<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<META NAME="KEYWORDS" CONTENT="OSHRC Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission">
<TITLE> Elite Builders, Inc., Docket No. 15-1645 & 16-0119</TITLE>
		<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8"/>
		<style type="text/css">
 p.hiddenParagraph { visibility:hidden } 
 p { widows:0; orphans:0; widows:0; orphans:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; font-family:Times New Roman; color:WindowText; font-size:10pt; } 
 p { font-family:Times New Roman; widows:0; orphans:0; font-size:12pt; }  p.style_Normal { widows:0; orphans:0; } 
.style_Normal span { } 
 span.style_DefaultParagraphFont { } 
 table.style_TableNormal { } 
 table.style_TableGrid { } 
 p.style_BalloonText { font-size:8pt; font-family:Tahoma; } 
.style_BalloonText span { font-family:Tahoma; } 
 p.style_FootnoteText { } 
.style_FootnoteText span { } 
 span.style_FootnoteReference { position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;} 
.style_FootnoteReference span { position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;} 
 p.style_Footer { } 
 span.style_PageNumber { } 
 p.style_Header { } 
 span.style_FootnoteTextChar { } 
 span.style_Emphasis { font-style:italic; } 
.style_Emphasis span { font-style:italic; } 
 span.style_FooterChar { } 
.style_FooterChar span { } 
 span.style_LineNumber { } 
 span.style_CommentReference { font-size:8pt; } 
.style_CommentReference span { } 
 p.style_CommentText { } 
.style_CommentText span { } 
 span.style_CommentTextChar { } 
 p.style_CommentSubject { font-weight:bold; } 
.style_CommentSubject span { font-weight:bold; } 
 span.style_CommentSubjectChar { font-weight:bold; } 
.style_CommentSubjectChar span { font-weight:bold; } 
 p.style_Revision { } 
.style_Revision span { } 
 span.style_Hyperlink { color:#0000FF; text-decoration:underline ;} 
.style_Hyperlink span { color:#0000FF; text-decoration:underline ;} 
 p.style_ListParagraph { margin-left:48px; } 
 span.style_cosearchterm { } 
 span.style_IntenseEmphasis { font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#4F81BD; } 
.style_IntenseEmphasis span { font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; color:#4F81BD; } 
 span.style_PlaceholderText { color:#808080; } 
.style_PlaceholderText span { color:#808080; } 
 span.X3AS7TOCHyperlink { color:#000000; text-decoration:none; } 
 p.X3AS7TABSTYLE { } 
 span.BulletSymbol { font-family:'Symbol'; } 
 body { margin-left:96px;margin-top:96px;margin-bottom:96px;margin-right:96px;} 
div.basic { width:16.51cm;height:22.86cm;} 
 p.hiddenParagraph { font-size:2pt; visibility:hidden; } 
</style>
		<script type="text/javascript">
							var useragent = navigator.userAgent;
							var navigatorname;
							if (useragent.indexOf('MSIE')!= -1)
							{
							navigatorname="MSIE";
							}
							else if (useragent.indexOf('Gecko')!= -1)
							{
							if (useragent.indexOf('Chrome')!= -1)
							navigatorname="Google Chrome";
							else
							navigatorname="Mozilla";
							}
							else if (useragent.indexOf('Mozilla')!= -1)
							{
							navigatorname="old Netscape or Mozilla";
							}
							else if (useragent.indexOf('Opera')!= -1)
							{
							navigatorname="Opera";
							}
							
							function symbol(code1,code2)
							{
							if (navigatorname == 'MSIE')
								document.write(code1);
							else
								document.write(code2);
							}
							</script>
	</head>
	<body xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div class="basic"><div>
				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">United States of America</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<table style="border-collapse:collapse; width:auto; align:left; margin-left:-.191cm; margin-bottom:0cm">
				<tr style="margin:0;border:0;padding:0;visibility:hidden;">
					<th style="width:319.2px;"/>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-top:0cm;padding-bottom:0cm;padding-left:0.19cm;padding-right:0.19cm;background-color:; border-right:dashed .018cm #000000; border-top:solid .018cm #000000; width:8.446cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
									</span></span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr style="height:.6cm; ">
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-top:0cm;padding-bottom:0cm;padding-left:0.19cm;padding-right:0.19cm;background-color:; border-right:dashed .018cm #000000; width:8.446cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
								</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
								</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainan</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t,</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-top:0cm;padding-bottom:0cm;padding-left:0.19cm;padding-right:0.19cm;background-color:; border-right:dashed .018cm #000000; width:8.446cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
								</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> v. </span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-top:0cm;padding-bottom:0cm;padding-left:0.19cm;padding-right:0.19cm;background-color:; border-right:dashed .018cm #000000; width:8.446cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ELITE BUILDERS, INC.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-top:0cm;padding-bottom:0cm;padding-left:0.19cm;padding-right:0.19cm;background-color:; border-right:dashed .018cm #000000; border-bottom:solid .018cm #000000; width:8.446cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
								</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
								</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent.</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
			</table>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; ">
				</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC Docket No</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15-1645</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 16-0119<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Appearances:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Evert H. Van Wijk</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Esq.,</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Department of Labor, Office of Solicitor,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Kansas City, Missouri</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">For Complainant</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Mark Bratetic, appearing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">pro se</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">, Elite Builders, Inc., Papillion, Nebraska</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">or Respondent</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Be</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">fore: Administrativ</span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">e Law Judge<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">Patrick B. Augustine</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">I.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Procedural History</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Over the course of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">roughly two</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>months in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the summer of 2015</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, a residential roofing contractor,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was inspected twice by the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Omaha</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Area Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(OSHA)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The first inspection involved a worksite located at 207</span><span style="font-size:12pt; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Shirley Street, Omaha, Nebraska (First Inspection). The second inspection took place at a worksite located at 10518 S. 125</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Avenue, Papillion, Nebraska (Second Inspection).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In both ins</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">pections</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Compliance Safety and Health Officers<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(CSHO)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">observed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">multiple violations of the fall protection standards</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Upon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>being approached for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, Mark Bratetic, the owner of Respondent, denied entry and requested<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant procure a warrant.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">served Respondent with both the warrant and the Citation and Notification of Penalty for the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection in the early morning of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">September 3, 2015</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 285; Ex. R-8).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">By the time the warrant was served, however, Respondent had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">completed the work on the worksite of the Second Inspection and had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">moved to another project.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Nonetheless, CSHO Connett went to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">work</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">site</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>involved in the Second Inspection<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and took photos to supplement the photographs CSHO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Peacock</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had taken of the worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">before he was rebuffed in his</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>attempt to conduct</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Second</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection. The Citation and Notification of Penalty for the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">issued on December 15, 2015.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, which has been<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">labeled</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Docket No. 15-1645, consists of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">serious<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation items<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>associated penalties of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$5,600</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, labeled Docket No. 16-0119, consists of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">four serious and two repeat<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation items<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>associated penalties of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$20,800</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Before<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hearing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>began, Complainant moved to modify the citation items<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in Docket 16-0119<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">labeled as “Repeat”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">change them to “Serious”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and reduce the penalty of those items to $2,000<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">each</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which brought the total proposed penalty of Docket No. 16-0119 to $16,800</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Court granted Complainant’s unopposed motion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to amend the citation classifications</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">11–12</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>filed a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">N</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">otice of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ontest</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with respect to both Citations. Regarding the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, Respondent contends<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the warrant was improperly executed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Complainant en</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">gaged in vindictive prosecution. In both instances, though, Respondent argues that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>compliance with the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fall protection<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standards cited by Complainant presented a greater hazard to his employees.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> By filing the Notice of Contest, Respondent brought this case before<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">pursuant to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ection 10(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">659(c).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hearing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>took place on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">January 24, 2017</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in Council Bluffs, Iowa</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">following witnesses testified: (1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Michael Connett</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; (2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO Ricardo Peacock; (3) Area Director Jeffery Funke; and (4) Mark Bratetic, owner of Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Both parties timely submitted post-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hearing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>briefs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">II.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Stipulations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
					</span>& Jurisdiction</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The parties reached the following stipulations, which are also reproduced in Complainant’s pre-trial statement: </span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Elite Builders, Inc. uses goods, equipment and materials shipped from outside the state of Nebraska.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">B.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Elite Builders, Inc. is engaged in a business affecting commerce.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">2</a></span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">C.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission has jurisdiction over this matter.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">D.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Elite Builders, Inc. is a residential framing contractor.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 26–31)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Court read through the foregoing with Respondent to ensure that he, in fact, understood the nature of the stipulations. Convinced that he agreed to such stipulations knowingly, the Court entered them into the record. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Based on the parties’ stipulations, the Court finds that Commission has jurisdiction over the action<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">pursuant to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">section<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10(c) of the Act. Further, the Court finds<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent was an employer engaged in a business and industry<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affecting interstate commerce within the meaning of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ection 3(5) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 652(5). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Sl</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ingluff v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 425 F.3d 861, 866</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">–</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">67 (10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2005).</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">III.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Factual Background</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">First Inspection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On June 19, 2015, CSHO Michael Connett was driving around<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a residential</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Pursuant to Complainant’s Local Emphasis Program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(LEP)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on fall protection, CSHO Connett was on the lookout for fall protection hazards. (Tr. 55).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>As he was driving around, he observed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>roofers working on the roof of a residential construction project, located at 207th and Shirley Street,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Omaha, Nebraska<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">without any apparent fall protection system in place. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">56</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-1 to C-4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). After taking photos from a public street, CSHO Connett entered onto the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, identified himself, and requested to speak with the person in charge. (Tr. 59). After meeting with Mark Bratetic, Respondent’s owner, CSHO Connett held an opening conference and then proceeded to conduct an inspection. (Tr. 59). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">At the time of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">First I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, Respondent’s employees were installing floor joists on the second floor of the construction project, placing them<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">between 13 and 14<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">feet above the lower level.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">2</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-5 to C-7</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The joists, once installed, were spaced approximately<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">18</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>inches apart, which Respondent’s employees had to maneuver across as more joists were installed.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">3</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">74,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-5, C-6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). In some cases, Respondent’s employees were supported by plywood, which was suspended between the joists, but no specific work platform appeared to be available. (Tr. 67). In addition to the potential fall hazard into the building, Respondent’s employees were also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">working within<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">feet of the roof’s edge, where<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">they</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>were exposed to a fall of nearly 14 feet. (Tr. 73;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ex. C-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2, C-4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Though they were purportedly available on-site, none of Respondent’s employees w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ere</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>wearing a personal fall arrest system; nor, for that matter, did Respondent install guardrails or a safety net system. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">69–71</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Instead, when asked by CSHO Connett, Bratetic stated that his employees were uncomfortable using harnesses and tether lines because they presented a tripping hazard. Accordingly, Respondent developed a fall protection plan</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which assessed the use of conventional fall protection systems (guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, and safety net systems) and determined that such systems presented a greater hazard or were otherwise infeasible. (Ex. R-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">13</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). No alternative forms of fall protection, nor any sort of system to abate the fall hazard, were implemented as an alternative. (Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-13</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">During the course of his inspection, CSHO Connett also conducted interviews of the employees, asking in particular about whether they had received training. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">68–69, 76</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). According to Connett, the employees said they were basically told to “work safe”. (Tr. 76).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bratetic countered, providing documentation of the training he provided</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and pointing out that CSHO Connett’s own notes indicated that Bratetic’s employees told him they discussed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fall protection/harnesses</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on a daily basis. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">261–62; Ex. R-9 at 20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Second Inspection</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A few months</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>later, CSHO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ricardo</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Peacock</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was driving around Omaha neighborhoods looking for fall hazards pursuant to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the LEP</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>he referred to as “Stormcon”.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 160).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>According to Peacock, construction work spikes after a severe weather event, which activates the Stormcon program. (Tr. 161). As he was driving around, CSHO Peacock came upon a residential construction worksite located at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10518 S. 125</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Avenue in Papillion, Nebraska</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, where he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">observed two of Respondent’s employees working on a roof over<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">six</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>feet in height.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">4</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 160). Peacock proceeded to take video and photographs of the worksite from a distance of approximately 30–40 feet, and contacted his Area Director to inform him he was proceeding under the Stormcon LEP. (Tr. 163). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When Peacock entered the worksite, he showed his identification, asked the employees to come down from the roof, and asked to speak to the supervisor. (Tr. 173). The employees exited the roof via a forklift with an attached platform. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">173</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Before they could do so, however, one of the employees asked the forklift operator to pull the platform closer to the roof, which Peacock estimated to be approximately<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">three</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>feet away from the edge. (Tr. 173). Once they came down, the employees went inside the building</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and when they came out they were preparing to leave the worksite. (Tr. 174). Before they<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">left</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, however, they identified Bratetic as the person to whom Peacock should speak. (Tr. 174). Bratetic told Peacock to get a warrant and refused to provide any additional information. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). As Bratetic was leaving, Peacock took photographs of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bratetic’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>vehicle for later identification, but he also noticed Respondent’s trailer, which displayed the name “Elite Builders”. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). After he returned to the office, Peacock filled out the warrant application and compiled his photographs from his pre-inspection observations, which ended his involvement with the case. (Tr. 175).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The warrant application was filed with the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">United States District Court for the District of Nebraska</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">August 31, 2015</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and was approved the same day. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">283–84</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). According to the warrant, the document needed to be served on Respondent within<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ten<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">days. (Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). CSHO Connett, who was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">re-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">assigned to the case, served Bratetic with both the warrant and the Citation and Notification of Penalty from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection at the Shirley location at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a.m.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on September 3, 2015.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">78–79, 217–18</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Although Respondent was no longer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">performing work at the worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>identified in the warrant, CSHO Connett proceeded to the worksite, where he took measurements of the roof based on the photographs CSHO Peacock had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">taken when he attempted to conduct an inspection the first time</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">79–80</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based on the information contained in the inspection files, CSHO Connett proposed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Area Director<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Funke approved of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the issuance of a Citation and Notification of Penalty for each of the two worksites discussed above. The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">itation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">will be discussed at length below and are separated<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by inspection number</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">IV.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Analysis of Affirmative Defenses</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Warrant Was Properly Served</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent contends the warrant issued for the Papillion worksite was not served within the timeframe set forth in the document and should therefore be voided, along with any evidence stemming therefrom.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Court has reviewed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the contents of the warrant application and found the f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ollowing: (1) the warrant was issued on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">August 31, 2015</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; (2) the warrant required that it be served within<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ten</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>days; and (3) the warrant was served on Respondent on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">September 3, 2015</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Based on the foregoing facts, the Court finds Complainant complied with the requirements of the warrant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and that Respondent was properly served. Accordingly, Respondent’s arguments regarding the validity of the warrant are rejected.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">B.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Respondent Failed to Establish Vindictive Prosecution by Complainant</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent carries the burden of proof for an affirmative defense.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hamilton Fixture</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1073, 1077 (No. 88-1720, 1993)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 28 F.3d 1213 (6th Cir. 1994).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Premised in part on the fact he was inspected twice in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as many</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>months and that he was served with a warrant and the Citation from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an unusually early time in the morning</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">has claimed that—as it relates to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection—he is the victim of vindictive prosecution. Vindictive prosecution “is a prosecution to deter or punish the exercise of a protected statutory or constitutional<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">right.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nat’l Eng’g and Contracting Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1075</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1077</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 94-2787, 1997)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">U.S. v. Goodwin</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 457 U.S. 368, 372 (1982)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 181 F3d 715 (6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1999)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Commission noted, “Although<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">there is no uniform test for proving that a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">prosecution</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vindictive</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, a threshold showing common to all tests is evidence that the government action was taken in response to an exercise of a protected right.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(noting the two circuit courts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—D.C. and Sixth Circuits—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to which the particular action could be appealed formulate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the test differently).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>A showing of such misconduct warrants dismissing “the vindictively motivated charge or the entire action.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">U.S. v. Meyer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 810 F.2d 1242, 1249 (D.C. Cir. 1987).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">National Engineering and Contracting Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the respondent asserted the defense of vindictive prosecution, claiming OSHA had (1) privately labeled respondent a “bad actor” and stated its intent to “get them”; (2) withdrew citations in an unrelated case based on information respondent had purportedly learned during the CSHO’s deposition;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(3)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">taken action based on respondent’s previous request for a warrant; amongst other claims.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">18 BNA OSHC a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1079</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Commission held that National failed to make even the threshold showing. Specifically, it found National, though receiving a fair deal of attention from OSHA, did not identify any specific right it had exercised that caused OSHA to initiate the inspection or characterize the citation item in a particular way.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 1078</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> In fact, even though National had technically exercised a procedural right by demanding a warrant during a previous inspection, the Commission, quoting the Ninth Circuit, stated,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“ “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The mere fact that this prosecution followed the exercise of certain procedural rights in other, unrelated cases is insufficient to raise the appearance of vindictiveness</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">United States v. Robison</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 644 F.2d 1270 (9th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1981)). Further, the Commission noted that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the alleged statements by OSHA officials, even if true, were insufficient to establish the defense, because National needed to prove “that it would not have been cited absent that motive.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">U.S. v. Benson</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 941 F.2d 598, 612 (7th Cir. 1991)).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In this case, the Court finds Respondent did not exercise a statutory or constitutional right prior to the initiation of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, which is the basis of the vindictive prosecution<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">claim. To clarify, Respondent did exercise two very important rights in this case: his right to contest the Citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and his right to request a warrant. The problem, however, is Respondent did not (or could not) exercise those rights until the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection. Indeed, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection could not be the result of his decision to contest the Citation from the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, because he had not received that Citation yet.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">5</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Likewise, Bratetic demanded a warrant during CSHO Peacock’s attempt to conduct the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, not before. Respondent’s exercise of these rights cannot serve as the basis of a claim for vindictive prosecution—there was no prosecutorial action taken in response to Respondent’s action, save for procuring the warrant that Bratetic requested.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Court cannot discern any<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">misconduct</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on Complainant’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s behalf. Although CSHO Connett</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, who performed the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was eventually<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">assigned to t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, the decision to inspect the Papillion worksite was initiated by CSHO Peacock because he saw two<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">workers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on a roof without fall protection. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In fact, b</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">oth CSHO Peacock and CSHO Connett</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had an objectively reasonable basis upon which to initiate an inspection—they saw workers on the roof of a residential construction site with no apparent form of fall protection. Further, the CSHOs were acting pursuant to a L</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">EP<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">targeting fall hazards</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent was inspected a second time because he allowed his employees to work on an elevated surface without fall protection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">168–73</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). CSHO Peacock’s attempt to initiate an inspection, and the subsequent decision to issue citations, was based on this simple fact. Respondent’s affirmative defense of vindictive prosecution is rejected.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">C.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Applicable Law</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish a violation of an OSHA standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>pursuant to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">section<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5(a)(2)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">must</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>establish</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(1)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>applies</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(2) the terms of the standard were violated;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(3) employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were exposed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the hazard covered by the standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and (4) the employer had actual or constructive knowledge of the violation (i.e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the employer knew</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with the exercise of reasonable diligence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>could have known of the violative condition).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Atl</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Battery Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#010101; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">16 BNA OSHC 2131, 2138 (No. 90-1747, 1994).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant has the burden of establishing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>each element by a preponderance of the evidence.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hartford Roofing Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1361</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1365-66</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 92-3855, 1995).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Preponderance of the evidence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has been defined as:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:53.733px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The greater weight of the evidence, not necessarily established by the greater number of witnesses testifying to a fact<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">but by evidence that has the most convincing force</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; superior evidentiary weight that, though not sufficient to free the mind wholly from all reasonable doubt, is still sufficient to incline a fair and impartial mind to one side of the issue rather than the other. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Black’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s Law Dictionary,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Preponderance of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">vidence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(10th ed. 2014)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(emphasis added)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">D.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Docket No. 15-1645</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:96px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:139.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:139.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Item 1</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation 1, Item 1 as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13): Each employee(s) engaged in residential construction activities above 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels were not protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system, nor were employees provided with an alternative fall protection measure under another provision of paragraph 1926.501(b):</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer is failing to protect the employees from fall hazards greater than 6 feet. Employees performing residential construction activities were expose to falls on the exterior and interior of the building being constructed. The workers were exposed to falls of over 13 feet to the ground below.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 6.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">r persona</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">l fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of § 1926.502.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(13).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">6</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Standard Applies</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent is a roofing contractor that was engaged in residential construction activities on the date of the inspection. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Stip</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>No. 4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). According to CSHO Connett’s measurements, the distance from the roof, where Respondent’s employees were installing joists, to the ground below was at least 13 feet.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">64</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-7</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Thus, by its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>terms, the standard applies.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">b.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Standard was Violated</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The standard requires one of three forms of fall protection – personal fall arrest systems,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">afety nets, or guardrails – none of which w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ere</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>being used by Respondent’s employees. Thus, on the face of the evidence, Respondent violated the terms of the standard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:163.2px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">c. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Respondent’s Employees Were Exposed to the Hazard</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As noted above, CSHO Connett observed two of Respondent’s employees working on the roof of the house on Shirley</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>street</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Neither of those employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ere</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>wearing fall protection nor protected by guardrails or safety nets.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 60).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">One employee was working<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">close to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the edge of the roof, which exposed him to a fall of nearly 14 feet.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Ex. C-3, C-4, C-6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Another employee, who was working toward the center of the roof, was exposed to a fall of nearly 13 feet to the floor inside of the home. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">62–63</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent argued that the joists, when laid flat,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would mitigate the fall hazard and serve as a sort of platform; however, at the time of the inspection, the joists were upright, which exposed gaps of over a foot in width. (Tr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>63</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Further, joists are not designed as platforms, nor, when laid flat, are they secured to the roof, which makes them a poor substitute for conventional fall protection.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Accordingly, the Court finds Respondent’s employees were exposed to a fall hazard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:163.2px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">d.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Respondent Had Knowledge of the Conditions</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>“To establish knowledge, the Secretary must prove that the employer knew or, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have known of the conditions constituting the violation.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Fl</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Equip. Rentals, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 25 BNA OSHC 2147</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2155</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 08-1656, 2016).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> To satisfy this burden, Complainant must show “knowledge of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">conditions</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that form the basis of the alleged violation; not whether the employer had knowledge that the conditions constituted a hazard.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When a corporate employer entrusts to a supervisory employee its duty to assure employee compliance with safety standards, it is reasonable to charge t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he employer with the supervisor’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s knowledge actual or constructive of noncomplying conduct of a subordinate.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Mountain States Tel. & Tel. Co. v. Occupational Safety & Health Review Comm'n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 623 F.2d 155, 158 (10th Cir. 1980</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">R</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">voli Constr. Co.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">19 BNA OSHC 1682</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1685</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 00-0315, 2001)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ctions<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and knowledge of supervisory personnel can be imputed to their employers under the general rule when both a supervisor and an employee were engaged in the misconduct</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Bratetic told CSHO Connett that he was fully aware of the fact that his employees were working on the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">roof without fall protection and provided reasons as to why. Thus, Respondent, through its principal,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had actual knowledge<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of the violative conditions.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:163.2px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">e. T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">he Violation Was Serious</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A v</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">iolation is “serious” if there wa</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">have<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">result</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>from the violative condition. 29 U.S.C. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">666(k). Compla</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inant need not show that there wa</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s a substantial p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">robability that an accident would</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually occur;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he need only show that if an accident o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ccurred, serious physical harm c</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ould result. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phelps Dodge Corp. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 725 F.2d 1237, 1240 (9</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1984)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">If the possible<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">injury addressed by a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regulation is death or serious physical harm, a violation of the regulation is serious.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">M</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">osser Constr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1044</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1046</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 08-0631, 2010);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dec-Tam Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 15 BNA OSHC 2072</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 88-0523, 1993).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>CSHO Connett testified as to the nature of the injuries that an employee could suffer as a result of a fall from the roof of the residential construction site</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>onto the dirt or wood floor below</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">73</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based on his experience conducting construction inspections, CSHO Connett testified that an employee could suffer sprained ankles, bruises, and could potentially die if he/she fell from 13–14 feet onto the ground below. (Tr. 73). Due to the injuries that an employee could<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">suffer if he fell from the roof, the Court finds Respondent’s failure to require the use of fall protection was a serious violation of the Act.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Accordingly, the Court finds Complainant has established a violation of 29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§ </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.501(b)(13). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">However, Respondent has asserted the affirmative defenses of greater hazard and infeasibility as defenses to compliance and a finding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of the Act has occurred.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">f. Af</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">irmative Defenses of Greater Hazard and Infeasibility<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">provides Respondent with an opportunity to show that the use of the listed forms of fall protection would create a greater hazard or would be infeasible to implement. If Respondent can establish that using conventional fall protection would create a hazard or would otherwise be infeasible, the standard requires the employer to “develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of § 1926.502.” 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(13). The requirements of paragraph (k) are extensive, and Respondent must first overcome the presumption that the listed fall protection systems in 1926.501(b)(13) are both feasible and will not create a greater hazard in the context of residential construction activities. Respondent attempted, but failed, to meet that burden.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In order to establish the defense of greater hazard, Respondent must show: “(1) the hazards created by complying with the standard are greater than those of noncompliance; (2) other methods of protecting its employees from the hazards are not available; and (3) a variance is not available or that application for a variance is inappropriate.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Spancrete Ne., Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 15 BNA OSHC 1020</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1022</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 86-521, 1991) (citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Walker Towing Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 14 BNA OSHC 2072, 2078 (No. 87-1359. 1991)). As argued by Complainant, Respondent failed to show that conventional fall protection systems actually created a greater hazard; instead, Respondent merely pointed out a potential tripping hazard associated with the use of lanyards and safety lines. (Tr. 70–71).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">While that is certainly a concern, the Court fails to see how tripping when attached to a fall arrest system, which is designed to prevent a fall to the ground below, creates a greater hazard than not wearing a harness at all. In addition to whatever tripping hazard is presented by safety lines, the installation of joists requires Respondent’s employees to maneuver around upright and flat wood planks, each with gaps and holes that go straight to the ground. (Ex. C-5 to C-7). The Court does not perceive any greater tripping hazard than already exists at the worksite.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>More fatal to Respondent’s case, however, is the fact that he never applied for a variance, nor has he shown that application for a variance would have been inappropriate. According to the Commission, that failure is sufficient in and of itself to reject the defense.