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				<p style="line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:16pt; color:#00B050; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:16pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Some personal identifiers have been redacted for privacy purposes.</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "></span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; text-indent:1.27cm; ">United States of America</p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:11pt; ">1120 20th Street, N.W., Ninth<span>
						</span></span>Floor</p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; text-indent:1.27cm; ">Washington, DC 20036-3457</p>
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				<p style="margin-left:-48px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span> </p>
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							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">v.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">OSHRC DOCKET NO.<span>
									</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">21</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">0142</span></p>
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							<p>REVOLUTION ERECTING,<span><span></span>
								</span>LLC.</p>
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							<p>and its successors,<span>
								</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; line-height:1.5; "> Respondent.</p>
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				<p style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
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				<p>APPEARANCES:        </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>                     </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; ">Jeremy K. Fisher, Esquire</p>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; ">Daniel Miller, Esquire</p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; ">Department of<span>
					</span>Labor, Office of the Solicitor,<span>
					</span>Atlanta, Georgia</p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; ">For the Secretary</p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; ">Angelo M. Filippi, Esquire</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; ">Kelley Kronenberg,<span>
					</span>Fort Lauderdale, Florida</p>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; ">For Respondent</p>
			</div>
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				<p> </p>
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				<p>BEFORE:<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
				</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
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			<div>
				<p style="text-indent:1.27cm; ">Dennis L. Phillips</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>            Administrative Law Judge</p>
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			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">D</span><span style="font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">ECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "> </p>
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			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:center; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">I.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Background</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">This proceeding is before the Occupational<span>
					</span>Safety<span><span></span>
					</span>and<span>
					</span>Health<span><span></span>
					</span>Review Commission (the Commission) pursuant to<span><span></span>
					</span>§<span><span></span>
					</span>10(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C.<span>
					</span>§ 659(c) (the Act). On<span>
					</span>July 13, 2020, OSHA’s Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CO)<span>
					</span>Michael Marquez<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref1" href="#ftn1">1</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>and<span>
					</span>later in<span>
					</span>September<span><span></span>
					</span>2020, CO Reginald Benson,<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">2</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>inspected<span><span></span>
					</span>a<span>
					</span>residential construction<span>
					</span>worksite<span>
					</span>in<span>
					</span>Naples, Florida.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr.<span>
					</span>34-35;<span>
					</span>Joint<span>
					</span>Preh’g<span><span></span>
					</span>Statement, ¶ D,<span><span></span>
					</span>1,<span><span></span>
					</span>4). BCB Homes<span><span></span>
					</span>(BCB)<span>
					</span>was the general contractor at the site.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 36-37;<span>
					</span>Ex.<span>
					</span>C-25). <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">BCB hired<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Morca</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Services, Inc. (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Morca</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Construction</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">and Ott Welding. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">25-</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">26, 36-37; Ex. C-25).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span>Morca<span><span></span>
					</span>Construction was hired to<span>
					</span>pour and<span>
					</span>install<span><span></span>
					</span>concrete columns on the first floor, along with the tie beams<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">3</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>to which hollow core slabs<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">4</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>were to be attached. <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Morca</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction hired American Precast<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">LLC (American<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Precast) (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">also known as Mellor & Sons</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Inc. (Mellor & Sons)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to fabricate the hollow core slabs. (Tr. 26, 36-37; Ex. C-25</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">
					</span>American Precast and Mellor & Sons fabricated the hollow core slabs offsite. (Tr. 26, 36-37). The owner of American Precast and Mellor & Sons, Victor<span><span></span>
					</span>Mellor, hired Revolution Erecting, LLC<span><span></span>
					</span>(Revolution or Respondent) to install the hollow core<span><span></span>
					</span>slabs.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">5</a></span> (Tr.<span>
					</span>19-20,<span>
					</span>36-37,<span>
					</span>90-91, 332-34, 342; Ex. C-25).<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span>Ott Welding<span>
					</span>was hired to<span><span></span>
					</span>install steel ledger angles,<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">6</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>which supported<span><span></span>
					</span>the<span>
					</span>hollow core slabs.<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr.<span>
					</span>37-38, 108, 195). American Structural Engineering (ASE)<span>
					</span>was<span><span></span>
					</span>the engineer of record. (Ex. C-37).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">At about<span>
					</span>2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.,<span>
					</span>Saturday,<span>
					</span>July 11, 2020, following the installation of the hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>and the placement of sixty cement bags on top of the slabs, a collapse occurred<span><span></span>
					</span>at the worksite<span>
					</span>exposing Respondent’s employees to crushing hazards.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">7</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr.<span>
					</span>40-41,<span>
					</span>340-41, 358;<span>
					</span>Exs.<span>
					</span>C-1<span><span></span>
					</span>through<span><span></span>
					</span>C-23,<span><span></span>
					</span>R-D). The<span><span></span>
					</span>OSHA<span><span></span>
					</span>inspection was initiated because of the collapse and<span>
					</span>resulting<span><span></span>
					</span>injuries to<span>
					</span>two<span>
					</span>Respondent’s employees. (Tr. 34-35, 39-41). On July 13, 2020, OSHA CO<span><span></span>
					</span>Marquez visited the worksite<span><span></span>
					</span>and conducted an opening conference<span><span></span>
					</span>as part<span><span></span>
					</span>of OSHA’s inspection. (Tr.<span>
					</span>34-35,<span>
					</span>51-52). CO Marquez took many photographs at the worksite. (Tr.<span>
					</span>50-52, 61;<span>
					</span>Exs.<span>
					</span>C-1 through<span>
					</span>C-11,<span>
					</span>C-17 through C-23). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">CO Benson<span>
					</span>replaced CO Marquez<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">8</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>as the OSHA<span>
					</span>CO assigned to the inspection<span><span></span>
					</span>and a few days before September 14,<span>
					</span>2020,<span><span></span>
					</span>he<span>
					</span>visited<span>
					</span>the worksite and a<span>
					</span>storage facility<span><span></span>
					</span>where pieces of material that came from the worksite were stored. At the storage site,<span>
					</span>CO Benson<span>
					</span>took photographs of material that came from the worksite. (Tr. 48-49, 53-54;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-12 through C-16). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; ">After the<span>
					</span>completion of OSHA’s<span>
					</span>inspection, OSHA issued a citation and notification of penalty (Citation) to<span>
					</span>Revolution on January 11, 2021, for two serious violations. OSHA asserts that on or about July 11,<span>
					</span>2020,<span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent’s employees were exposed to crushing hazards due to hollow core slabs not being<span>
					</span>adequately<span><span></span>
					</span>supported,<span><span></span>
					</span>cement bags<span>
					</span>being<span><span></span>
					</span>placed on top of the hollow core, and ledger angles not being installed per the engineer’s plans.<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Citation. The violations alleged noncompliance with OSHA’s safety regulations<span>
					</span>at Subpart Q -<span><span></span>
					</span>Concrete and Masonry<span>
					</span>Construction, 29<span><span></span>
					</span>C.F.R. § 1926.700<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">et seq.</span> OSHA<span><span></span>
					</span>proposed a penalty of $8,096<span><span></span>
					</span>for the two violations. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; ">On February 9, 2021, Revolution timely contested the Citation. A two-day trial was held in Naples, Florida on October 26,<span>
					</span>2021,<span><span></span>
					</span>and October 27, 2021. Three witnesses testified at the<span>
					</span>trial: CO Benson; Dr. Ewing;<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">9</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>and Marcos Lopez<span><span></span>
					</span>(Mr. Lopez),<span>
					</span>an<span>
					</span>owner of Revolution.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">10</a></span> (Tr.<span>
					</span>33, 332). Post-hearing briefs were filed by both parties, as was a<span><span></span>
					</span>reply brief<span><span></span>
					</span>from Respondent.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">The key issues<span>
					</span>in<span><span></span>
					</span>dispute are: a)<span><span></span>
					</span>whether<span><span></span>
					</span>and when a condition at the worksite presented a hazard;<span>
					</span>b)<span><span></span>
					</span>whether the standards applied to the cited conditions; c)<span><span></span>
					</span>whether Respondent knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence, could have known of the hazardous conditions; and<span>
					</span>d) whether<span><span></span>
					</span>Complainant has met all the elements of its claims in connection with the alleged violations. As set forth below, the Court finds the Secretary<span>
					</span>has proven his<span>
					</span>prima facie<span><span></span>
					</span>case and<span>
					</span>both items of<span>
					</span>the<span>
					</span>serious Citation<span>
					</span>are<span><span></span>
					</span>affirmed<span><span></span>
					</span>and a<span>
					</span>total<span>
					</span>penalty of<span><span></span>
					</span>$8,096 is assessed by the Court<span>
					</span>for the following reasons.</p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:center; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">II.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Jurisdiction</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">Based upon the record,<span>
					</span>and the joint prehearing statement,<span>
					</span>the Court finds<span>
					</span>Respondent, at all relevant times, was engaged in a business affecting commerce and was an employer within the meaning of<span>
					</span>sections 3(3) and 3(5) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 652(3) and (5)<span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span>(Tr. 20-21;<span>
					</span>J.<span>
					</span>Pre<span>
					</span>Hr’g<span><span></span>
					</span>Statement, ¶ E, at 4;<span>
					</span>Answer at<span>
					</span>¶<span>
					</span>I, at 1;<span>
					</span>Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law (Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Br.),<span><span></span>
