to create an administrative<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">straightjacket</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. They do not have the force and effect of law, nor do they accord important procedural or substantive rights to individuals. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Brennan v. Ace Hardware Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 495 F.2d 368, 376 (8th Cir. 1974) (Labor Department field operations handbook for Employment Standard Administration compliance<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">officers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)[.]</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">MC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No. 13155,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1977 WL 7715</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">*4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(OSHRC Aug. 4, 1977). “[T]he<span>
						</span></span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">FOM</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">does not ordinarily create rights or defenses for employers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inasmuch as OSHA compiled the </span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">FOM</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as a guide for OSHA compliance personnel.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Johnson Controls, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, No. 89-2614,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1993 WL 35627</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">*13, n.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC Feb. 3, 1993).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">While the CSHO’s inspection of Bonded’s worksite, if conducted as Koch alleges, was not exemplary, it does not provide grounds for vacating the cited items. The Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conclude</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s Bonded’s argument that the CSHO’s failure to follow the FOM’s policies and procedures invalidates the inspection is without merit.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">III. ANALYSIS</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The fundamental objective of the Act is to prevent occupational deaths and serious injuries.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Whirlpool Corp. v. Marshall</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 445 U.S. 1, 11 (1980). The Act “establishes a comprehensive regulatory scheme designed ‘to assure so far as possible safe and healthful working conditions’ for ‘every working man and woman in the Nation.’”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Martin v. Occupational Safety and Health Review Comm'n (CF&I Steel Corp.)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 499 U.S. 144, 147 (1991) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">quoting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 U.S.C. § 651(b)). “The Act charges the Secretary with responsibility for setting and enforcing workplace health and safety standards.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Meanwhile, the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Commission is assigned to carry out adjudicatory functions under the Act and serves “as a neutral arbiter and determine whether the Secretary's citations should be enforced over employee or union objections.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cuyahoga Valley Ry. Co. v. United Transp. Union,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>474 U.S. 3, 7 (1985) (per curiam). Thus, Congress vested the Commission with the “adjudicatory powers typically exercised by a court in the agency-review context.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">CF&I Steel Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 499 U.S. at 151.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“To implement its statutory purpose, Congress imposed dual obligations on employers. They must first comply with the ‘general duty’ to free the workplace of all recognized hazards.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ComTran Grp., Inc. v. U.S. Dep't of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 722 F.3d 1304, 1307 (11th Cir. 2013).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">9</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“They also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">have a ‘special duty’ to comply with all mandatory health and safety standards.” (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.) With respect to the latter, Congress provided for the promulgation and enforcement of the mandatory standards through a regulatory scheme that divides responsibilities between two federal agencies.” (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) “The Secretary establishes these standards through the exercise of rulemaking powers.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">CF & I Steel Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 499 U.S. at 147.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 U.S.C. § 665.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Under the law of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Eleventh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Circuit where this case arose</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a violation of an OSHA standard is established by showing “(1) that the regulation applied; (2) that it was violated; (3) that an employee was exposed to the hazard that was created; and importantly, (4) that the employer ‘knowingly disregarded’ the Act's requirements.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ComTran Grp., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 722 F.3d at 1307.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">A.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Item 1: Alleged Serious Violation of § 1926.102(a)(1)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 1 alleges that on or about J</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">anuary 30, 2020,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employee “was exposed to a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n eye injury while using a pneumatic nail gun without the proper eye protection.” (Exh. C-1, p. 1.)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited standard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mandates that t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he employer shall ensure that each affected employee<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.102(a)(1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(1) The Cited Standard Applies</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited standard is found in </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Subpart X—Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> of the construction standards, which mandates “[p]rotective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes ... shall be provided ... wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes ... encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through ... physical contact.” 29 C.F.R. § 1926.95(a).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Generally, an OSHA standard presumes a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the Secretary is not required to establish one exists as part of his burden of proof. However, when a standard specifies it applies only when a hazard is present, such as a personal protective equipment (PPE) standard like the cited standard, the Secretary's burden also includes “demonstrating that there is a significant risk<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of harm” and that “the employer had actual knowledge of a need for protective equipment, or that a reasonable person familiar with the circumstances surrounding the hazardous condition, including any facts unique to the particular industry, would recognize a hazard requiring the use of PPE.