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		<title>Stone House Enterprises, Inc., dba Jacksonville Granite, OSHRC Docket No. 19-1247 & 19-1248</title>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; margin-right:24px; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">United States of America</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; margin-right:24px; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">1120 20th Street, N.W., 9</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Floor</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; margin-right:24px; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Washington, DC 20036-3457</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary of Labor,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">v.<span>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> OSHRC Docket No.<span>
									</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">19-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">1247 & 19-1248</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Stone House Enterprises, Inc., dba Jacksonville Granite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Appearances</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">: </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Jeremy K. Fisher</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Atlanta, Georgia</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, for Complainant</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Michael J. Rich,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Stone House Enterprises, Inc., dba Jacksonville Granite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, for Respondent</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">JUDGE: Administrative Law Judge Heather A. Joys</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>This matter, involving two inspections, is before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission on the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Complainant’s Motion to Dismiss Respondent’s Late Notice of Contest</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>pursuant to section 10(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. §§ 651-678 (the Act). Stone House Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Jacksonville Granite (Stone House) opposes the motion and is seeking relief under Fed. R. Civ. P. 60(b). For the reasons that follow, I find Stone House<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is not entitled to relief pursuant to Rule 60(b) and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">GRANT</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Secretary’s Motion to Dismiss Respondent’s Untimely Notice of Contest. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This matter involves citations issued to Stone House following two inspections conducted by the Jacksonville Area Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Stone House filed a single notice of contest addressing both inspections which the Commission received August 2, 2019. The Commission issued separate notices of docketing for the inspections on August 13, 2019, assigning docket numbers 19-1247 and 19-1248. On September<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">17, 2019, and September 19, 2019, the Secretary filed motions to dismiss Stone House’s notice of contest in docket numbers 19-1247 and 19-1248, respectively. Chief Judge Rooney assigned the matters to the undersigned. The matters were set for a hearing to be held November 20, 2019, to resolve the jurisdictional issue presented by the Secretary’s motions.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In the court’s scheduling order, the parties were required to file prehearing statements by November 6, 2019. Those prehearing statements were to include, among other things, each party’s position on:<span>
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				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Whether Respondent was served with the Citation and Notification of Penalty and if so, the date of receipt;</span></p>
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			<p style="margin-left:91px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Whether the delay in filing was caused by deception on the part of the Secretary or by the failure of the Secretary to follow proper procedures;</span></p>
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				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Whether there is excusable neglect for a late filing;<span>
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				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Whether Respondent has a meritorious defense;</span></p>
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			<p style="margin-left:91px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; padding-right:20px;">e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Whether there is prejudice to the Secretary if relief is granted;</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "> </p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary timely filed his prehearing statement. Stone House did not file a prehearing statement. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The undersigned held a hearing on November 20, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida. The hearing was limited to the Secretary’s motion to dismiss and Stone House’s request for relief. The undersigned consolidated the two dockets for the purposes of hearing evidence on the jurisdictional issue. At the end of the hearing, the Secretary requested the opportunity to submit written closing arguments. The parties were given the opportunity to submit written post-hearing summations by January 6, 2020. Secretary filed a post-hearing brief. Stone House did not file a written summation.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">FACTUAL BACKGROUND</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Stone House fabricates and installs granite countertops (Tr. 50). It’s principle place of business is at 124 Industrial Loop W., in Orange Park, Florida. There it has an office and fabrication shop. Two people work in the shop fabricating the countertops, one person works in the yard moving materials, and three people work in Stone House’s office (Tr. 51). In addition, it has four to five installers who work in the field. The company is owned by Michael Rich who<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">performs managerial or administrative tasks as well as fabricating countertops in the shop and overseeing installation in the field.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In December of 2018, the Jacksonville Area OSHA office received a complaint alleging various safety and health concerns at Stone House’s fabrication shop (Tr. 10-11). Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) Nolan Houser was assigned to perform an inspection of Stone House’s facility to investigate the complaint. He went to Stone House’s shop</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">December 20,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2018, and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>held an opening conference with Mr. Rich (Tr. 11). Along with a trainee, he conducted a walk-around inspection of the shop (Tr. 11-12). He held a closing conference with Mr. Rich the following day during which he explained he would be recommending citations be issued to Stone House and the process by which the company could contest them (Tr. 12, 18-19).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>During his walk-around inspection, CSHO Houser observed stone cutting being performed by individuals working in Stone House’s shop (Tr. 17). Based on his observation, he made a referral to the Jacksonville Area office of potential silica exposure at the facility (Tr. 17). The Jacksonville Area Office dispatched CSHO Rembrandt Moses to perform an industrial hygiene inspection to determine whether individuals working at Stone House’s facility were exposed to silica. CSHO Moses conducted an inspection during which he performed air monitoring on the individual performing grinding and polishing of the stone countertops in Stone House’s shop. As a result of his air monitoring findings, CSHO Moses recommended citations be issued to Stone House related to overexposure to silica.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>According to Mr. Rich,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref1" href="#ftn1">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>he and CSHO Moses discussed the air monitoring findings in person during a closing conference (Tr. 53).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">2</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Mr. Rich had installed a ventilation system after a prior OSHA inspection revealed overexposure and expected air monitoring results to show the ventilation system reduced exposure below the permissible exposure level (Tr. 59). He explained to CSHO Moses the individual he had monitored was not an employee of Stone House, but an independent contractor (Tr. 53). He allowed CSHO Moses to speak privately with the individual. He presented CSHO Moses with documentation showing how the individual was paid. After this discussion, CSHO Moses told Mr. Rich “we are done here” and left, leaving Mr. Rich with the impression he would not be receiving citations (Tr. 53). A few days later, Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Rich received a phone call from CSHO Moses during which CSHO Moses told Mr. Rich he needed to set up another closing conference to discuss citations he was recommending be issued (Tr. 53). When Mr. Rich expressed surprise based upon their prior discussions, CSHO Moses told him “the higher-ups said we need to go a different route.” (Tr. 53)</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Mr. Rich and CSHO Moses set up a closing conference at Mr. Rich’s office the following Monday (Tr. 54). CSHO Moses did not appear for that meeting (Tr. 54). Rather, he sent an email to Mr. Rich detailing the basis for the citations he was recommending and explaining the contest process (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-2).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On June 4, 2019, the Secretary issued Stone House a citation alleging three repeat violations of the general industry standards based on CSHO Houser’s inspection (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6). On June 5, 2019, the Secretary issued Stone House two citations alleging serious and repeat violations of the general industry standards based on CSHO Moses’s inspection (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-3). Consistent with standard procedures, both citations were sent via certified mail (Tr. 33). Both were delivered to Stone House’s office on June 6, 2019 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exhs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C4; C-5; C-7; and C-8). Both citations contained an explanation of the employer’s right to contest the citations, including the 15 working day deadline for filing a notice of contest underlined and in bold print (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exhs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-3 and C-6). The citations were signed for by Cathy Babbitt, an office worker for Stone House (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-4; Tr. 46, 48). According to Mr. Rich, Ms. Babbitt placed the envelopes on a stack of mail in his office (Tr. 46). Mr. Rich testified he was working 80 to 90 hours per week at the time in the office, the shop, and the field (Tr. 46-49). He stated he had a large pile of mail on his desk. Mail continued to accumulate on that pile after Ms. Babbitt placed the envelopes containing the citations on it (Tr. 49). Mr. Rich testified due to his efforts to keep his business afloat, his mail simply “stacked up.” (Tr. 56)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Once he was able to attend to it and found the citations, he contacted the Jacksonville Area Office. Based upon the date of receipt, Stone House’s last day to contest was June 27, 2019. The Jacksonville Area Office informed Mr. Rich his contest period had lapsed and was given instructions on how to file a notice of contest directly with the Review Commission which he did on July 25, 2019 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-9).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">3</a></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DISCUSSION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, an employer must notify the Secretary of its intent to contest a citation within 15 working days of receipt of the citation. Failure to timely file<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a notice of contest results in the citation becoming a final order of the Commission by operation of law. A late notice of contest may be accepted, however, where the employer establishes the delay in filing was due to deception by the Secretary, or where the delay was caused by the Secretary’s failure to follow proper procedures. A late notice of contest also may be excused under Rule 60(b), if the final order was entered as a result of “mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Branciforte</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Builders, Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9 BNA OSHC 2113, 2117 (No. 80-1920, 1981)(citations omitted). The moving party has the burden of proving it is entitled to relief under Rule 60(b).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">4</a></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">An employer must also establish the presence of a meritorious defense for Rule 60(b)(1) relief.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=0003227&FindType=Y&SerialNum=1999284282"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Northwest Conduit Corp.</span></a>