					</span>at 1). The<span>
					</span>Court<span>
					</span>finds<span><span></span>
					</span>the Commission has jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter<span><span></span>
					</span>jurisdiction<span><span></span>
					</span>in this case<span><span></span>
					</span>pursuant to section 10(c) of the<span>
					</span>Act.</p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:center; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">III.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">F</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">indings of Fact</span></p>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Stipulated<span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">F</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">acts</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The parties stipulated to the following fact.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> The location of the incident was 1 Sabre Lane Road, Naples, Florida 34102 (worksite). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">19-20</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">J</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">P</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">re<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Hr’g</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">S</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">tatement</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, ¶ D</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, at 4). </span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">B.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.268cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Revolution is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">a family-owned construction company with its principal place of business at 1302 Mimosa Avenue, Immokalee, Florida 34142. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">332</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">33</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> The company provides<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">construction</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>services,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">including</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the installation of h</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">o</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">llow core slabs. (Tr. 36-37, 90-91, 332-33).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> M</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">r.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Lopez is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">an</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>owner of Revolution. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">332-33). Revolution has<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">six</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees, including Mr. Lopez. (Tr. 88-89</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 102</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">C.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">The Worksite</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span>and</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Accident</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.268cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Mr. Lopez testified that BCB was in charge of building the home and making sure everything was okay. (Tr. 335).<span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">BCB’s project superintendent was Patrick Nash (Mr. Nash).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">11</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 37).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">On July 10, 2020, Revolution began installing some of the hollow core slabs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to construct the second-floor foundation of the structure</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref12" href="#ftn12">12</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">35-</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">36,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>91-92</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 33</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">3</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-35</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> Mr. Lopez</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>determined that some of the slabs failed to meet the prescribed length</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Mellor & Sons was informed that some of the slabs were not the correct size.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 46-47, 91-92).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Additional slabs, of the correct size, were delivered<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">to the worksite<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">on July 11, 2020,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Revolution continued installing them. (Tr. 91-92)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">After placing the hollow core slabs atop the ledger angles</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Revolution</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was to</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>put a concrete<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">cement<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">mix between the slabs to seal the edges for weatherproofing purposes.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref13" href="#ftn13">13</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> This was called “[g]routing the cavities in between the hollow-core-slabs.”</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref14" href="#ftn14">14</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 36, 90</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-91</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 205</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Cement bags</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref15" href="#ftn15">15</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>were placed on top of the hollow core by Mellor & Sons</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">/American<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Precast</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on-site crane operator at the direction of Mr. Lopez.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref16" href="#ftn16">16</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">40,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">93,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">339</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-40</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">R-</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">A, at 3,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Answer to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Interrogatory (Int.) No. 3</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Immediately after the cement bags were lowered and placed on the hollow core slabs, the hollow core slabs collapsed</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">endangering three of Revolution’s workers and seriously injuring two.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 92).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.268cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Manolo and Mr. Lopez were starting to mix cement to fill the grout when the accident occurred. (Tr. 355). Mr. Lopez was located at “C”,<span>
					</span>[redacted]<span><span></span>
					</span>was located at “D”, and Manolo was located at “E” on the photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-17 at the time of the accident.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref17" href="#ftn17">17</a></span> (Tr. 356; Ex. C-17, at C, D, E). Both Mr. Lopez and<span>
					</span>[redacted]<span><span></span>
					</span>fell to the ground from atop the second floor. (Tr. 368).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.268cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Both Mr. Lopez and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">required hospitalization and surgery<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">as a result of the hollow core slabs collapsing.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez was hospitalized<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">87-88,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">339-41,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">352-53</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 359</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was also hospitalized<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr. 359).</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">D.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">CO Benson’s</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span>OSHA Inspection</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>In September 2020, CO Benson headed to the worksite to con</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">tinue the OSHA</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>inspection. (Tr. 35-36). CO Benson testified<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">he was able to determine which employers were involved in the construction of the residential structure. (Tr. 35-38; Ex</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. C-25).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>CO Benson met with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Nan</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">n</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">a at a storage facility to take<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">photographs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of a tie beam used in the construction of the structure. (Tr. 38-39</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 125</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Photograph</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s were taken specifically of the</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>holes in the tie beam where wedge anchors<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">bolts</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref18" href="#ftn18">18</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">had been installed. (Tr. 38-39</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. C-12 through C-13)</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Benson measured</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the depth of</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">two</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hole</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in one of the collapsed tie beams at three inches and a quarter.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref19" href="#ftn19">19</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 75-7</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">7</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ex</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. C-12</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>through C-13</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Benson testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ott Welding<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">was responsible for installing the ledger angles with the</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>wedge anchor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bolts. (Tr. 86).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He said<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the wedge anchors had not been installed correctly or per the manufacturer’s design specifications.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref20" href="#ftn20">20</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 39). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Benson also testified that Ott Welding used “different washers that did not come with the wedge anchor bolts, which the manufacturers say that you need to use th</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">o</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">se specific washers because it’s designed to do what it needs to do.” (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">68,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">71,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">96-97</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 103</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">; Ex. C-6, at B). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He said Ott Welding used a larger washer on the hole on the east side of the ledger angle because the washer that came with the bolt would go through the larger hole and not work.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 71</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-72</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ex</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. C-6, at B</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, C-7</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>through C-8</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Dr. Ewing said that washers ensure the bearing capacity</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">between the nut and the vertical leg of the ledger angle. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He said that if the bearing surface is not adequate, connections may prematurely fail. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He said that the tolerances around the bolt holes needed to be tight “to make sure that the load transfer between the ledger angle and the tie beam can be completed successfully and safely.”