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Wal-Mart Distribution Ctr. # 6016</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No. 08-1292</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2015 WL 2066206</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, at *4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(OSHRC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">April 27, 2015</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">),</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd in pertinent part, rev'd in part on other grounds</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 819 F.3d 200 (5th Cir. 2016).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Here, Tharp was using a pneumatic nail gun, potentially creating projectiles from ricocheted nails and wood chips. Torres testified that when an employee uses a nail gun, “the nail could . . . hit something, strike a piece of metal . . . or it could actually chip a piece of whatever it’s being protruded into [,] . . . causing a laceration on a person’s face or potentially the eyes.” (Tr. 48-49.)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission has recognized “the eye is an especially delicate organ and ... any foreign material in the eye presents the potential for injury.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Vanco Constr. Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No. 79-4945, 1982 WL 22670, at *2 (OSHRC Dec. 22, 1982),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Sterns– Roger, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No. 76-2326), 1979 WL 8520, at *2 (OSHRC Oct. 31, 1979),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 723 F.2d 410 (5th Cir. 1984).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A reasonable person familiar with the construction industry would recognize<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">using a pneumatic nail gun</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>creates a hazard of flying particles<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the eyes of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. A reasonable person would be aware<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">protective eyewear</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is required in this circumstance</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary has established the cited standard applied to the cited conditions.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(2) Bonded Violated the Cited Standard</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>It is undisputed that on January 30, 2020, Joshua Tharp was using a pneumatic nail gun at Bonded’s worksite, and he was wearing glasses. The issue is whether the eyewear was protective against flying particles, including nails and wood chips. In the Violation Worksheet for Item 1, the CSHO wrote that Tharp “was wearing sunglasses,” rather than approved safety eyewear, while using a pneumatic gun (Exh. C-2, p. 2).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Koch disputed the CSHO’s description at trial. He provided an alternative version of his employees’ use of eyewear. Koch stated the CSHO honked the horn as he sat in his vehicle and asked Koch to bring him “those goggles those guys have on.” (Tr. 179.) Koch complied and the CSHO then told him the goggles had too much tar on them so he could not determine if they were safety goggles. Koch later went to his office and took photos of the new goggles he had on hand and emailed them to the CSHO (Tr. 179-80).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Koch’s trial testimony conflicts with his interview statement, which states, “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The glasses Josh was wearing while operating the nail [gun] are not the proper safety certified glasses. He could sustain an eye scratch if not wearing the proper glasses. I am going to buy the proper glasses today” (Exh. C-5, p. 2). When presented with his interview statement, Koch agreed he had signed it and initialed each page, but he denied the written statement reflected his responses to the CSHO. He contends he did not read the statement before initialing and signing it (Tr. 69-70). The Secretary’s counsel examined Koch at length regarding signing the written statement prepared by the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Koch asserts he did not read (Tr. 128-37). Koch’s excuse is that he was busy. “I was in a rush. I was in the middle of a jobsite. I was on the roof working with the men. He beeped his horn and asked me to come down, sign some documentation. I signed it and went back up on the roof.” (Tr. 138.)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Further, in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Joshua Tharp’s interview statement, he admits says, “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I did not have the proper eye protection on when using a nail gun.” (Exh. C-7, p. 1.)</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">10</a></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Koch started Bonded in 2007 (Tr. 133).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">owner and operator of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a roofing business</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Koch is required to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">negotiate and execute contracts, me</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t payroll, and file employment paperwork.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>It is expected that an experienced businessperson would understand the significance of his or her signature or initials on business or government documents, especially one that states, as does Koch’s witness statement,</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that this statement is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand it is a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knowingly and willfully make a false statement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or omit material facts in relation to a federal investigation.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Exh. C-3, p. 3.) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">initialed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by Koch.)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Court finds Koch’s original signed interview statement taken by the CSHO the day of the inspection to be more credible than Koch’s trial testimony. The Court concludes Tharp was not wearing appropriate protective eyewear while using a pneumatic nail gun at Bonded’s worksite on January 30, 2020. Bonded violated § 1926.102(a)(1).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(3) Bonded Employees Were Exposed to a Hazard</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Failure to wear appropriate protective eyewear exposed Tharp to the hazard of “scratches and lacerations” to his eyes (Tr. 48). Exposure is established.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(4) Bonded Knew of the Violative Condition</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“The Secretary may prove that an employer had knowledge of a violation in one of two ways</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1) by imputing the actual or constructive knowledge of a supervisor or (2) by demonstrating constructive knowledge based on the employer’s failure to implement an adequate safety program.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ComTran,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>722 F.3d at 1311. An example of actual knowledge is where a supervisor directly sees a subordinate's misconduct.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ComTran,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>722 F.3d at 1307–08. “An example of constructive knowledge is where the supervisor may not have directly seen the subordinate's misconduct, but he was in close enough proximity that he should have.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ComTran,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>722 F.3d at 1308.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based on Koch’s presence on worksite at the time of the inspection and his signed interview statement, the Court concludes Koch had actual knowledge of the violative condition. The Secretary has established Bonded knew Tharp was not wearing appropriate protective eyewear.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded was in violation of § 1926.103(a)(1) on January 30, 2020, at its worksite in Hollywood, Florida.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Characterization of the Violation</span></p>