					<a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=0003227&FindType=Y&SerialNum=1999284282"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
							</span>18 BNA OSHC 1948, 1951 (No. 97-851, 1999).<span>
							</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
							</span></span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A meritorious defense is one that is valid at law with respect to the underlying action. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Park Nursing Center, Inc., v. Samuels,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">766 F.2d 261, 264 (6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1985). The presence of a meritorious defense is “satisfied with minimal allegations that the employer could prove a defense if given the opportunity.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Jackson Assoc. of Nassau</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1261, 1267 (No. 91-0438, 1993). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In cases involving a request for relief from a final order, the Commission has long applied the Supreme Court’s analysis stated in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer Invest. Servs. Co. v. Brunswick Assocs. Ltd.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">P’ship</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 507 U.S. 380 (1993). The determination of excusable neglect pursuant to Rule 60(b)(1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">5</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is an equitable one, taking into account of all relevant circumstances surrounding Stone House’s failure to file a timely notice of contest, including the danger of prejudice to the Secretary, the length of delay and its potential impact on the judicial proceedings, the reason for the delay and whether Stone House acted in good faith. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer Investment Serv.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">507 U.S. at 395</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Craig Mechanical, Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">16 BNA OSHC 1763 (No. 92-0372, 1994);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Merritt Electric Company,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9 BNA OSHC 2088 (No. 77-3772, 1981). The Supreme Court stated that “inadvertence, ignorance of the rules, or mistakes construing the rules do not usually constitute ‘excusable’ neglect.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 507 U.S. at 392. The Court found “excusable neglect” to be, in part, an “elastic concept” not restricted to “omissions caused by circumstances beyond the control of the movant.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Regarding relief sought pursuant to Rule 60(b), the Court stated that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“’excusable neglect’ is understood to encompass situations in which the failure to comply with a filing deadline is attributable to negligence.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 394.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When evaluating claims of excusable neglect, many circuit courts focus on the third factor in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>equitable analysis, “the reason for the delay, including whether it was within the reasonable control of the movant.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 395. </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The four<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>factors do not carry equal weight; the excuse given for the late filing must have the greatest import. While prejudice, length of delay, and good faith might have more relevance in a closer case, the reason-for-delay factor will always be critical to the inquiry . . .. [A]t the end of the day, the focus must be upon the nature of the neglect.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hospital del Maestro v. NLRB</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 263 F.3d 173, 175 (1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">st</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2001) (per curium) (quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Lowry v. McDonnell Douglas Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 211 F.3d 457, 463 (8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2000</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">)). See Cohen v. Bd. of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Trs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">. of Univ. of D. C.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>819 F.3d 476, 479-80 (D.C. Cir. 2016) (same);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dimmitt v.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ockenfels</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 407 F.3d 21, 24-25 (1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">st</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir, 2005) (same);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Silivanch</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>v. Celebrity Cruises, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>333 F.3d 355, 366, 366 n.7 (2d Cir. 2003) (same);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Graphic Communications Int’l Union v. Quebecor Printing Providence, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 270 F.3d 1, 5-6 (1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">st</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2001) (same);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">David E. Harvey Builders, Inc. v. Sec’y of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 724 Fed. Appx. 7, 9 (D.C. Cir. 2018) (same).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Other circuit courts emphasize that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>equitable analysis requires consideration of “all relevant circumstances” surrounding a party’s request for relief due to excusable neglect. Therefore, the “control” factor must not be weighted too heavily at the expense of the other relevant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>factors.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Avon Contractors, Inc. v. Sec’y of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 372 F.3d 171, 174 (3d Cir. 2004). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Coleman Hammons Constr. Co. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2019 WL 5782425, at *3 (5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2019) (same);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">George Harms Constr.