</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref21" href="#ftn21">21</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Dr. Ewing testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">se</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>washers installed on the ledger angle were visible prior to the hollow-core slabs being<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">installed. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 210-1</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">2</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">; Ex. C-6, at B). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Benson determined<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the hollow core slabs fell<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">because<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">ledger angles were not correctly installed on the tie beams,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">non-compliant wedge anchor<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">bolts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">were</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>used</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>connect the ledger angles to the tie beams, and</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>excessive weight of cement bags<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">was placed a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">top</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the hollow core slabs.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 39</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-40</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Benson said the cement bags were placed on top of the h</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">o</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">llow core slabs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by Mellor & Sons’ on-site crane at the direction of Mr. Lopez. (Tr. 40-41). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">CO Benson’s testimony was corroborated by Mr. Lopez.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> Mr</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Lopez</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:0cm; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">So when the accident occurred you had finished installing the core slab in that area?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:0cm; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A Yes.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:0cm; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q Who called for the cement to be brought up?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The cement comes from the same company and is sent with the hollow core. The same company sends it.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q I understand. At some point though the cement was brought up and it's placed on top of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hollow core; correct?</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A Yes.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Okay. And who was it that called for that cement to be brought up and placed on top of the hollow core?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A I did.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:16.267px; margin-right:7.667px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">339</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:16.267px; margin-right:7.667px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CO Benson said as many as 20 to 60 bags</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref22" href="#ftn22">22</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of cement were placed on top of the hollow core slabs. (Tr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 39-40).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Mr. Lopez testified that each bag of cement weighed 50 pounds.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref23" href="#ftn23">23</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 339-40). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing opined that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">second-floor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>collapse involved the weight of:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1) the hollow-core slabs, 2) human beings, and 3) cement bags. (Tr. 299-300).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>CO Benson said that through the course of his investigation, he determined the hollow<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">core slabs fell due to incorrect installation of the ledger<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">angles with the wedge anchors. (Tr. 39-40). CO Benson said that prior to the installation of the hollow core</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>slabs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, there was a design change</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref24" href="#ftn24">24</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that resulted in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr. Nash making a decision to install<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">wedge anchors<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n the form</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>prior to the concrete pour. (Tr. 39-40, 95-97</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 114</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 131</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Installing the wedge anchors</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>prior to the pour did not allow for the proper expansion as the concrete cured around the anchors.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref25" href="#ftn25">25</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 95-97, 113-14). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CO Benson testified that Dr. Ewing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">determined that as the concrete cured the wedge anchors shifted causing the openings of the ledger angles to not fully align with all of the wedge anchor bolts.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref26" href="#ftn26">26</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 94-95). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CO Benson</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>further testified that Ott Welding had installed the ledger angles after the concrete pour, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">after there was an effort to align them properly. (Tr. 95-97).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> This approach necessitated the usage of bolts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">non-compliant with the design plans</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. These bolts were</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>installed per the manufacturer’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">requirements</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">38-40,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">84-86,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">94-95;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-37</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-38</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; 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:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing asked for the compressive strength test for the concrete that was used in the tie beam shown at photograph C-1, at B, where the failure occurred. (Tr. 317-18; Ex. C-1, at B). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing testified</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">based upon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>interviews with BCB’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Nan</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a and concrete compressive strength report</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref27" href="#ftn27">27</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>forwarded to him, that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>concrete in the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>tie beams involved in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the collapse had not reached the appropriate level</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of cure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to support loads.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref28" href="#ftn28">28</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 173-75</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 202-05</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">39, C-41</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The concrete compressive strength reports indicated that the pounds per square inch of strength had not been reached prior to the installation of the hollow core slabs. (Tr. 215-17</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. C-39</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Dr. Ewing testified that when pouring concrete</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, sampling molds are taken for later testing. (Tr. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">200-01,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">215-17). Periodically throughout the concrete curing process, these samples are tested for their strength. (Tr. 215-17). Dr. Ewing stated the reason for these tests is to determine when the formwork</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref29" href="#ftn29">29</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>supporting the concrete can be stripped away as the concrete reached the desired structural strength. (Tr. 215). Here</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>engineer’s concrete drawing package required a structural strength of 75% of the minimum concrete strength of 4,000 psi before the formwork could be removed. (Tr. 203-05, 215-16; Ex. C-37).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Dr. Ewing determined the concrete strength had not reached the desired strength in order for the formwork to be removed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or for the hollow core slabs to be installed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 215-17). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing testified that the rate of curing for concrete is “dependent on a lot of things” and “specific to the situation.” He said factors that affect the rate at which concrete in a tie beam cures include: 1) size of the tie beam, 2) relative humidity, 3) temperature of concrete when delivered to the worksite, 4) water/cement ratio of the concrete, 5) any kind of mixtures added to the concrete, 6) how the concrete was cured</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; e.g. was it wet cured or was it sprayed constantly, and 7) the environment. (Tr. 200).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>CO Benson testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he worked with Dr. Ewing during his investigation and that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing determined:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:54px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">That the ledger angles were not installed properly, that there was no inspection conducted prior to the hollow-core slabs being placed. On the ledger angles, that the strength</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">f the concrete was not at its percentage where it needed to be, and the bolts were installed incorrectly where they were installed before the pour, which the man</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">u</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">facturer states th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t they needed to be installed after the pour to properly align the ledger angles.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref30" href="#ftn30">30</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:8.067px; "> </p>