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				<p style="background-color:#FFFFFF; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary characterized the violation as “serious.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A violation is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“serious”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>one</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">if</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the violative condition. 29 U.S.C. § 666(k).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This means that the Secretary must show that death or serious physical harm is a probable<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">consequence </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">if</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> an accident results from the violative condition—he is not required to show that an accident is itself likely.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Home Rubber Co., LP,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>No. 17-0138, 2021 WL 3929735, at *5 (OSHRC Aug. 26, 2021) (emphasis in original) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citations omitted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Here, Tharp’s use of a nail gun without appropriate protective eyewear establishes “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a potential for eye injury, given the considerable vulnerability of the eye</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Vanco Constr., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1982 WL 22670, at *3. Item 1 is appropriately characterized as serious.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="background-color:#FFFFFF; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">B.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">: Alleged Serious Violation of § 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">501(b)(10)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleges that on or about J</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">anuary 30, 2020, Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ere</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>exposed to a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n approximate 14.8 feet fall hazard while in the process of performing roofing work.” (Exh. C-1.)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited standard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mandates<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in pertinent part</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ach employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or more above lower levels<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, or warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.501(b)(10)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">1) The Cited Standard Applies</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:10.5pt; font-family:Arial; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:10.5pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Subpart M of the construction standards is titled </span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Fall Protection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Section 1926.501 of Subpart M</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is titled </span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Duty to have fall protection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Section 1926.501(a)(1) provides the section “sets forth requirements for employers to provide fall protection systems.” The cited standard requires the use of fall protection for any employee engaged in roofing activity on a low-sloped roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels. Section 1926.500(b) states, “</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Low-slope roof</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> means a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Bonded does not dispute the roof at issue was low-sloped, and the photographic exhibits support the Secretary’s allegation (Exhs. C-8, C-14, C-15, C-16). The distance between the eave of the roof and the ground is approximately 14.8 feet, measured with a steel tape (Exh. C-3, p. 2).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Court concludes § 1926.501(b)(10) applies to the cited condition.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(2) Bonded Violated the Cited Standard</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The three Bonded employees on the roof, including Koch, were not using fall protection in the form of guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Exhs. C-8, C-10, C-11, C-14, C-15). Tharp stated, “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I was near the roof’s edge without fall protection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The owner Blake was onsite.” (Exh. C-7, p. 1.)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Koch stated,<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">My fall protection plan is roof anchors, ropes, fall harnesses, and rope grabs. The fall protection plan was not in effect upon my arrival at approximately 10:15 a.m. . . . I do not know why the employees did not have the fall protection plan in effect because they arrived at approximately 8:30. The fall protection plan went into effect after OSHA’s arrival.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Exh. C-5.)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary has established Bonded failed to ensure its employees used fall protection while working on a low-sloped roof more than 6 feet above the lower level. Bonded violated § 1926.501(b)(10).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(3) Bonded Employees Were Exposed to a Hazard</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The three Bonded employees working on the roof at issue were exposed to falls of approximately 14.8 feet, as documented in numerous photographs (Exhs. C-10 through C-15). The Secretary has established Bonded’s employees were exposed to fall hazards.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(4) Bonded Knew of the Violative Condition</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In his interview statement, Bonded owner Koch admits he observed his employees were not using fall protection (Exh. C-5). Instead of instructing his employees to stop work and implement fall protection procedures, Koch himself accessed the roof and walked around while talking to his employees (Exhs. C-10 through C-15).