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Spancrete</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1020 (rejecting greater hazard defense when employer failed to seek variance and noting that this element has been recognized and endorsed by several courts of appeal)</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Accordingly, Respondent’s greater hazard defense is rejected.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Even if Respondent managed to establish the prima facie elements of the greater hazard defense, Respondent failed to comply with the requirements of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.502(k). Amongst other things, paragraph 502(k) requires: (1) a qualified person to prepare the plan for the specific worksite/job; (2) a list of reasons why conventional fall protection is infeasible or creates a greater hazard; (3) a written discussion of “other measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall hazard”, such as scaffolds, ladders, or work platforms; and (4) the designation of controlled access zones and safety monitors. 29 C.F.R. § 1926.502(k). Respondent has a fall protection plan, but the plan does not meet the requirements of 1926.502(k), nor has Respondent established a sufficient reason for its implementation as an alternative to the forms of protection listed in the standard. (Ex. R-13). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>First, Respondent’s plan is not specific to any site; instead, by its own terms, it is “specific for residential framing”. (Ex. R-13). In other words, Respondent seeks to except all of its residential framing activities from the requirements of the residential construction standard. Second, and perhaps even more problematic, is that Respondent’s fall protection plan does not provide for an alternative means of fall protection; rather, it appears to justify not utilizing fall protection at all</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Ex. R-13). Instead, Respondent appears to rely almost exclusively on the relative experience and training of the employees engaged in a particular framing activity and a general admonition to work slowly and carefully. (Tr. 254, 257–58).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent also failed to prove that the use of conventional fall protection was infeasible. In order to establish the defense of infeasibility, Respondent must show:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(1) the means of compliance prescribed by the applicable standard would have been infeasible, in that (a) its implementation would have been technologically or economically infeasible or (b) necessary work operations would have been technologically or economically infeasible after its implementation, and (2) there would have been no feasible alternative means of protection.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gregory & Cook, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1189</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1190</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 92-1891, 1995). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Although Respondent pointed out problems with the implementation of conventional fall protection systems, such as tripping hazards, the Court finds that these do not rise to the level of infeasibility. The Commission has stated that it “cannot accept unsubstantiated conclusions as proof” of infeasibility.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Avcon, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 23 BNA OSHC 1440</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1454</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 98-0755, 2011)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(consolidated)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Peterson Bros. Erection Co.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>16 BNA OSHC 1196, 1204 (No. 90-2304, 1993),</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>26 F.3d 573 (5th Cir. 1994)). In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Avcon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Commission noted that the employees who gave testimony on feasibility were “unfamiliar with OSHA’s fall protection standards” and their “opinions were offered without any supporting scientific or professional data or tests.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Avcon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1454</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Such a quantum of proof makes sense when one considers the scientific or professional data and tests used to establish the need for the regulation in the first place.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See generally</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Safety Standards for Fall Protection in the Construction Industry, 59 Fed. Reg. 40672 (August 9, 1994)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(to be codified at 29 C.F.R. Parts 1910 and 1926)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Respondent’s conclusions regarding conventional fall protection do not rely on data or tests illustrating their infeasibility; instead, they appear to be based on little more than a belief that using conventional fall protection would present unique difficulties. According to the Commission, “It is not enough to show that compliance is difficult, expensive, or would require changes to operations.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Manson Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>26 BNA OSHC 1569, 1576 (No. 14-0816, 2017)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(ALJ)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The affirmative defenses of greater hazard and infeasibility are rejected. Therefore, based upon the foregoing, the Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">u</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rt finds the terms of the standard w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ere<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violated</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he violation will be AFFIRMED as a serious citation.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Item 2</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation 1, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1926.503(a)(1): The employer did not provide a training program for each employee potentially exposed to fall hazards to enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and the procedures to be followed in order to minimize those hazards:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer is failing to provide employees with adequate and effective fall training prior to allowing them to work on the second story deck of a residential style site. This training would allow each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and allow them to understand the proper procedures to be followed in order to minimize those hazards.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 7.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The program shall enable each employee to recognize the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.503(a)(1).</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Standard Applies</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>install roofing materials on unenclosed, elevated surfaces, which exposes them to fall hazards. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he standard applies.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Complainant Failed to Prove the Standard Was Violated<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In order to prove a violation of a training standard,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant “must show that the cited employer failed to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">provide</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the instructions that a reasonably prudent employer would have given in the same circumstances</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">N & N Contractors, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">18 BNA OSHC 2121</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2122</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">96-0606</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2000</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Respondent can rebut the allegation “by showing it has provided the type of training at issue . . . .” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 2126</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">AMSCO</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1082</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1087</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">91-2494</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1997</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 255 F.3d 133 (4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2001)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In that case, “the burden shifts to the Secretary to show some deficiency in the training provided.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Complainant focuses on the following facts in support of its claim that Respondent violated the training standard: (1) During the inspection, Bratetic told CSHO Connett that he conducted fall protection training but apparently did not sufficiently elaborate on the specifics of that program; (2) In response to questions about their training, employees told CSHO Connett they had been told to “basically work safe”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; (3) Respondent’s employees were not using fall protection; and (4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) Respondent did not possess a proper written certification of the training</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Court finds these facts insufficient to establish a violation of the training standard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>First,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant did not establish what sort of training a reasonably prudent employer would have provided under these circumstances. CSHO Connett testified that he had received fall protection training, which included seminars on “harnesses, lanyards, anchorage points”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, but<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">there was no specific testimony as to what<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>fall protection training<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">program<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">should have included.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 54).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The fact that Connett testified Bratetic did not elaborate on the type of training provided is of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">dubious value</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, because the testimony does not make clear whether Connett even asked Bratetic about the contents of the program. (Tr. 75). It is difficult to evaluate the contents of a training program if there is no standard by which to measure that program.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Second, while the employees’ statements that they were told to “basically work safe” should have given CSHO Connett pause</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, that was not the only statement given by Respondent’s employees. (Tr. 76; Ex. R-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). According to CSHO Connett’s own notes, Respondent’s employees also told him that Bratetic “talks about harness[es] every morning.” (Ex. R-9 at 020). Further, as the trial proceeded, Bratetic testified as to the contents of the fall protection training he provides, including: (1)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">anchor points, lanyards, and harnesses; (2) communicating hazards; (3) handrails on open stairwells; (4) morning safety discussions; and (5) recognizing the need<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for fall protection over<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">six</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>feet.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">264,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>281,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>295–299). The only specific<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">training<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">deficiencies elicited during Bratetic’s testimony was his apparent failure to understand the concept of shock loading and, perhaps, not specifically discussing the maximum load per anchor point. (Tr. 298–99). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to Bratetic, however, these concerns were minimal because he testified that none of his employees weighed nearly that much. (Tr. 299).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Third, even though Respondent’s employees were not wearing fall protection, this does not, of itself, establish a training violation. According to the Commission, “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The failure to enforce compliance with work rules on the job does not establish a failure to train or instruct</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . .<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">N & N</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>18 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2128</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(citing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Dravo Eng</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">rs. and Constructors</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 11 BNA OSHC 2010, 2012 (No. 81-748, 1984) (evidence of failure to enforce a safety rule does not prove a training violation)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> According to the testimony of both CSHO Connett and Bratetic, there appeared to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">be a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">laissez-faire<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">attitude towards actual enforcement of the fall protection rules, with Respondent permitting employees to use/not use fall protection based on their own, individual safety assessment. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">70, 257</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Tim Graboski Roofing, Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">25 BNA OSHC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1441</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1456</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ALJ)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">14-0263</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2015</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(noncompliance to accommodate the crews’ reluctance to use fall protection is plain indifference to the safety of its employees). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>While rampant disregard for the rules<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">may</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>indicate a lack of training, it is not sufficient to establish a training violation in and of itself. In this case, the Court finds that training took place, notwithstanding Respondent’s failure to enforce<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the principles taught therein.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Finally, Respondent had written verification of the training provided. Though it may not have been technically correct in its specifics, the intent of the document is clear: Respondent and his employees certified that training occurred and documented that fact. While a lack of some sort of documentation may have been good evidence of a failure to train, Respondent had documentation of the training, which preceded the inspection in this case. (Ex. R-7). Additionally, the requirement to certify training is separate and apart from the issue of whether training occurred in the first instance</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Respondent was not cited for lack of documentation.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that Complainant failed to establish a violation of the fall protection training standard.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Complainant did not establish what a reasonably prudent employer would have done under similar circumstances, which sets the standard by which Respondent’s training program should be measured. Further, when presented with evidence that some fall protection training had taken place, Complainant failed to show the manner in which the training received was deficient, other than to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">point to the existence of violations at Respondent’s worksite. In addition, CSHO Connett’s testimony focused on Respondent’s employee’s statements that their training basically consisted of “being safe”, notwithstanding the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">presence of additional statements in his own notebook indicating the employees also told him that they discussed harnesses “every day”. (Ex. R-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Ultimately, Complainant’s failure is one of proof. Accordingly, Citation 1, Item 2 of this docket shall be VACATED.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">E.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Docket No. 16-0119</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