			</div>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We also determined that because of the shifting of the wedge anchors after the pour, that the openings of the ledger angles did not align with all the bolts, so they had to make modifications in the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">field. And due to the weight of the cement bags, which I believe weighed from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">4,500- or 4,800-pounds</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>additional</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">weight on top of the hollow core, was the contributing factor of that hollow-core fail, to fall down due to the incorrect installation of the ledger angles.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 94-95</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 98</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 182</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 184</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:8.067px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing testified at trial:</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. Dr. Ewing, did you form an opinion as to the cause of the – the cause of the accident</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in this case?</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. Yes, I did. The contributing factors for this incident was the improper selection of the anchor used to connect the ledger – the ledger angle to the tie beam, improper embedment depth of that anchor, improper field cutting of the bolt holes of the ledger angle, the concrete had not reached its design strength yet, and also improper shoring of the ledger angle while concrete was still curing.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 193</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 218-19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:8.067px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing testified that the photograph at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">E</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">xhibit C-1 shows at the bottom of a tie beam<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(at “B”)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">several locations of concrete pullouts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(at “G”)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">where anchor bolts inserted through<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a ledger anchor shown on the ground (at “J”) had once been. He also said that several shoring pol</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(sometimes referred to as “posts”), maroon in color,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>are shown at “H”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as well as a fallen hollow core slab at “E”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 197-9</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. C-1).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">opined that there was inadequate shoring and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">said that:</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on the top of the shoring post [at C-1 and C-2] there’s a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">horizontal piece of lumber. The horizontal piece of lumber is holding up the tie beam as it cures. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">And in this<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">case,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we have ledger angles that were attached to the side of the tie beam and none of this l</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">u</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mber members extend under those ledger angles. So there’s no way – the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nly thing that’s connecting the ledger angle to the tie beam are the mechanical anchors every t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o feet. And while the concrete is curing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, those mechanical anchors aren’t capable of supporting the applied load.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">So if there is proper shoring, this lumber – this lumber member at the top of the shore</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref31" href="#ftn31">31</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>po</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t would either extend under the ledger angle or there’d be a separate shoring system to support the hollow-core slab while the tie beam cures.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:7.667px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 201-0</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1, C-2).</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:8.067px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing testified that the presence of shoring at the worksite indicated that the concrete was not strong enough to support<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its own</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>weight</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>causing the need to be careful about the load applied and how it is supported because the concrete has not obtained its design strength. (Tr. 203-04</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 225</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dr. Ewing testified “[</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">]f I were to come onto a site and I see shoring posts, that’s going to be the number one question I’m asking is what is the strength of this concrete, when was it poured, and can I get these concrete tests to verify its strengths.”</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref32" href="#ftn32">32</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>230</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 320</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">He said<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">have<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">like</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to get some kind of confirmation from the cylinder test if th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t concrete actually has be</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n cured eno</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">u</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">gh to proceed with construction.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 219). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">He said that the presence of shoring or forming was visible<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">during the installation of hollow-core slabs as shown in the photograph at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">E</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">xhibit C-1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">193,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">204</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1, at H</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Dr. Ewing further stated if the general contractor said to him that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">c</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">oncrete<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had adequately<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cured,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he could not rely on that representation and he would, instead, ask for the concrete strength test reports</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, especially when you see shoring posts.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 230</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-31</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 244</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>At trial, Mr. Lopez acknowledged that formwork for “the bottom parts of the tie beams”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; 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:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">i.e.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>shoring poles,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was present at the worksite when he started installing hollow core slabs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 337).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> He said that was “pretty normal” for shoring to be there.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 337</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 345</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). He<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also said he saw ledger angles that looked to be normal. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 338).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; 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:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Citation issued to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Revolution was based on two instances identified as Citation 1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Item 1 and Citation 1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Item 2.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 97-100</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). CO Benson testified that Citation 1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Item 1 was recommended due to Respondent’s decision to put cement bags on top of the h</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">llow core slabs before an inspection was done of the ledger angles</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>anchor bolts, or a copy of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>concrete</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>strength report was requested.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref33" href="#ftn33">33</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">98). He testified that Citation 1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Item 2 was recommended based on the incorrect installation of the ledger angles with the anchor bolts. (Tr. 99-100</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:center; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-1.27cm; line-height:2; text-align:center; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">IV.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Secretary’s Burden of Proof</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">To establish a violation of an OSHA standard, the Secretary must prove:<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(1) the cited standard applies; (2) the terms of the standard were violated; (3) one or more employees had access to the cited condition; and (4) the employer knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the violative condition. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharm. Prod</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">s</span>.,<span>
					</span>No. 78-6247, 1981 WL 18810, at *4 (OSHRC, July 30, 1981),<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>681 F.2d 69 (1st Cir. 1982). The Secretary has the burden of proving his case by a preponderance of the evidence. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">V. </span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Multi-Employer Citation Worksite Policy</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent does not Contest the Applicability of the Multi-Employer Citation Worksite Policy</span></p>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">In its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Reply</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Brief, Respondent states that it “does not contest the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">applicability</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of this [OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation] policy.” (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Reply Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">7). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Instead,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent argues that under the aforementioned policy, BCB, Ott Welding, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Morca</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction should<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">be cited.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref34" href="#ftn34">34</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Reply Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">3, 7-8). Respondent asserts Ott Welding and/or BCB should be cited for the improper selection of the wedge anchors</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>It asserts that</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ott Welding or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Morca</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction were responsible for the improper embedment of the anchors</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. It further asserts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ott</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Welding</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref35" href="#ftn35">35</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was responsible for the ledger angles, and BCB was responsible for monitoring the concrete strength and directing the removal of formwork and shoring.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref36" href="#ftn36">36</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Reply Br.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at 3). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Court need not adjudicate here whether or not BCB, Ott Welding, or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Morca</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction may have violated the Act. Even if any of them did, it would not excuse Respondent’s obligations to comply with the Act. The Court finds that OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation Worksite Polic</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">y</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is applicable to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and its</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>argument</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">o<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the contrary</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">are</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>rejected.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">B.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent was<span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">both<span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">a</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span>Creating and</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">E</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">xposing<span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">E</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">mployer</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span>for Citation 1, Item 1, and an Exposing Employer for Citation 1, Item 2.<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Under OSHA’s multi-employer enforcement policy, a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">n exposing employer who created the violation may be cited for the violation as a creating employer.