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary has established Koch, as owner of the company, had actual knowledge of the failure to use fall protection.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Characterization of the Violation</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary characterized the violation as serious. The Court agrees with Koch’s statement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">If an employee were to fall approximately 15 feet to the ground and land on his head he could die or sustain serious injuries.” (Exh. C-5.)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 2 is properly characterized as serious.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">C.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Item</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span>3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">: Alleged Serious Violation of § 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">1053(b)(1)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleges that on or about J</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">anuary 30, 2020,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ere</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>exposed to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n 11 feet</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>fall hazard when using an extension ladder which did not extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface while gaining access to the roof.” (Exh. C-1.)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited standard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mandates in pertinent part that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hen portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.1053(b)(1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#333333; background-color:#FFFFFF; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(1) The Cited Standard Applies</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard is found in </span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Emphasis style_Emphasis " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Subpart X—Stairways and Ladders</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> of the construction standards, which “applies to all stairways and ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (including painting and decorating), and demolition workplaces covered under 29 C.F.R. part<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926[.]” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.1050(a)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was under contract to install<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">roof on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a building,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a construction activity. The Secretary has established the cited standard applied to the cited conditions.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(2) Bonded Violated the Cited Standard</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Exhibit C-16 is a photograph of Bonded’s portable ladder leaning against the sloped roof of the building. Due to the roof’s slope, the side rail on the left side of the ladder extends above the roofline a few inches more than does the side rail on the right. Assistant area director Torres testified the rungs on standard ladders are spaced one foot apart, and the side rails extend past the top rung “basically about 4 inches to 6 inches.” (Tr. 105.) Looking at Exhibit C-16, Torres stated, “[I]t’s only one rung above the surface and another 6 inches, so it’s estimated to be—an estimated maximum of 12, plus 8, a total of 20 inches.” (Tr. 105.) Torres agreed with the Court that the side rail on the left could possible extend as much as 24 inches above the roof (Tr. 105).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Both estimations fall below the required 3 feet mandated by the cited standard. Both Koch and Tharp admitted in their interview statements that the ladder was not 3 feet above the roof (Exhs. C-5, C-7).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">11</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">concludes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Secretary established Bonded violated § 1926.1053(b)(1).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(3) Bonded Employees Were Exposed to a Hazard</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The portable ladder was the only means the three employees used to access and descend from the roof, and they did so multiple times. Each time, the employees were exposed to the hazard of falling while mounting or dismounting the ladder.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exposure to the cited hazard is established.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">(4) Bonded Knew of the Violative Condition</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Koch was onsite and climbed up and down the ladder numerous times. The Secretary has established Koch had actual knowledge of the violative condition, and Koch’s knowledge is imputed to Bonded.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary has established Bonded violated the cited standard.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Characterization of the Violation</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary characterized the violation as serious. Torres explained that a fall hazard is created when the siderails of a ladder to not extend 3 feet or more above the landing surface.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[T]he ladder could become displaced moving from one section to the other, or the employee might not have the right grasp of the ladder . . . during the interchange, so the employee could actually fall</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>It makes it more difficult for the employee to grasp when doing the transfer. And if a person [were] to fall anywhere [from] 6 feet, it is reasonably expected or anticipated that he or she could receive serious injuries.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 102.)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 3 is properly characterized as serious.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">IV.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">PENALTY DETERMINATION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“In assessing penalties, section 17(j) of the OSH Act, 29 U.S.C. § 666(j), requires the Commission to give due consideration to the gravity of the violation and the employer's size, history of violation, and good faith</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.” Burkes Mech., Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>21 BNA OSHC 2136, 2142 (No. 04- 0475, 2007). “Gravity is a principal factor in the penalty determination and is based on the number of employees exposed, duration of exposure, likelihood of injury, and precautions taken against injury.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 20 BNA OSHC 2196, 2201 (No. 00- 1052, 2005) (citation omitted). “The other factors are concerned with the employer generally and are considered as modifying factors.”'<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Natkin & Co. Mech. Contractors</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1 BNA OSHC 1204, 1205 n.3 (No. 401, 1973).