				</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Item 1</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation 1, Item 1 as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii): The employer did not ensure each operator had successfully completed the training required by paragraph (l), except as permitted by (l)(5), prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer failed to ensure that the employees received the training required prior to operating a powered industrial truck. In this case, a Lull Model 944E All Terrain Fork truck was being used to elevate a personnel platform and move materials. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required by this paragraph (l), except as permitted by paragraph (l)(5).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.178(l)(1)(ii)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Standard Applies</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to 29 C.F.R. § 1926.602(d), entitled<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Powered industrial truck operator training,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“The requirements applicable to construction work under this paragraph are<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">identical</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to those set forth at § 1910.178(l) of this chapter.” As such, the Court finds that issuing a citation pursuant to 1910.178(l) is appropriate. Paragraph 1910.178(a) states that “this section contains safety requirements relating to fire protection, design, maintenance, and use of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">fork trucks</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>. . . .”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(a). The vehicle at issue was a gas-powered, all-terrain forklift. Thus, the standard applies.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Terms of the Standard Were Violated</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Court finds the terms of the standard were violated. According to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO Connett</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the employees told him that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at least two people operated the forklift: Bratetic and an employee named<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ted</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref12" href="#ftn12">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">102–103</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent only produced one training certificate—for Bratetic—which indicated that he completed a forklift safety training course on September 7, 2015, after the inspection took place. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">101–102</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. R-12</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Because none of the employees who operated the forklift were properly trained before operating it, the Court finds Respondent violated the terms of the standard. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Notwithstanding the above, Respondent contends that the training he eventually received was focused on the use of forklifts in an industrial setting and did not address the hazards associated with residential construction. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">There is an entire cottage industry of OSHA training programs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Court is not in a position to determine the quality of the course Bratetic selected and whether its content was directly applicable to the residential construction industry</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Nor was there any testimony to suggest that the particular course Bratetic took was specifically required by OSHA; rather, the onus is on Respondent t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o assess whether the course selected is adequate for the type of work performed and the vehicle selected to perform that job.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(l)(3) (discussing training program content).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">More to the point, however, the content of what Bratetic learned in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the particular</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>training course<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he attended<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is irrelevant to the question of whether he, or any of his employee-operators, received</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>adequate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>training on the operation of the forklift<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">prior to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>operating it. They did not.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent also points out that the same forklift and platform were present at the Shirley worksite during the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and notes that he did not receive any citations relating the platform, the forklift, or any associated training</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> In other words, Respondent appears to suggest that the government should be prevented</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">from pursuing a violation in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">econd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection that it clearly did not pursue in the first</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, because he did not have fair notice</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>There could be a number of reasons why CSHO Connett did not cite Respondent for the platform and forklift, and none of them support dismissal of this citation item. In the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection, CSHO Connett may not have seen the forklift and platform, or, since it was not in use, it may not have caught his attention. Perhaps the platform was not attached, in which case there was no reason to suspect that the forklift and platform were being used as a personnel lift. For reasons such as these, the Commission has held that “an employer cannot deny the existence of or its knowledge of a cited hazard by relying on the Secretary’s earlier failure to cite the condition.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Seibel Modern Mfg. & Welding Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1218 (No. 88-821, 1991). A condition does not cease to be hazardous simply because it was not observed in a previous inspection, nor does it cease to be a violation because of that fact. Respondent did not have the training required by the standard prior to operating the rough terrain forklift. Accordingly, the terms of the standard were violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Respondent’s Employees Were Exposed to the Hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exposure to a violative condition may be established either by showing actual exposure or that access to the hazard was reasonably predictable.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix Roofing, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1076</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1078</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(No. 90-2148, 1995). Regarding access, “the ‘inquiry is not simply into whether exposure is theoretically possible,’ but whether it is reasonably predictable ‘either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), that employees have been, are, or will be in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">zone of danger.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nuprecon LP dba Nuprecon Acquisition LP</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1817</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1819</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 08-1037, 2012) (quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Fabricated Metal Prod</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">s.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1072, 1074 (No. 93-1853, 1997)).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The forklift was equipped with a personnel platform, which was used to lift employees from the ground level up to the roof. CSHO Peacock observed the employees being lowered from the roof when he first approached the worksite, and Bratetic<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">said</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that he lifted employees to the roof during the course of the project. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">189;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As will be discussed later, the personnel platform was both too wide for the forklift and lacked guardrails.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Section<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">IV.E.2.b</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">infra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>such, both the operators, who were not properly trained, and the employee-roofers, who were being lifted on the platform, were exposed to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fall hazards, tip-over hazards and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">potential struck-by hazards stemming from an improperly operate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d forklift. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">197–98</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See, e.g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dierzen-Kewanee Heavy Indus</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, LTD</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1656</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1663</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 07-0675, 2009)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(consolidated)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(ALJ) (holding that untrained operators exposed themselves and other employees to potential broken bones, up to and including death, “when untrained operators can strike employees with the forklift or cause material to fall on the operator or others”). </span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Respondent Had Knowledge of the Conditions</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bratetic admitted to operating the forklift and using the platform to raise his employees onto the roof. He also admitted that he had not taken the training course until after the inspection had occurred. Thus, Respondent was directly aware that neither he, nor any of his employees, had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the training required by the cited standard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Violation Was Serious</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The forklift in question was being operated by untrained operators, who were lifting employees on a non-compliant platform onto an elevated surface. Based on these conditions,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO Connett testified that “[i]f an individual is . . . struck by a large piece of equipment such as a forklift or they fall from an elevation, the most likely injury can be death or permanent disability.” (Tr. 197). The violation was serious. Accordingly, Citation 1, Item 1 shall be AFFIRMED as serious.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">2.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
				</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Item 2a</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSH Act of 1970 Section 5(a)(1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause serious physical harm to employees.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer is failing to protect employees from fall hazards while performing residential style framing and roofing operations. Employees are being elevated on the JG/Lull 944E-42 rough terrain forklift to a height of approximately 15’7” to perform work. These employees are exposed to fall hazards from the platform. The platform being used was 16 [sic] wide extending outside the vehicles [sic] axel [sic] base 46” on each side of the vehicle. The platform itself has no form of fall protection (i.e. harness/lanyard, guardrails, etc.).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of abatement are:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ensure that all employees involved in the operation are trained and briefed prior to working with this equipment of the hazards involving elevating employees and stability issues involving this piece of equipment.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">2)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ensure that all employees of the company follow both the manufacturers [sic] recommendations in the operators [sic] manual and follow the ASME/ANSI B56.6 2002 Safety Standards for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks Sec. 8.24.1 limitations as to size of platforms to be used.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">3)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ensure the platform being used by the company meets the requirements of both the manufacturers [sic] requirements and the above listed ANSI standard.</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The cited standard provides:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">U.S.C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>§ 65</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">4(a)(1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Applicable Law</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">prima facie<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violation of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ection 5(a)(1) of the Act, also known as the general duty clause, Complainant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) a condition or activity in the workplace presented a hazard to employees; (2) the employer or its industry recognized the hazard; (3) the hazard was likely to cause death or serious physical harm; and (4) a feasible and effective means existed to eliminate or materially reduce the hazard.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kokosing Constr. Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 17 BNA OSHC 1869</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1872</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 92-2596, 1996).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he evidence must</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>show that the employer knew or</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have known of the hazardous condition.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Otis Elevator Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 2204</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2206</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 03-1344, 2007).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Personnel Platform Presented a Hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to the citation, the personnel platform that was attached to the forklift and used to elevate employees to the roof of the residential construction site was too wide relative to the width of the forklift—as measured between the right and left tires—and lacked the requisite fall protection. CSHO Connett testified that an over-wide platform created a tip-over hazard if the load being elevated was placed too far outside of the forklift’s center of gravity. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">115</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). This conclusion is supported by both the Forklift Operator’s Manual and the ANSI<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">B56.6 2002 Safety Standards for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks Sec. 8.24.1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Standard, which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">indicate</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that personnel platforms shall not “have a width greater than the overall width of the truck [measured across the load bearing tires plus 10 in. (250 mm) on either side].”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Ex. C-15 at 28).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>platform measured 192 inches from end-to-end, whereas the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">width of the forklift, measured from side-to-side, was only 101 inches across.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref13" href="#ftn13">8</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 109).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>This means that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">platform extended just a little over 45 inches<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">past both sides of the forklift and roughly 35 inches beyond the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">maximum allowable width. (Tr. 111; Ex. C-22).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the operator’s manual and the ANSI standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>indicate that “restraining means such as a guardrail or a means for securing personnel such as a body belt or lanyard” are required elements for a platform used to elevate personnel. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Implicit in these requirements are the concerns expressed by CSHO Connett: an improperly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>sized,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>equipped</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and loaded platform presents both a tip-over and fall hazard. (Tr. 115). </span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Hazard Was Recognized</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant can establish that the hazard was recognized by “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">either the actual knowledge of the employer or the standard of knowledge in the employer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s industry—an objective test.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kokosing Constr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1873 (citing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Continental Oil Co. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 630 F.2d 446, 448 (6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Cir.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1980)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Industry standards and guidelines such as those published by ANSI are evidence of industry recognition.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See generally, Cargill, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>10 BNA OSHC 1398, 1402 (No. 78–5707, 1982)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Whether such standards have the force and effect of law does not impact whether the relevant industry recognized a workplace hazard.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Proper caution must be taken, however, to distinguish between mere directions for a product’s use and explicit safety warnings about a product.