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>OSHA Instruction<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Directive Number<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">CPL 2-0.124,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Multi-Employer Citation Policy</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, ¶</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span>XB-C<span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Dec. 10, 1999)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(CPL 2-0.124)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref37" href="#ftn37">37</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> CPL<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">2-0.124</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, ¶</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">XC2</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">provides tha</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">exposing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">employer is citable, even if the violation was created by another employer, if it</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">:<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“(1) knew of the hazardous condition or failed to exercise reasonable diligence to discover the condition, and (2) failed to take steps consistent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">with its authority to protect<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">its</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">employees.”</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref38" href="#ftn38">38</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">;</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">S. Pan Serv. Co.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 25<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">BNA<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">OSHC 1081, 1085 (No. 08-0866, 2014)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(“an employer whose own employees a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">r</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">e exposed to a hazard or violative condition – an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">‘</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">exposing employer</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>– has a statutory duty to comply with a particular standard even where it did not create or control the hazard.”</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 685 F.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">App’x</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>692 (11</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">th</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2017) (unpublished)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Capform</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 2040, 2042 (No. 91-1613, 1994) (addressing “multi-employer worksite defense” and finding exposing employer responsible for violation it did not create or control because it failed to take “reasonable alternative steps to protect its employees”). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent was cited as an exposing employer under<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">OSHA’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Multi-Employer Citation Worksite Policy.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref39" href="#ftn39">39</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Commission’s application of the Multi-Employer Citation Worksite Policy is well established</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">S</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Pan Serv</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>v. DOL</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 685 F.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">App</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">x</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>692, 695 (11</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">th</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2017)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(unpublished) (multi-employer worksite doctrine found applicable in the Eleventh Circuit under the exposing-employer doctrine</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)</span>;<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Anning-Johnson Co.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 4 BNA OSHC 1193, 1198-99 (No. 3694, 1976)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(consolidated)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> An employer whose own employees are exposed to a hazard, is an exposing employer, has a statutory duty to comply with a standard even if it did not create or control the hazard. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See Anning-Johnson Co.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 4 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1198-99. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">As in</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Southern Pan Services</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Respondent</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’s own employees were exposed to a hazard</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>here.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">T</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">hree</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Revolution employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">had just finished installing hollow core slabs<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">and placing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">sixty cement</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bags on top of the slabs<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">when the worksite structure collapsed</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on July 11, 2020</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr. 40-41, 339-41, 352-53;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. C-1, C-23, R-D). Mr. Lopez testified the concrete slabs had<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">fallen on himself and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>severely injuring them both. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 339-41, 352-53).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Three</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, including<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>were exposed to the violative condition</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s described in the Citation</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">As</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an exposing employer, Revolution was required to “do what [was] ‘realistic’ under the circumstances to protect its employees from the hazard to which a particular standard is addressed,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>....</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Anning-Johnson Co.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 4 BNA OSHC at 1199</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">see also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Capform</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 16 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2042</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent argues its efforts were “realistic under the circumstances</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.”</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Reply Br</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 4-5). </span>Photograph C-1 shows maroon colored shoring poles supporting a tie beam following the floor collapse<span><span></span>
					</span>and on the tie beam behind where the failure occurred. Shoring poles were used to support the weight of the tie beam during its curing process. (Tr. 197-99, 320;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, at H, C-2). Shoring poles are used to hold up the concrete in tie beams while the concrete is<span>
					</span>curing and<span><span></span>
					</span>developing strength so that a tie beam does not collapse under its own weight. CO Benson testified that shoring supports the cement structure that is being poured and being cured to keep it and maintain it from collapsing until<span>
					</span>it is<span><span></span>
					</span>at its full capacity where they then can remove the shoring poles. (Tr. 64-65, 199). Dr. Ewing testified that the American Concrete Institute (ACI) has several manuals that are used for designing concrete structures. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>158-59). Dr. Ewing testified that here the structural engineer specified that forms on the concrete can be removed at 75 percent of the 28-day minimum strength of 4,000<span>
					</span>psi,<span><span></span>
					</span>i.e.,<span><span></span>
					</span>at 3,000 psi.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref40" href="#ftn40">40</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr.<span>
					</span>Ewing stated that these were<span>
					</span>the<span>
					</span>required strengths<span><span></span>
					</span>of the concrete.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 199-201, 214-216, 295;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-37, C-39). He said that the</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">“strength of the bolted connection is a function directly proportional to the concrete strength. As you lower the concrete strength, the connection loses its<span>
					</span>capacity,<span><span></span>
					</span>and it gets weaker. So it’s important for the concrete<span>
					</span>to reach its designed strength so the connection connect as intended by the structural engineer.” (Tr. 214). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">Dr. Ewing opined that on July 11, 2020 the concrete strength was approximately 2,600 psi at the time of the incident, so it had not reached the desired strength yet for the forms to be removed per the construction documents. (Tr. 215-16, 295-296; Ex. C-39).<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>He<span>
					</span>said,<span><span></span>
					</span>“until the concrete has been shown to reach 75 percent strength, you are not allowed to remove the formwork or the shoring supporting, that green concrete or<span>
					</span>that<span><span></span>
					</span>concrete that’s still curing.” (Tr. 296; Ex. C-37).<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Consequently, he concluded:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">the structure’s stability is compromised because the concrete is not strong enough to transmit the load from the ledger angle into the concrete beam. So you’re going to have the failure condition right there in that load path. So the load from the hollow-core slab would not be able to complete its intended load path by the structural engineer from where it’s resting down to the foundation, and you would get a failure there at the connection of the concrete.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>(Tr. 216).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Dr. Ewing testified that after one bolt failed the weight previously on that bolt was thereafter carried by additional bolts resulting in an “unzipping effect” across the ledger angle causing<span>
					</span>all the bolts<span><span></span>
					</span>that were two feet apart along the tie beam<span><span></span>
					</span>to fail and the ledger angle<span>
					</span>to fall<span><span></span>
					</span>to the ground. (Tr. 286). Dr. Ewing saw the failure pattern in<span>
					</span>photographs of<span>
					</span>the tie beam. He said he could not tell which bolt failed first, but he can say “the series of bolts did fail.” (Tr. 286-87, 291-94, 298;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, at G, I, J, C-4, at A).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing opined that the failure occurred at the ledger angle that was bolted into the tie beam that was located on the photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-1, at “G”.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref41" href="#ftn41">41</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 291; Ex. C-1, at G).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-2 also shows two shoring poles with lumber above them supporting a concrete structure. (Tr. 66, 199; Ex. C-2). Similarly, the photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-3 shows shoring poles leaning in on a tie beam. (Tr. 66; Ex. C-3). The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-9 shows shoring poles supporting at least a<span><span></span>
					</span>portion<span><span></span>
					</span>of lumber under a<span>
					</span>tie beam at A and B. (Tr. 72, 231-33; Ex. C-9, at A,<span>
					</span>B, D). The photographs at<span>