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As to each of Citation’s items,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bonded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had 15<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at the time of the inspection (Tr. 51, 124). T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proposed a 60</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">% reduction in the penalty amount based upon<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company’s size</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for each of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation’s items<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Ex</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>C-3, C-4;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">51</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which the Court finds appropriate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">N</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o reduction for history<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or good faith<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was proposed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">since<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">here was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">no<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">history</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or evidence of good faith</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which the Court agrees with.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For Item 1, Tharp was exposed for approximately 30 minutes when using a pneumatic nail gun while not wearing appropriate protective eyewear. He was wearing sunglasses, which is a precautionary measure. Tharp was exposed to scratches and lacerations caused by nails and wood chips (Exh. C-2, p. 2).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity of the violation is moderate.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Giving due consideration to the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the size of the business of the employer being charged, the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer, and the history of previous violations,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or Item 1, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">finds<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of $3,084 is appropriate.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For Item 2, the three Bonded employees were exposed to falls of 14.8 feet from the roof. Koch stated he, Tharp, and Webb had arrived at approximately 8:30 a.m. The likelihood of injury in the event of a fall was high and potentially fatal. Bonded had taken no precautions against injury.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The gravity of the violation is high.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Giving due consideration to the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the size of the business of the employer being charged, the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer, and the history of previous violations,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or Item 2, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Court finds<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalty of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$3,856 is a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ppropriate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For Item 3, the three Bonded employees ascended and descended the portable ladder multiple times over approximately an hour and 45 minutes. The likelihood of injury was moderate if one of them fell. The ladder was secured, indicating a precautionary measure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was taken</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The gravity of the violation is moderate.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Giving due consideration to the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the size of the business of the employer being charged, the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer, and the history of previous violations,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or Item 3, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Court finds<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalty of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$3,084</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is appropriate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Accordingly,</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">V. ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Items 1, 2, and 3 of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">itation are<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">AFFIRMED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">ASSESSEMENTS</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of $3,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">084 each<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for Items 1 and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3,856<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for Item 2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">SO</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ORDERED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/ John B. Gatto</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>JOHN B. GATTO, Judge</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dated:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">December 14, 2021</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Atlanta, GA</span></p>
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					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; ">
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">1 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Secretary of Labor has assigned responsibility for enforcement of the Act to OSHA and has delegated his authority under the Act to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, who heads OSHA.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Order No. 1–2012, Delegation of Authority and Assignment of Responsibility to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, 77 Fed. Reg. 3912 (Jan. 25, 2012). The Assistant Secretary has redelegated his authority to OSHA’s Area Directors to issue citations and proposed penalties</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">. See</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 C.F.R. §§ 1903.14(a) and 1903.15(a). The terms “Secretary” and “OSHA” are used interchangeably herein.</span></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_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">2 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>A “Compliance Safety and Health Officer” is “a person authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, to conduct inspections.” 29 C.F.R. §1903.22(d).</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">3 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Act contemplates various grades of violations of the statute and its attendant regulations</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">—“</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">willful”; “repeated”; “serious”; and those “determined not to be of a serious nature” (the Commission refers to the latter as “other-than-serious”). 29 U.S.C. § 666.</span></p>
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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_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">4 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“The purpose of the Simplified Proceedings subpart is to provide simplified procedures for resolving contests under the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">[Act]</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">, so that parties before the Commission may reduce the time and expense of litigation while being assured due process</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">and a hearing that meets the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">[.]</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">” 29 C.F.R. § 2200.200(a).</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Procedures under this subpart are simplified in a number of ways</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">, including<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">that pl</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">eadings</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>generally are not required</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and d</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">iscovery is not permitted except as ordered by the Judge.</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§ 2200.200(b).</span></p>