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>371 F.3d at 164 (same).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Eleventh Circuit, the circuit in which this case arose, has applied a three-part equitable analysis. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">In re Worldwide Web Systems, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 328 F.3d 1291 (11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2003). To establish excusable neglect entitling it to relief from a default judgment, a party must show “’(1) it had a meritorious defense that might have affected the outcome; (2) granting the motion would not result in prejudice to the non-defaulting party; and (3) a good reason existed for failing to reply to the complaint.’” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Worldwide Web</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 328 F. 3d at 1295<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">quoting Florida Physician’s Ins. Co., v. Ehlers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 8 F.3d 780, 783 (11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1993) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">citing E.E.O.C. v. Mike Smith Pontiac GMC, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 896 F.2d 524, 528 (11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1990). An equitable analysis under<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“necessarily involves consideration of all three elements.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Worldwide Web</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 328 F. 3d at 1297.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Long-settled Commission precedent focuses on the third factor in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">equitable analysis. Evaluating a request for relief for a late filed notice of contest due to excusable neglect, Commission precedent states that a “key factor” is “the reason for the delay, including whether it was within the reasonable control of the movant.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">CalHar</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Constr., Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>18 BNA OSHC 2151, 2153-54 (No. 98-0367, 2000). In appropriate circumstances, the Commission finds this to be the dispositive factor. Mere carelessness or negligence, even by a layperson, in failing to timely file a notice of contest does not amount to “excusable neglect” that would justify relief under<span>
						</span></span><a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=1004365&DocName=USFRCPR60&FindType=L"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Rule 60(b)</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Acrom</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Constr. Serv.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1123, 1126 (No. 88-2291, 1991). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">That Stone House did not contest the citations within the requisite time period is not disputed. Stone House received the citations on June 6, 2019 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exhs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-4 and C-8). Its notice of contest was due June 27, 2019. The record reveals it did not file its notice of contest until July 25, 2019. Therefore, by operation of law, the citations and proposed penalty must be deemed a final order of the Commission unless Stone House can demonstrate it is entitled to relief.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">Did Stone House Establish It Could Raise a Meritorious Defense?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commission precedent states “to be eligible for relief under Rule 60(b)(1), the moving party []must allege a meritorious defense.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Northwest Conduit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC at 1951. With regard to the citation issued pursuant to Inspection No. 1367361 (Docket No. 19-1247), Stone House has not met that burden to establish it is eligible for relief. When given the opportunity to articulate a defense, Mr. Rich admitted the validity of the allegations. The citation contains three alleged repeat violations. Item 1 alleges a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.157(e)(3) for failure to conduct an annual maintenance check on portable fire extinguishers. Mr. Rich conceded he had not followed up with the company that performs these checks to ensure they were timely conducted (Tr. 52). Item 2 alleges a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.178(l)(1)(ii) for failure to ensure the employee using a forklift had been trained to do so. Mr. Rich admitted he had not ensured that employee was licensed (Tr. 52). Item 3 alleges a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200(h)(1) for failure to train employees on hazardous chemicals. Mr. Rich admitted new employees had not been trained (Tr. 51). Stone House has not alleged a meritorious defense and would not be entitled to relief under Rule 60(b) for Docket No. 19-1247.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">6</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">With regard to the citation issued pursuant to Inspection No. 1370519 (Docket No.19-1248) addressing exposure to silica, Stone House contends the individual exposed to the hazard was not an employee but an independent contractor. Mr. Rich testified Stone House pays the individual’s business entity. The individual sets his own schedule and uses his own hand tools (Tr. 61-62). This is sufficient to meet Stone House’s burden to raise a meritorious defense as to Docket No. 19-1248.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary contends even if Stone House could successfully establish the exposed individual was an independent contractor, it can be cited for exposing that individual under OSHA’s multi-employer worksite policy. The Secretary notes Stone House has sole control over the worksite and has the authority to correct the overexposure hazard. The Secretary’s argument falls short of establishing a total lack of merit to Stone House’s position with regard to all violations alleged in the citations arising out of Inspection No. 1370519. For example, the record does not definitively establish Stone House created or controlled abatement of violations related to respirator selection or training. The record contains sufficient contentions to establish Stone House could raise a defense that would have an impact on the outcome of Docket No. 19-1248.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; ">Was Stone House’s Failure to Timely File due to Excusable Neglect?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On behalf of Stone House, Mr. Rich offered little explanation for his failure to meet the 15-day filing deadline. Mr. Rich testified his mail handling procedures consisted of placing all incoming mail on a stack on his desk in his office (Tr. 56). He allowed the mail to simply “stack up” until he found time to tend to it (Tr. 56). As a result of his personal commitments and attempts to keep his small business operating, Mr. Rich spent little time in his office attending to administrative matters. His testimony left the impression he allowed his business mail to accumulate for long periods (Tr. 46-47, 56). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission requires an employer to exercise due diligence before it will find excusable neglect. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Keefe Earth Boring Company, Inc.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=0003227&FindType=Y&SerialNum=1991434415"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