					</span>Exhibits C-11, C-21 through C-23 also show shoring polls. (Tr. 72-74, 83-84;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-11, C-21 through C-23). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">American Precast scheduled Respondent, along with American<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Precast’s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>crane operator and driver, to work at the site on Friday, July 10, 2020. (Tr. 336</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 348</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">; Ex. R-A, at 3,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Answer to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Int. 3</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">After he arrived at the worksite</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at about 2:00 p.m.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">walked around for about ten minutes because<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">as he said<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">he was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">“</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">in charge.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">”</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 349-50</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 357</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). He</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>noticed nothing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">unusual<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">regarding the shoring of the tie beams o</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">r</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the ledger angles</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. He looked to see that all of the bolts were on the ledger angles, but</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>did not determine whether the correct bolts had been used</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>because “that’s not my job</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.”</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 349-52).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at about 2:00 p.m.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">he asked Mr. Nash</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at the worksite</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“if everything was ready in order for us [Respondent] to begin<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">work</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>....” Mr. Lopez said Mr. Nash said, “Yes.” (Tr. 336</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 344-45</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 36</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">3-6</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">4</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Manolo, and Daniel Leal, a hollow core slab installer, were with Mr. Lopez at the worksite.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 357-58). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez then installed five or six hollow-core slabs</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref42" href="#ftn42">42</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and departed the worksite at about<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">5:00<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">p.m.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">to 6:00 p.m.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref43" href="#ftn43">43</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 336</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 345</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 357</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent argues that Mr. Lopez<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">relied on Mr. Nash</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’s brief</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, affirmative response<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">that the site was ready for him to install the hollow core.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref44" href="#ftn44">44</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Reply Br</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 4-5</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">However,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>never inquired as to whether the concrete had properly cured</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">had the proper compressive strength</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, or could handle the weight of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the large number of</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">cement bags<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">that were to be</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>put on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the hollow core slabs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">345-47, 350-51</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 366</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">did not ask anyone if the design plans<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">for</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the building had been changed</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 345-46). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez testified that he spoke with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">BCB and American Precast</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>contractors<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the worksite</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on July 10, 2020</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, but was unaware of, and never inquired, if any of them had experience in structural design. (Tr. 342</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">-43</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez never asked to speak with a structural engineer</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>He said<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">it was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">“</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">not</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>part of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">[</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">his</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>job.”</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 345).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He also never spoke with Ott Welding or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Morca</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 345).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He testified that in his 15 years of experience</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>installing hollow-core</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and working with cement</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref45" href="#ftn45">45</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">he had never spoken to a structural engineer regarding a project</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">333,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">351).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Mr. Lopez said that he had installed concrete hollow core slabs many times before. (Tr. 336-37).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent failed to take reasonable alternative steps to protect its employees.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Secretary has the burden of identifying the measures the employer can reasonably take to protect its employees. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">S. Pan Serv. Co.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 25<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">BNA<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1086</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">S. Pan Serv. Co</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">., 26 BNA OSH</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">C</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1005, 1009<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">08-0866, 2016)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(ALJ</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’s decision on remand</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> The Secretary has done so here. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">never inquired whether the concrete had properly cured, had the proper compressive strength, or could handle the weight of the cement bags being<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">placed on top of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the hollow core slabs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr. 345-47, 350-51</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez did not consult with any individual with qualification</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in structural design before<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">installing the hollow core slabs and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">directing the cement bags to be placed atop the hollow core slabs. (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Sec’y Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">t 5-6). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">never reviewed any compressive strength reports</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>design<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">plans or</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>spoke with a structural engineer.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref46" href="#ftn46">46</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> (Tr. 344-46, 350).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> Mr. Lopez had access to these reports and plans, but never reviewed them because he said it was not part of his job. (Tr. 86-87, 92-93, 344-46, 350).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Every employer has a primary responsibility for the safety of its own employees. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Grossman Steel & Alum</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">inum</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 4 BNA OSHC 1185, 1189<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">No. 12775, 1975).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Simply because a subcontractor cannot himself abate a hazardous condition does not mean it is powerless to protect its employees.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Here, Respondent failed to protect its employees and failed to take any alternative actions to protect them. Under applicable Commission precedent, Revolution was an exposing employer. It was an exposing employer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">in both instances of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">due to two of its employees having been exposed to</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and injured by</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the violative conditions<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the worksite. (Tr. 40-41, 339-41, 352-53).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; ">VI.<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 1</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent violated 29 C.F.R. §<span>
					</span>1926.701(a), which reads:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Construction loads</span>. No construction loads shall be placed on a concrete structure or portion of a concrete structure unless the employer determines, based on information received from a person who is qualified in structural design, that the structure or portion of the structure is capable of supporting the loads.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">The Citation alleges:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">On or about 07/11/2020, at 1 Sabre Lane, in the city of Naples, FL, employees were exposed to crushing hazards when the employer did not ensure that the hollow core slabs were capable to support workers installing the slabs and a pallet of cement bags that was stored on top of the hollow core.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">The Standard Applies<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">Commission precedent dictates “the focus of the Secretary’s burden of proving that the cited standard applies pertains to the cited conditions, not the particular cited employer.” <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Arcon</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>20 BNA OSHC 1760, 1763 (No. 99-1707,<span>
					</span>2004) (“In order to establish a violation, the Secretary must show that the standards applied to the cited conditions.”)<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span>, 142 F.<span>
					</span>App’x<span><span></span>
					</span>662 (4th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 2005) (unpublished).<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary<span><span></span>
					</span>has met his burden here. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">S</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Pan Serv</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>v. DOL</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 685 F.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">App</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">x</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>695 (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">11th Circuit affirming the Commission’s decision to apply 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1926.701(a) to “exposing employer.”</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">KS Energy Servs., Inc.,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>22 BNA OSHC 1261, 1267 (No. 06-1416, 2008) (finding “the cited ... provision was applicable to the conditions in KS Energy’s traffic control zone”).<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">Revolution is a construction company that was providing construction<span><span></span>
					</span>and masonry<span><span></span>
					</span>services, including the installation of hollow core slabs, when the violation occurred. (Tr. 36-37, 90-91, 332-33). It is undisputed that Respondent was hired to perform construction<span><span></span>
					</span>and masonry<span><span></span>
					</span>services in installing hollow core slabs on the worksite. (Tr. 36-37, 90-91, 332-33). The construction services Revolution performed fall under the purview<span>
					</span>of<span>
					</span>Part 1926, Subpart<span>
					</span>Q, Section<span>
					</span>700<span><span></span>
					</span>–<span><span></span>
					</span>Concrete and Masonry Construction. The scope of the aforementioned Subpart sets forth requirements to “protect all construction employees from the hazards associated with concrete and masonry construction operations performed in workplaces....” 29 C.F.R. §1926.700(a). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.268cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The<span><span></span>