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See K.E.R. Enters., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2241</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2243</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 08-1225, 2013</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">By its very title,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the ANSI</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Safety</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Standard for Rough Terrain Forklifts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is not a mere set of directions, but, in fact, lays out specific safety warnings for the use of personnel platforms on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rough terrain forklifts. Thus, the ANSI Safety Standard cited by Complainant can serve as evidence of industry recognition. Although the ANSI Safety Standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>does not specifically state that it applies to any particular industry, e.g.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">residential<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">construction,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Court finds the applicable industry in this case to be m</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">uch larger; namely, those that use powered industrial trucks. In support of this, the Fifth Circuit has held that “where a practice is plainly recognized as hazardous in one industry, the Commission may infer recognition in the industry in question.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Kelly Springfield Tire Co., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 729 F.2d 317, 321 (5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1984);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also St. Joe Minerals Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 647 F.2d 840, 845 (8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1981) (finding elevator industry’s recognition of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>freight elevator hazard applies with equal weight to lead smelting plant).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref14" href="#ftn14">9</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The use of powered industrial trucks, and rough terrain forklifts in particular, is not limited to any particular industry.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">There are, nonetheless, safety standards that apply to their use, regardless of where they are operated. Those standards have been memorialized in ANSI document governing the operation of “Powered and Nonpowered Industrial Trucks.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> This document</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, coupled with the repetition of nearly identical language in the forklift Operator’s Manual, indicates that the powered industrial truck industry recognizes a hazard stemming from an oversized platform that is also devoid of any form of fall protection. Accordingly, the Court finds the hazard was recognized.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Hazard Was Likely to Cause Death or Serious Physical Harm</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As di</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">scussed earlier in Section IV.E.1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.e,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">supra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, CSHO Connett testified that both</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>operators of the forklift and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">occupants of the lift platform were exposed to potential tip-over,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">struck-by, and fall hazards when operators have not been trained in the proper use of the forklift. The Court finds that similar hazards are present here, where an oversized platform with no form of fall protection had the potential to tip over the forklift. This not only exposed the occupants of the personnel platform to potential fall hazards, but also exposed the operator to potential crushing/struck-by hazards. Given the height at which the platform was elevated—roughly 14 feet above the ground—and the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">size of the forklift, the Court finds that an employee could suffer serious injury, up to and including death, if<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">one of those</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>were to come to f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ruition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For these reasons, the violation is also properly characterized as serious.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">A Feasible and Effective Means Existed to Eliminate or Materially Reduce the Hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:0cm; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The means proposed by Complainant to eliminate or materially reduce the hazard are fairly straightforward and simple: (1) training regarding the use of personnel platforms on forklifts; (2) following the operator’s manual and ANSI standard; and (3) ensuring the personnel platform meets the requirements of both the manufacturer and the ANSI standard.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Indeed, if Respondent merely followed the directions within the operator’s manual, which indicates the maximum dimensions of any personnel platform and fall protection requirements, the fall and/or tipping hazard would have been materially reduced.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Ex. C-10).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Further, the platform itself, though inappropriate for the particular forklift Respondent was using, had post inserts at the corners, which were presumably designed for the insertion of gu</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ardrails. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">119</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-9</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The guardrail</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(or equivalent “restraining means”)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requirement<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>also included in the referenced ANSI standard and the operator’s manual.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:0cm; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The proposed forms of abatement are pulled directly from the operator’s manual and related ANSI standard, lending further credence to their effectiveness at eliminating or materially reducing the hazard. Respondent did not proffer any counterargument as to whether<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">implementing the proposed forms of abatement would be feasible or effective</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. As such, the Court finds that Complainant proved a serious violation of the general duty clause. According</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Citation 1, Item 2a shall be AFFIRMED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">3.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
				</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Item 2b</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1, Item 2b</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">451(a)(6)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Scaffolds were not constructed in accordance with the design by a qualified person:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer is failing to protect employees from fall and platform stability hazards while performing residential style framing and roofing operations. Employees are being elevated on the JLG/Lull 944E-42 rough terrain forkilift to a height of approximately 157 [sic] to perform work. The platform being used was 16 [sic] wide extending outside the vehicles [sic] axel [sic] base 46 [sic] on each side of the vehicle. The operators [sic] manual states specifically Width of the platform shall not be wider than the width of the vehicle measured across the load bearing tires plus 10 inches (250 mm) on each side.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Non-mandatory appendix A to this subpart contains examples of criteria that will enable an employer to comply with paragraph (a) of this section.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">451(a)(6)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Standard Applies</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The initial inquiry in this citation item is whether the personnel platform attached to the forklift is properly characterized as a scaffold. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A “scaffold” is defined as “any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage), used for supporting employees or materials or both.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§ 1926.450(b). A “platform” is “a work surface elevated above lower levels. Platforms can be constructed using individual wood planks, fabricated planks, fabricated decks, and fabricated platforms.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; 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-size:12pt; ">Given<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the broad scope of the definitions of platform and scaffold, the Court finds that the standard applies.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Complainant failed to prove a violation of the standard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant did not introduce any evidence regarding how this particular</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>scaffold was designed or constructed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and the discussion of this violation encapsulated a sum total of two pages of trial transcript</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 116–17).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Similar to his assertion that no training took place, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">here was merely speculation on behalf of Complainant based on the oversize nature of the platform relative to the forklift in use.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The only concrete evidence Complainant relied on was the fact that, contrary to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">paragraph 8.5.6 of the ANSI standard,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent’s platform did not have a placard or sticker<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its capacity or other vital specifications. (Tr. 117).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When asked whether he was able to determine whether a qualified person had designed the platform, CSHO Connett said “No.” (Tr. 118).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>There are a number of problems with Complainant’s evidence. First, i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t may very well be the case that the platform was designed and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">constructed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by a qualified person, but there was no evidence tending in either direction.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO Connett did not testify that he was able to definitively determine that the platform was not designed by a qualified person; rather, his testimony was more equivocal: he could not determine<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">whether</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that was the case. This is a failure of proof; t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>question of whether the platform was properly designed and constructed is a question separate and apart from whether the platform itself was compliant. The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>fact that the platform was not appropriate for this particular forklift has nothing to do with whether the platform itself was designed or constructed by a qualified person.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Further, the presence of a sticker or placard to indicate capacity pursuant to an ANSI standard may indicate that the platform was designed by a qualified person, but the lack thereof does not establish that it was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Court has already concluded that the platform was noncompliant; however, without additional evidence, it is not clear whether that is a result of design, construction, or simply implementation.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Based on the foregoing, the Court finds Complainant failed to establish a violation of the cited standard. Accordingly, Citation 1, Item 2b shall be VACATED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">4.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
				</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1,<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">3</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">501(b)(13)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels was not protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer is failing to protect the employees from fall hazards greater than 6 feet. Employees are working from the roof deck of a house being constructed without wearing harnesses or lanyards. The workers were exposed to falls of over 16 feet to dirt below.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, safety net system, or persona</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">l fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of § 1926.502.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(13)</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Standard Applies</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">At the Papillion location, CSHO Peacock observed two employees working on the roof of a residential construction project without any form of fall protection. Based on observations made by CSHO Peacock and subsequent measurements taken by CSHO Connett, Complainant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">determined that the employees were working roughly<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">14</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>feet above the ground. Thus, the standard applies.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent contends, however,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that the roof was “low-slope” and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that 29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.501(b)(10) is the more applicable standard. That standard states:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Roofing work on Low-slope roofs.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels 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></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bratetic testified that he believed the roof pitch was no more than “4 in 12”, which describes a roof that rises four feet for every twelve feet of horizontal distance. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">303–304</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§ 1926.500 (defining low-slope roof as a roof having a slope of less than 4 in 12). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to both CSHOs Peacock and Connett, however, the roof slope was at least 5 in 12, if not steeper. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">136</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Based on the Court’s review of the photographs, and the collective testimony of both CSHOs, who have significant experience in performing residential construction inspections, the Court finds that the roof slope was greater than 4 in 12 and, thus, does not qualify for the low-slope roof exception. In addition, the Court finds that the cited standard is the more directly applicable standard in that it directly applies to “residential construction”. This is bolstered by the fact that there was no attempt by Respondent to comply with either the conventional or alternative forms of fall protection listed in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1926.501(b)(10). Respondent’s arguments regarding the applicability of the standard are rejected.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Terms of the Standard Were Violated</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent did not attempt to argue that it complied with the standard; instead, he claims (akin to his argument with respect to Citation 1, 1 in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">irst<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nspection) that the amount<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of time to perform the specific task (re-fastening<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">previously applied<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">plywood) was minimal and that taking the time to re-install an anchor point would only expose the affected employees to fall hazards for longer than was necessary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t Br.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 2.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Court disagrees. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Irrespective of how long Respondent’s employees were scheduled to be on the roof, the standard does not make an exception to the fall protection requirements based on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">how long Respondent’s employees were exposed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the hazard.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref15" href="#ftn15">10</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> In that respect, Respondent’s employees were on the roof for a more than negligible amount of time—according to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO Peacock</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the employees were on the roof for at least<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>minutes.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 185).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> This is more than enough time for an employee to slip, trip, or fall off of the roof.