							</span>14 BNA OSHC 2187, 2192 (No. 88-2521, 1991)</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Craig Mechanical,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">16 BNA OSHC at 1763. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Commission has consistently held “[e]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mployers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>must maintain orderly procedures for handling important documents,” and that when the lack of such procedures results in the untimely filing of a notice of contest, relief under<span>
						</span></span><a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=1004365&DocName=USFRCPR60&FindType=L"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Rule 60(b)</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is not warranted.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Villa Marina Yacht Harbor, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNS OSHC 2185, 2187 (No. 01-0830, 2003) (company messenger mishandled mail);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=0003227&FindType=Y&SerialNum=2000905201"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">A.W. Ross, Inc.</span></a>
					<a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=0003227&FindType=Y&SerialNum=2000905201"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1147, 1149 (No. 99-0945, 2000)</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(employer's president failed t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o carefully read and act upon information<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">contained in citation);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Montgomery Security Doors & Ornamental Iron, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 2145, 2148 (No. 97-1906, 2000) (record showed a breakdown of business procedures such that relief was not warranted even assuming employee sabotage);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Louisiana-Pacific Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 13 BNA OSHC 2020, 2021 (No. 86-1266, 1989)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(notice of contest was overlooked due to personnel change in operations manager position).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although sympathetic to the pressures of running a small business and personal obligations, the undersigned is hard-pressed to find stacking all incoming mail on one’s desk and ignoring it until “whenever” one gets time to be an orderly procedure for handling important documents. Nor is it an exercise of due diligence. Assuming Mr. Rich acted with dispatch upon finding the citations leads to the conclusion he allowed business mail to remain unopened on his desk for at least 45 days. His testimony suggests mail lay neglected for longer. Mr. Rich’s testimony regarding his handling of emails suggests he took no more care with electronic communications. This conduct is more than merely negligent, it is dilatory.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr. Rich has had experience contesting OSHA citations and was aware of the 15-day filing deadline (Tr. 58). Much of Mr. Rich’s testimony focused on his interaction with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><br/>CSHO Moses and his belief the citations alleging overexposure to silica were unfounded and would not be issued. The record as a whole does not support a finding Stone House had a reasonable expectation it would not receive any citation. CSHO Houser told Mr. Rich in his closing conference he intended to recommend citations based on his findings. Even if Mr. Rich thought CSHO Moses would not recommend citations be issued at the end of his onsite inspection, he could not have believed so after receiving a call from CSHO Moses in which CSHO Moses told him to the contrary. Stone House is solely to blame for the delay in filing.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Stone House presented no evidence regarding the other equitable<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">considerations enumerated in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Secretary does not contend he would be hindered in presenting his case. The short length of the delay makes it less likely evidence will have been lost. Nor is there evidence the delay has an impact on efficient judicial administration. Although there is no evidence of bad faith on the part of Stone House, it has failed to comply with the undersigned’s orders.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary contends failure to timely file a notice of contest results in the inability to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ensure abatement of the violations.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The legislative intent behind the short filing deadline is to ensure expeditious elimination of hazardous conditions. There is little record evidence regarding the status of abatement. According to the citations, at least one of the alleged violations was corrected during the inspection (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6 at p. 8). The alleged violations addressing overexposure to silica had an abatement date of July 23, 2019 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-3). Stone House filed its notice of contest two days later, staying its abatement requirement. 29 U.S.C. § 659(b);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Reich v.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Manganas</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 70 F.3d 434 (6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1995). In general, delayed abatement weighs against a finding of excusable neglect. In this instance, it is not a significant factor weighing against a grant of relief.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“[N]either a lack of prejudice to the Secretary nor good faith on the part of Respondent in attempting to comply with the statutory filing requirement alone will excuse a late filing.”<span>