					</span>cited standard at 29 C.F.R. § 1926.701(a) applies to Respondent. It is undisputed that<span>
					</span>Respondent<span>
					</span>had been hired<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">to install hollow core<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">concrete<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">slabs at the worksite. (Tr. 19-20, 36-37,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">39,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">90-91, 333-34; J</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">PS</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, ¶ D,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 4; Ex. C-25). The worksite was a residential structure consisting of mostly concrete<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">construction</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, about 8,000 square feet in size</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr. 35,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">194</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">333-34).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The structure was supported by “a combination of concrete masonry, regular cast-in plates concrete, and then also several types of precast planks were used as well.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 194). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">After</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>installing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">all of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">hollow core</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>slabs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on ledger angles</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in the area marked with “F” on the photograph at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">E</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">xhibit C-17</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Respondent admits to directing cement bags be placed on top of the slabs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr. 36,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>40-41,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>91-92</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 339-4</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1, 348-49</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 367-68; Ex. C-17, at F</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">resulting</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>collapse</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of the concrete structure seriously injured two of Respondent’s employees. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>40,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>339-41,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">352-53).</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The Court finds that the evidence establishes that the cited standard applies to Respondent and shows that Respondent was both a creating and exposing employer<span><span></span>
					</span>as to Citation 1, Item 1.</p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">B.</span><span><span></span>
				</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent Failed to Comply with the Standard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">On July 11, 2020, Respondent installed hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>and was about to<span><span></span>
					</span>put a<span>
					</span>cement<span><span></span>
					</span>mix between the slabs at the worksite. (Tr. 36, 90-92). At the direction of Mr. Lopez,<span><span></span>
					</span>the Court has found that 60<span>
					</span>cement bags<span>
					</span>weighing<span>
					</span>about<span><span></span>
					</span>87<span><span></span>
					</span>pounds<span>
					</span>were<span>
					</span>then placed on top of the hollow<span>
					</span>core<span><span></span>
					</span>slabs. (Tr. 40, 339-40, 366).<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref47" href="#ftn47">47</a></span> The hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>collapsed shortly thereafter<span>
					</span>injuring<span>
					</span>two of<span>
					</span>Respondent’s employees. (Tr. 340-41,<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, C-23, R-D). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent failed to take reasonable steps to discover the hazardous condition and protect its employees</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span><span></span>
					</span>At no time before placing cement bags on top of the hollow core slabs and subsequent collapse did Respondent determine, from a person who is qualified in structural design, that the structure was capable of supporting loads. <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He never spoke with a structural engineer. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that he did not ask anyone if the design plans of the building had been changed or if any of the contractors had experience in structural design. Mr. Lopez admitted he never asked to speak with a structural engineer before instructing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">cement bags be placed on the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">hollow core slabs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>He</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>never inquired whether the concrete had properly cured, had the proper compressive strength, or could handle the weight of the cement bags. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez never asked anybody if it was okay to put the weight of the cement bags on top of the hollow core slabs. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He never asked if the ledger angles had been properly connected to the tie beams. </span>Respondent failed to review any of the available construction plans, engineering reports, or concrete compressive strength reports before directing cement bags be placed on the hollow core slabs.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref48" href="#ftn48">48</a></span> (Tr. 40, 339-40, 342-47, 350-51, 366;<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">see also</span><span><span></span>
					</span>fn<span><span></span>
					</span>6, herein). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">Respondent argues that it was relying on the other<span>
					</span>higher tier<span>
					</span>contactors to ensure that the concrete had been poured,<span><span></span>
					</span>set correctly,<span><span></span>
					</span>and was ready for hollow core slabs to be placed.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref49" href="#ftn49">49</a></span> (Tr.<span>
					</span>92;<span>
					</span>Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Br. at 13-16). Respondent’s reliance<span><span></span>
					</span>on other contractors<span>
					</span>is misplaced. With respect to this standard,<span>
					</span>Respondent is both a creating and<span>
					</span>exposing employer. It<span><span></span>
					</span>has the<span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>primary responsibility for the safety of its own employees. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Grossman Steel & Alum</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">inum</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 4 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1189</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">;</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Capform</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 16 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2042</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.701(a)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">calls for no construction loads to be placed on a concrete structure until information is received from a “person who is qualified in structural design” that the structure is capable of holding such loads. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.701(a)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Here, fa</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">iling to inquire<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">whether the concrete structure</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, including ledger angles,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was capable of supporting the</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hollow core slabs and</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cement bags, based on information from an individual qualified in structural design, is a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">violation</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">29 C.F.R. § 1926.701(a)</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The<span>
					</span>Court finds that<span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent violated the standard.</p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">C.</span><span><span></span>
				</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent’s</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Employees<span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">W</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">ere Exposed to the Hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The Commission’s test for hazard exposure requires the Secretary to “show that it is reasonably predictable either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), that employees have been, are, or will be in the zone of danger.”<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Delek</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Ref</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">in</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">., Ltd.</span>, 25 BNA OSHC 1365, 1376 (No. 08-1386, 2015)<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part</span>, 845 F.3d 170 (5th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 2016);<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Gilles & Cotting</span>, 3 BNA OSHC 2002 (No. 504, 1976).<span style="position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref50" href="#ftn50">50</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The zone of danger is the “area surrounding the violative condition that presents the<span>
					</span>danger to employees.”<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Boh</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Bros. Constr</span>. Co., LLC, 24 BNA OSHC 1067, 1085 (No. 09-1072, 2013) (<span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">citing</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>RGM Constr. Co.</span>, 17 BNA OSHC 1229, 1234 (No. 91-2107, 1995)). The zone of danger is determined by the hazard presented by the violative condition and is normally the area surrounding the violative condition that presents the danger to employees which the standard is intended to prevent. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id.,<span>
						</span></span>at 1234;<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Gilles</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>& Cotting, Inc</span>., 3 BNA OSHC at 2003.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Respondent’s<span>
					</span>employees were directly exposed to a hazardous condition when<span><span></span>
					</span>hollow core slabs were set upon ledger angles that were improperly bolted into tie beams made up of cement that was not sufficiently<span>
					</span>cured,<span><span></span>
					</span>and<span>
					</span>cement bags were placed on the concrete hollow core slabs without first determining if the structure was capable of supporting the bags. (Tr. 40-41, 339-41;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, C-23, R-D). The Commission<span>
					</span>has<span><span></span>
					</span>long held that exposure is met by an employee’s mere access to a hazardous situation.<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Id. </span>Here,<span><span></span>
					</span>it is undisputed Respondent’s employees had access to and<span>
					</span>installed hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>that had cement bags placed on top. (Tr. 40-41, 339-41;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1,<span>
					</span>C-3, at A,<span>
					</span>C-23, R-D). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Further, it is undisputed that two of Respondent’s employees<span>
					</span>were severely injured when the worksite structure collapsed. (Tr.<span>
					</span>40,<span>
					</span>352-53). The victims’ actual exposure to<span>
					</span>the hazardous condition<span><span></span>
					</span>and<span><span></span>
					</span>resulting<span>
					</span>injuries also establishes exposure. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See S & G Packaging, Co., LLC</span><span><span></span>
					</span>, 19 BNA OSHC 1503, 1506 (No. 98-1107, 2001) (injuries establish actual exposure to the violative condition). The is no real dispute that employees were exposed to the hazardous conditions. (Sec’y Br. at 8). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The Court finds that<span>
					</span>Respondent’s employees were exposed to a hazardous condition.</p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">D.</span><span><span></span>
				</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent Had Knowledge of the Hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">To<span>
					</span>prove a violation the Secretary<span><span></span>
					</span>must show that the cited<span>
					</span>“employer either knew or, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, could have known of the presence of the violative<span>
					</span>condition." <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Pride Oil Well Serv.,</span>15 BNA OSHC<span>
					</span>1809,<span><span></span>