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The standard’s requirements are clear—if<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an employee is working</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>six feet</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>above the lower level</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the employer is required to implement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>one of the conventional forms of fall protection unless<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the employer can</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>establish that those forms are either infeasible or create a greater hazard.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As the Court previously found, Respondent has not proffered sufficient evidence to establish either defense.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Section<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">IV.D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.1.b</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">supra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Thus, the standard was violated.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Respondent’s Employees Were Exposed to the Hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The photographs taken by CSHO Peacock clearly show two of Respondent’s employees on the roof of the Papillion construction project without fall protection.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to CSHO Connett’s measurements, the roof was over 14 feet above the ground. One employee can be observed standing within feet of the roof’s edge.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Ex. C-8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The other employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, who was working adjacent to the work platform, was also exposed to the fall hazard, because the platform was parked too far from the eave of the roof to serve as an effective catch platform and was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">missing guardrails or other restraining devices that would serve to arrest the falling employee. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">85–88</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The Court finds Respondent’s employees were exposed to a fall hazard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Respondent Had Knowledge of the Conditions</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bratetic testified that he was aware that his employees were working on the roof at the Papillion site without fall protection. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">288</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). In fact, he also admitted that, at one point or another, he operated the forklift to lift his employees onto the roof. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">292</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). These admissions constitute direct knowledge of the violative conditions. </span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Violation Was Serious</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the same reasons discussed above with respect to Citation 1, Item 1 of Docket No. 15-1645, the Court finds the violation was serious. Respondent’s employees were working 14 feet above the ground without fall protection. A fall from that height could cause serious injuries up to, and including, death. Accordingly, Citation 1, Item 3 shall be AFFIRMED as serious.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">5.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
				</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 2,<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">1</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref16" href="#ftn16">11</a></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">451(g)(4)(i)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Guardrail systems were not installed along all open sides and ends of platforms:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer is failing to protect employees from fall hazards in the workplace. Employees were elevated on a platform in the air approximately 157” feet [sic] without any form of fall protection including but not limited to, guard rail systems, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems on all exposed areas of the platform. . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Guardrail systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms. Guardrail systems shall be installed before the scaffold is released for use by employees other than erection/dismantling crews.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">451(g)(4)(i)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Citation is Duplicative</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission has held the standard applicable when an employee is being transported by an aerial lift to a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>from a work level. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Salah & Pecci Constr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">6 BNA OSHC 1688, 1689 (No. 15769, 1978).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref17" href="#ftn17">12</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Even though the standard applies to the forklift-operated platform, and the terms of the standard were violated, the Court finds that this citation item is duplicative of Citation 1, Item 2a. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to the Commission, violations are considered duplicative “where the standards cited require the same abatement measures,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">or where abatement of one citation will necessarily result in the abatement of the other item as well</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.” <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Rawson Contractors</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC 1078</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1082</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>n.5 (No. 99-0018, 2003) (emphasis added) (citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Flint Eng</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">’g</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>& Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 2052, 2056–57 (No. 90-2783, 1992)).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Citation 1, Item 2a alleges</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a violation of the general duty clause based on Respondent’s failure to properly size and equip the personnel platform attached to the forklift. In addition to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleging</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the personnel platform was too wide for the forklift, Complainant also alleged<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent failed to include guardrails or other forms of fall protection on the platform.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Included in the citation narrative, Complainant cited to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">three separate forms of abatement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(1) training regarding the use of personnel platforms on forklifts; (2) following the operator’s manual and ANSI</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>B56.6 2002 Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks Sec. 8.24.1 limitations as to platform size</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; and (3) ensuring the personnel platform meets the requirements of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">both the manufacturer and the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">above-listed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ANSI standard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Court is concerned, in particular, with the third proposed form of abatement.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Although the second proposed abatement measure focuses on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the ANSI standard’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“limitations as to size of platforms to be used”,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the third<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">measure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>enlarges<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>scope<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of the abatement<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">calling on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent to adhere to the entire ANSI standard found in Section 8.24.1. In addition to setting size restrictions on attached personnel platforms, Section 8.24.1 (and the operator’s manual) require</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the attached platform<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to include “restraining means such as a guardrail or a means for securing personnel such as a body belt or lanyard.” (Ex. C-15 at 28). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Thus, both Citation 1, Item 2a and Citation 2, Item 1 call for the exact same method of abatement—the installation of fall protection devices on the personnel platform.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As such, the citation items run afoul of the restriction against duplicative citations. Accordingly, Citation 2, Item 1 shall be VACATED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:144px; text-indent:-.318cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">6.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
				</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 2,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
					</span>Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">2</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant alleged a serious violation of the Act in Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 CFR 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">454(a)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The employer did not have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold(s) trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize those hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer is failing to protect employees from fall hazards. Employees working from scaffold platforms are not trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. Employees were elevated from the ground to the roof on a platform attached to a rough terrain forklift without any form of fall protection....<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Citation and Notification of Penalty<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">12</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The cited standard provides:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include the following areas, as applicable . . . .</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">454(a)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:187.2px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Complainant Failed to Prove a Violation of the Standard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based on the Court’s previous conclusion that the scaffolding standards apply to Respondent’s personnel platform, the Court also finds that the standard cited in Citation 2, Item 2 applies</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; however, based on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the scant record produced with respect to this particular violation, the Court finds that Complainant failed to prove a violation of the standard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant’s evidence with respect to this item is similar in type and quantity to his allegation of a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fall protection<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">training</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>violation in Docket No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15-1645</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. First, the CSHO observed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees using the personnel platform without fall protection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 124). Second,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">during an interview with employees, CSHO Connett asked what sort of training they had received. (Tr. 126). One employee, named Moises, stated that Bratetic</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“basically”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>told him, “We’re not here to break any records; take your time; do things safely.” (Tr. 126). He could not recall what the other employee said about the training. (Tr. 126). Other than establishing that the employees were, in fact, exposed to the hazard by riding on the platform, this represents the sum total of the evidence Complainant presented on this citation item.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As previously noted, i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n order to prove a violation of a training standard, Complainant “must show that the cited employer failed to provide the instructions that a reasonably prudent employer would have given in the same circumstances.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">N & N</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 2122</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Just as the Court found in Citation 1, Item 2 of Docket No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15-1645</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Complainant failed to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">put forth proof<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficient<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to establish a violation of the standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To be sure,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">riding an unprotected, overloaded personnel platform is a violation, but not of the training standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Moises’ statement that he had only been told to “take your time” is evidence of a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>training</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>violation; however, given</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent’s employees made similar statements in response to questions about their fall protection training, only to have Respondent provide evidence of such training,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Court questions</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the thoroughness of their answers and, perhaps, the diligence with which CSHO Connett pursued any follow-up investigation. The fact that CSHO Connett could not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>recall what the other employee<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">said</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">indeed, the only other employee he interviewed on this topic—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also calls into question the sufficiency of his investigation on this citation item.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref18" href="#ftn18">12</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Nowhere in the record does it show that Bratetic</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the person in the best position to discuss the content of any of Respondent’s training programs,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was asked about the platform/scaffold training program</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; indeed, the purpose of his “informal meeting” with OSHA was to respond to a subpoena for documents and testimony related to the first inspection, which occurred at 207</span><span style="font-size:12pt; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>& Shirley</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and did not involve the platform</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 90–91, 224–25; Ex. R-10).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Court finds Complainant failed to produce evidence sufficient to establish a violation of the standard. As with Citation 1, Item 2 in Docket<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15-1645</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Complainant rested its case almost entirely on the CSHOs’ respective observations of fall protection violations. While such observations may indicate a lack of training, it is incumbent upon Complainant to do more than show the existence of violations at a worksite.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See N & N</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 2121 (citing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Dravo Eng</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">rs and Constructors</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 11 BNA OSHC 2010, 2012 (No. 81-748, 1984) (evidence of failure to enforce a safety rule does not prove a training violation)).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> And, although the statement regarding scaffold training attributed to Moises is a possible indication that training was deficient, it could<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">just as easily mean that Moises was a man of few words. There is no indication in the record indicating that either Area Director Funke or CSHO Connett followed up with additional requests for Moises to clarify, nor does it appear that any requests or questions were directed at Bratetic regarding the training program at issue in this citation item.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In addition, Complainant presented no evidence that the person who conducted the training was not qualified. This is a requirement of the plain reading of the regulation to which absolutely no proof was offered. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Finally, Complainant failed to establish what sort of training Respondent should have provided. There was no testimony regarding what a reasonable employer, in Bratetic’s position, should have instructed his employees to do when using a personnel lift. It is unclear whether the fall protection training Respondent provided would encapsulate the training at issue here, or whether Complainant contends that full-blown scaffold training is necessary for the use of a platform that raises employees and materials roughly 14 feet above the ground onto a residential roof. The Court cannot discern whether training is deficient unless a standard is defined. Since the standard at issue is a performance standard, it is incumbent upon Complainant to show that Respondent’s training regime falls below what is reasonable.