						</span></span><a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=0003227&FindType=Y&SerialNum=2024060162"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Prime Roofing Corp.</span></a>
					<a href="http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=0003227&FindType=Y&SerialNum=2024060162"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1329 (No. 07-1409, 2010)</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. As the Commission noted in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">CalHar</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in almost all 60(b) late filing cases before the Commission, it is a given that there is a lack of prejudice to the Secretary or to the interests of efficient judicial administration, combined with a lack of bad faith by the employer. These 60(b) cases involve neglect, and a determination as to whether that neglect is excusable must focus principally on the reason for the delay, including whether it was within the control of the employer.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:48px; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">18 BNA OSHC 2151, 2153 n. 5 (No. 98-0367, 2000). When focusing principally on the reason for the delay, taking into consideration the equities that favor Stone House does not tip the scales in Stone House’s favor. Stone House provided no evidence it had adequate procedures that were not followed, or intervening events or circumstances interfered with its timely processing of the citations. The undisputed evidence regarding Stone House’s handling of the citation establishes the company was to blame for the failure to timely file its notice of contest. Relief under Rule 60(b) is not warranted.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The foregoing decision constitutes the findings of fact and conclusion of law in accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Based upon the foregoing decision, it is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">HEREBY ORDERED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the Secretary’s Motion to Dismiss Respondent’s Late Notice of Contest is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">GRANTED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>It is further<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">ORDERED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the notice of contest filed in this case is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DISMISSED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the Citation and Notification of Penalty is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">AFFIRMED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in all respects.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SO ORDERED.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
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					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">___________________________<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span> Heather A. Joys</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Administrative Law Judge, OSHRC</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; ">Dated:<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span>February 4, 2020</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Washington, DC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
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			<hr/>"
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; ">
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; ">
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">1 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>CSHO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Moses</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was not called to testify.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "> The Secretary presented no evidence to rebut Mr. Rich’s version of his interaction with CSHO Moses. </span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">2 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Mr. Rich used the term “exit interview” to refer to the closing conference.</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">3 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The record<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">is silent as to when<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Rich found the citations or made the call to the Jacksonville Area Office.</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">4 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Secretary has the burden to establish he properly served the employer. The record contains sufficient evidence the Secretary served Stone House with the citations consistent with the requirements of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">§ 10(a)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">the Act</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 33-39; Exhs. C-4, C-5, C-7, and C-8)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. Stone House<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">does</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>not dispute of the Secretary’s evidence</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of valid service of the citations.</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; ">5 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Stone House</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>does not contend its failure to timely contest the citations was the result of deception on the part of the Secretary or the Secretary’s failure to follow proper procedures. </span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; ">6 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Following Eleventh Circuit</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>three-part equitable analysis,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Stone House’s failure to articulate a defense to the allegations in the citation issued pursuant to Inspection No. 1367361 weighs against a finding of excusable neglect.</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">7 </span></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The Secretary also argued the length of the delay in filing was “unreasonable.” </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Neither the</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Secretary</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>nor the Commission has articulated a specific period of time that would constitute a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">“reasonable” delay</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">. Such a determination would depend on the totality of the circumstances and the equitable considerations enumerated in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Pioneer</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span></p>
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