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						</span>All arguments not expressly addressed have nevertheless been considered and rejected. If any finding is in truth a conclusion of law, or if any stated conclusion is in truth a finding of fact, it shall be deemed so.</span></p>
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						</span>At the time of the trial, Torres was an assistant area director in OSHA’s Orlando area office (Tr. 21).<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">7 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Koch also argued in his opening statement that the Secretary had withdrawn Items 1 and 2 of the Citation. He stated, “I’m kind of confused because . . . [the Secretary] vacated those first two<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">citation[</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>items] for safety eyewear and for the ladder. And now we’re arguing them again</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>So that leaves one citation [item] to argue.” (Tr. 15.) The Secretary clarified that his offer to vacate Items 1 and 2 of the Citation was made during an informal conference when the parties were attempting to settle the Citation. Koch declined to accept the offer (Tr. 16-18). Koch confirmed no agreement was reached between the parties (The Court</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">: “</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Mr. Koch, you never accepted that offer; is that correct?” Koch</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">: “</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">No, your Honor. I didn’t have time to accept it.”</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">(Tr. 19)). The Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">concludes<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>did not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">withdraw</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Items 1, 2, and 3<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">of the Citation, which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">remain at issue in this proceeding.</span></p>
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					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">8 </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Several of the photographic exhibits show Koch and the two other Bonded employees on the roof of the building, demonstrating that Bonded employees did not take<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">all of</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the photos submitted in the casefile (Exhs. C-10, C-12, C-14).</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
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						</span>The employer or the Secretary may appeal a final decision and order to the federal court of appeals for the circuit in which the violation allegedly occurred or where the employer has its principal office, and the employer also may appeal to the D.C. Circuit.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 U.S.C. §§ 660(a) and (b). Here, the violation occurred in Hollywood, Florida, in the Eleventh Circuit, and Bonded’s principal place of business<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">is located in</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Pompano Beach, Florida</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">, also in the Eleventh Circuit</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>29 U.S.C. § 660(b). The Commission has held that where it is highly probable that a case will be appealed to a particular circuit, it generally 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:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Kerns Bros. Tree Serv</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">., 18 BNA OSHC 2064, 2067 (No. 96-1719, 2000). The Court therefore applies the precedent of the Eleventh Circuit in deciding the case where it is highly probable the case would be appealed.</span></p>
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						</span>Koch objected to the Secretary’s motion to admit Tharp’s statement, claiming Tharp “did not know what he was signing.” (Tr. 116). Koch confirmed, however, that Tharp signed the interview statement. “I do verify his signature. I’ve seen that signature before. That’s definitely his signature.” (Tr 116.) The Court overruled Koch’s objection.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Koch introduced another statement from Tharp, written at his request and signed on July 7, 2020. It states in pertinent part, “I had eye protection on the whole time I was working.” (Exh. R-2, p. 2.) The Court finds Tharp’s signed interview statement taken by the CSHO the day of the inspection to be more credible than the statement submitted by Tharp to Koch, his employer, five months later.</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Koch takes particular issue with two sentences in his interview statement: “The fall protection plan was not in effect upon my arrival at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">approx..</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>10:15 a.m.,” (Exh. C-5, p. 1) and “[Employees Tharp and Webb] arrived at approximately 8:30” (Exh. C-5, p. 2). Koch argues he was on the worksite before 8:30 and his employees “followed me to the job</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>I was there from the get-go of the job to meet the inspectors to shut down the gas pumps.” (Tr. 67.) One possible reason for the discrepancy is that the CSHO’s Inspection Report shows he arrived at Bonded’s worksite at 10:00 a.m. and held the opening conference at 10:15 a.m.” (Exh. C-17, p. 1.) He may have mixed up his timeline with Koch’s when writing the responses.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">H</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">owever</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">, t</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">his potential error does not aid Koch’s case. If Koch’s claim is accepted, it extends the time he was onsite and had actual knowledge of the violative conditions.</span></p>
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						</span>At trial, Koch argued the white trim (from which Torres was estimating the extension of the ladder) was not the upper landing surface, but a “super gutter” that was raised 5 or 6 inches above the roof (Tr. 107). Koch stated he measured the distance between the top of the left side rail and the roof to be 38 inches, in compliance with the cited standard (Tr. 107). Koch did not mention this fact until trial and he presented no photographic evidence in support of his contention. The Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">concludes</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Koch’s signed interview statement, given the day of the inspection, in which he states the siderails of the ladder did not extend 3 feet or more above the upper landing surface, is more credible than his statement at trial.<span>
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