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See N & N</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">18 BNA OSHC at 21</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">27-28</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> No such evidence was introduced.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Based on the foregoing, Citation 2, Item 2 shall be VACATED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">V.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Penalty</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In determining the appropriate penalty for affirmed violations,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ection 17(j) of the Act requires the Commission to give due consideration to four criteria:<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(1) the size of the employer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s business</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(2) the gravity of the violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(3) the good faith of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and (4) the employer’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s prior history of violations. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. § 666(j)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Gravity is the primary consideration<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and is determined by the number of employees exposed, the duration of the exposure, the precautions taken against injury, and the likelihood of an actual injury. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">J.A. Jones Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 2201, 2214 (No. 87-2059, 1993).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It is well established that the Commission and its judges conduct<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">de novo</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>penalty determinations and have full discretion to assess penalties based on the facts of each case and the applicable statutory criteria. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">E.g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Allied Structural Steel Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2 BNA OSHC 1457, 1458 (No. 1681, 1975);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Valdak Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 17 BNA OSHC 1135, 1138 (No. 93-0239, 1995),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>73 F.3d 1466 (8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1995).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">At the time of the inspection, Respondent had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">five<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees, including himself.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Thus, based on his size, Complainant proposed a 60% reduction on all gravity-based penalties, and the Court agrees with this assessment.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Further, given that Respondent was found to have violated the same or similar standards by exposing his employees to fall hazards in consecutive inspections, the Court also agrees that no discount should be given for good faith or history.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>With respect to Citation 1, Item 1 of Docket 15-1645, Complainant determined that the violation was high gravity. (Tr. 192). In particular, Complainant determined that an employee who fell from a height of over 12 feet could suffer broken bones, concussion, and potentially death. Further, Complainant also assessed the probability of an accident occurring to be high due to the complete lack of any fall protection measures and how close Respondent’s employees were to the fall hazard. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">192–93</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The Court agrees with Complainant’s evaluations. Accordingly, a penalty of $2,800 shall be ASSESSED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>With respect to Citation 1, Item 1 of Docket 16-0119, Complainant also determined the violation was high gravity. (Tr. 197–98). Area Director Funke testified that the forklift training violat</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ion exposed employees to the potential for an untrained operator to either run into employees on the worksite, or to potentially cause them to fall from the personnel platform. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">197). Given the size of the machine, and the fact that it was being used to transport/lift employees, Complainant determined that the likelihood of injury was high, and the Court agrees. Accordingly, a penalty of $2,800 shall be ASSESSED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>With respect to Citation 1, Item 2a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Docket 16-0119</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Complainant determined that the potential for serious injury was high due to the height that employees were lifted to without fall protection; however, Complainant also determined that the probability of an accident was lower due to the short duration of exposure. Respondent’s employees were only on the platform for as long as it took to be elevated to the roof and brought back down again. (Tr. 200). The Court agrees with this assessment. Accordingly, a penalty of $2,000 shall be ASSESSED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>With respect to Citation 1, Item 3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Docket 16-0119</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Complainant provided virtually the same assessment as it did regarding Citation 1, Item 1 in Docket 15-1645. The only difference was the probability of an accident occurring, which Complainant determined to be lesser under the circumstances observed at the Papillion worksite. According to Bratetic and the employees, they only went onto the roof to secure a few plywood panels that were previously misapplied. (Tr. 202). Based on that, Complainant proposed a slightly smaller penalty. The Court agrees with this assessment. Accordingly, a penalty of $2,000 shall be ASSESSED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">ORDER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The foregoing Decision constitutes the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclus</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ions of Law, it is ORDERED that:</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Docket No.<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15-1645</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>AFFIRMED as serious, and a penalty of<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2,800</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>is ASSESSED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">VACATED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">2.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Docket No.<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">16-0119</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>AFFIRMED as serious, and a penalty of $</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2,800</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>is ASSESSED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 2a is AFFIRMED as serious, and a penalty of $</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2,000</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>is ASSESSED.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 2b is VACATED.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item 3 is AFFIRMED as serious, and a penalty of $</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2,000</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>is ASSESSED.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 2, Item 1 is VACATED.</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">f.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 2, Item 2 is VACATED.</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SO ORDERED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Lucida Handwriting; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Lucida Handwriting; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">/s Patrick B. Augustine</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Lucida Handwriting; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Lucida Handwriting; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Lucida Handwriting; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Lucida Handwriting; 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-size:12pt; ">___________________________</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Patrick B. Augustine</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Judge, OSHRC</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Date:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>August 2, 2017</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Denver, Colorado</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<hr/>"
      <div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1 </span></a>.<span>
					</span>From this point forward, the Court shall simply refer to the foregoing as “the Commission” and “the Act”.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3">2.</a><span><span></span>
					</span>Following the Ninth Circuit in<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Usery v. Franklin R. Lacy</span>, 628 F.2d 1226, 1226 (9th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 1980)<span><span></span>
					</span>commerce<span>
					</span>is established<span>
					</span>where it “is in a class of activity that as a whole affects commerce.”<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Clarence M. Jones d/b/a Jones Co.,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>11 BNA OSHC 1529, 1530 (No. 77-3676, 1983). In that case, the Commission went on to find “[t]here is an interstate market in construction materials and services and therefore construction work affects interstate commerce.”<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span>, citing<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">NLRB v. Int’l Union of Operating Engineers, Local 571</span>, 317 F.2d 638, 643 n. 5 (8th Cir. 1963) (judicial notice taken that construction industry affects interstate commerce). Because Respondent is engaged in construction work, the undersigned finds it is engaged in a business affecting interstate commerce</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">2 </span></a>. The distance to the floor inside of the building was 13 feet, 2 inches, whereas the floor to the ground on the outside of the building was 13 feet, 8 inches. (Tr. 62–64). <span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">3 </span></a>. CSHO Connett testified that he did not specifically measure the space between the joists, but noted that the standard for such an installation is 18-inches wide. (Tr. 74). CSHO Connett’s testimony was more or less confirmed by Bratetic, who stated that installed joists left 16 inches of space in between. (Tr. 249). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">4 </span></a>. Although he did not get the chance to take measurements of the roof height, CSHO Peacock estimated the height based on the panels on the side of the house, which have a standard measurement of 8 feet. (Tr. 168).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">5 </span></a>. As previously noted in Section<span>
					</span>I,<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">supra</span>, the warrant for the<span>
					</span>Second<span>
					</span>Inspection and the Citation resulting from the<span>
					</span>First<span>
					</span>Inspection were simultaneously served on Respondent.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">6 </span></a>. The cited standard also includes the following Note:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with<span>
					</span>§ 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9">8.</a><span><span></span>
					</span>These cases arise in the Eighth Circuit. The Commission will apply the law of the circuit court of appeals to which this Decision can be appealed<span>
					</span>in terms of imputation of knowledge. Thus, this Decision can be either appealed to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals or the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals,<span>
					</span>which<span>
					</span>have issued no opinion on whether constructive knowledge can be imputed to the employer without first analyzing whether the conduct is<span>
					</span>foreseeable. Thus, the Court will follow established Commission case law. In addition, when actual knowledge is present, as found here, foreseeability is not an issue.<span>
					</span>In general, “[w]here it is highly probable that a Commission decision would be appealed to a particular circuit, the Commission has . . . applied the precedent of that circuit in deciding the case—even though it may differ from the Commission’s precedent.”<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Kerns Bros. Tree Serv</span>., 18 BNA OSHC 2064, 2067 (No. 96-1719, 2000) (citation omitted).<span>
					</span>
				</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn10" href="#ftnref10"><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">9. </span></a><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See, e.g., Dole v. Williams Enters., Inc.,<span>
						</span></span>876 F.2d 186, 188 (D.C. Cir. 1989);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">RSR Corp.v. Donovan,<span>
						</span></span>747 F.2d 294, 303 (5th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 1984);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Diebold v. Marshall,<span>
						</span></span>585 F.2d 1327, 1339 (6th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 1978).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn11" href="#ftnref11">10. T</a>here does appear to be a limited exception for the use of “sawhorse” scaffolds when installing trusses on the interior. (Ex. R-13 at<span><span></span>
					</span>2). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn12" href="#ftnref12"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">7 </span></a>. Bratetic later clarified that the employee’s name was “Ed”. (Tr. 102).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn13" href="#ftnref13"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">8 </span></a>. At<span>
					</span>hearing, Bratetic argued that the calculations were incorrect because the wheel base is 131 inches, meaning that the overhang is less than that claimed by Complainant. (Tr.<span>
					</span>139–143). The Court disagrees. According to the vehicle specifications, the wheel base is measured from the front axle to the rear axle; whereas the width of the vehicle is measured between the outside of the left and right tires. (Ex. C-22). Discussing the width of the platform relative to the wheel base does not make sense given that the platform extends perpendicular to the wheel base, which has little impact on lateral stability. Regardless of which measurement one uses, however, Respondent would still be in violation of the standard.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn14" href="#ftnref14"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">9 </span></a>. The Eighth Circuit also noted that the employer was “<span style="color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; ">free to offer contrary evidence regarding elevator standards in the lead smelting industry and to suggest</span><span style="color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, as it did, that the Secretary’</span><span style="color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; ">s evidence lacked probative value</span><span style="color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">St. Joe Minerals</span><span style="color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 647 F.2d at 845. Similar to the employer in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">St. Joe’s</span><span style="color:#252525; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Respondent has not offered any countervailing evidence regarding the residential construction industry.<span>
						</span></span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn15" href="#ftnref15"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">10 </span></a>. Length of exposure is relevant, however, to the question of the violation’s gravity and subsequent penalty determination.<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span>Section<span>
					</span>V,<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">infra</span>.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn16" href="#ftnref16"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">11 </span></a>. Prior to<span>
					</span>hearing, Complainant moved to recharacterize Citation 2, Item 1 and Citation 2, Item 2 from “Repeat” to “Serious”. The Court granted the motion. For the purposes of brevity and clarity, the Court’s reproduction of the violation narratives has been abridged to remove the extensive explanation for the Repeat characterization.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn17" href="#ftnref17">16.<span>
						</span></a>The fact it is an older case does not negate or diminish its precedential value. “Judicial decisions, however, are not spoilable like milk. They do not have an expiration date and go bad merely with passage of time.”<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Comtran Grp</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc. v. DOL</span>, 722 F.3d 1304, 1314 (11th Cir. 2013).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn18" href="#ftnref18"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">12 </span></a>. The case file itself is not a model of clarity and thoroughness. The alleged violation description contained in the OSHA Violation Worksheet contains a narrative from an entirely different inspection; the citation item narratives contain multiple errors (as indicated by the multiple ‘sic’ notations in the Court’s reproduction); and CSHO Connett testified that the employees told him they were only told to work safely, but was contradicted by his own notes, which documented that they also told him they spoke about harnesses every day. </p>
			</div></div></body>
</html>