					</span>1814<span><span></span>
					</span>(No. 87-692, 1992). An employer is required to make a reasonable effort to anticipate the particular hazards to which its employees may be exposed during the course of their scheduled work. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Automatic Sprinkler Corp. of Am.</span>, 8 BNA OSHC 1384, 1387 (No. 76-5089, 1980). When determining whether an employer has been reasonably diligent, the Commission considers “several factors, including the employer’s obligation to have adequate work rules and training programs, to adequately supervise employees, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence of violations.” <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Precision Concrete Constr.</span>, 19 BNA OSHC 1404, 1407<span><span></span>
					</span>(No. 99-0707, 2001). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">An employer’s awareness of the violation may be shown through actual or constructive knowledge of said violation. <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">It is not necessary to show the employer knew or understood the condition was hazardous. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix Roofing, Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, 17 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1076,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1079-1080 (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">No. 90-2148, 1995).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span><span></span>
					</span>“[An] employer’s duty is to take<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">reasonably<span>
						</span></span>diligent measures to inspect its worksite and discover hazardous conditions; so long as the employer does so, it is not in violation simply because it has not detected or become aware of every instance of a hazard.” <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Ragnar Benson, Inc.</span>,<span>
					</span>18 BNA OSHC 1937, 1940 (No. 97-1676<span><span></span>
					</span>1999). An employer is not automatically aware of a hazard in plain view, especially if not observed by a supervisory employee. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Cent. soya de P. R., Inc</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">. v. Sec’y of Labor</span>, 653 F.2d 38, 39 (1st Cir. 1981);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Cranesville</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Block Co., Inc./Clark Div</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span>, No. 08-0316, 2012 WL 2365498, at *10 (OSHRC June 12, 2012)<span><span></span>
					</span>(consolidated). The actual or constructive knowledge of a foreman or supervisor can<span>
					</span>generally<span>
					</span>be imputed to the employer. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Tampa Shipyards,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>15 BNA OSHC 1533, 1537 (No. 86-368, 1992) (consolidated.)<span><span></span>
					</span>(citing<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">A.P.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">O'Horo</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Co</span>., 14 BNA OSHC 2004, 2007 (No. 85-369, 1991);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">N&N Contractors, Inc</span>., 18 BNA OSHC 2121, 2123 (No. 96-0606, 2000)<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span>, 255 F.3d<span>
					</span>122 (4th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 2001);<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:8px; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:11.933px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary contends that t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">evidence in this case establishes that Respondent had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazards due to the company’s decision to not comply with the standard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” (Sec’y Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t 9). The Court agrees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that Respondent had actual knowledge of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>crushing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hazard associated with Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Item 1.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref51" href="#ftn51">51</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>One of Respondent’s owners</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Mr. Lopez,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>knew</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and therefore Respondent knew,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>it was placing construction loads; i.e. hollow core slabs and cement bags, on a concrete structure without first determining, based on information received from a qualified person in structural design,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that the structure was capable of supporting the loads.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mr. Lopez proceeded with the installation of hollow core slabs starting on July 10, 2020, and he continued until he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as done doing so on July 11, 2020 knowing he had not spoken with a qualified person in structural design that the concrete structure was capable of supporting the hollow core slabs and the cement bags. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Payne & Howard Glass Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, No. 81-1466, 1983 WL 23745, at *7 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRCALJ</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, May 19, 1983) (imputing knowledge to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">espondent when<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">espondent’s foreman was at the worksite and all of the facts giving rise to the violative condition were readily discoverable by sight if due diligence had been exercised</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>K M Eng</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">’g</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">N</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o. 15699, 1976 WL 22000, at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">*6 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">O</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">HRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ALJ</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">July</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>13, 1976) (finding that a defective and excessively worn boom block shackle on a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sideboom</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>tractor could have been discovered by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">espondent in the exercise of due diligence).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; margin-left:7.933px; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:11.933px; ">When the Secretary shows that a supervisor had actual knowledge of the violation, such knowledge is generally imputed to the employer.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See G</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">a.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Elec. Co. v. Marshall</span>, 595<span>
					</span>F.2d 309, 321 (5th Cir.1979);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">N</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Y</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>State Elec. & Gas Corp.</span>, 88 F.3d<span>
					</span>98,<span>
					</span>105<span><span></span>
					</span>(2d Cir. 1996);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Access Equip. Sys., Inc.</span>, 18 BNA OSHC<span>
					</span>1718<span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">,<span>
						</span></span>1726<span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span>(No.95-1449, 1999).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">But see</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">ComTran</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Grp., Inc.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">v. U.S.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Dep’t</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>722 F.3d 1304, 1316 (11th<span><span></span>
					</span>Cir. 2013)<span><span></span>
					</span>(“employer knowledge must be established, not vicariously through the violator’s knowledge, but by either the employer’s actual knowledge, or by constructive knowledge based on the fact that the employer could, under the circumstances of the case, foresee the unsafe conduct of the supervisor.’’). <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">As</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">an</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>owner<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">and the person<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">“</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">in-charge”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">of Revolution working on the actual worksite, Mr. Lopez’s knowledge is imputed to Respondent. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 349-50, 357). </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Tampa Shipyards,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>15 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1537.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez knew his lack of qualifications in structural<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">design,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and he knew he had never<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">spoken to a structural engineer regarding a project</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in his fifteen years of experience installing hollow-core slabs and working with cement</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">333,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">351).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">It was readily foreseeable that he would not do so here at the worksite.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The<span>
					</span>Court finds that the<span><span></span>
					</span>evidence<span>
					</span>shows<span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent had<span>
					</span>actual<span><span></span>
					</span>knowledge of the violative conditions<span><span></span>
					</span>associated with Citation<span>
					</span>1, Item 1. The Secretary has proven all elements of his<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">prima facie</span><span><span></span>
					</span>case. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; ">VII. <span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Item 2</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent violated 29 C.F.R. § 1926.704(a), which reads:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Requirements for precast<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">c</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">oncrete.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><a name="ftnref52" href="#ftn52">52</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>Precast concrete wall units, structural framing, and tilt-up wall panels shall be adequately supported to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse until permanent connections are completed.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">The Citation alleges:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">On or about 07/11/2020, at 1 Sabre Lane, in the city of Naples, FL, employees were exposed to crushing hazards due to the hollow core slabs not being adequately supported where the ledger angles were not installed per engineer's plans compromising the structural integrity of the beams.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="text-decoration:underline ;padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">The Standard Applies<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; ">As previously addressed,<span>
					</span>the<span><span></span>
					</span>hazards associated with concrete and masonry construction operations<span><span></span>
					</span>and<span><span></span>
					</span>the construction services Respondent performed fall under the purview of Part 1926,<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Subpart Q, Section 700. </span>The<span>
					</span>standard cited at Citation 1, Item 2 is<span><span></span>
					</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.704(a), Requirements for precast concrete.<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The standard requires<span>
					</span>precast<span>
					</span>concrete<span>
					</span>units and structural framing, including hollow core slabs,<span><span></span>
					</span>to be adequately supported to prevent the possibility of collapse until permanent connections have been made. It is undisputed that Respondent had been hired<span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">to install hollow core concrete slabs at the worksite. (Tr. 19-20, 36-37, 39, 90-91, 333-34; J</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">PS</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, ¶ D,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 4;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ex</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. C-25</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, R-D, at 6,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">⁋</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">A</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Precast<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">concrete<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">hollow core<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">slabs<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">had just been installed at the worksite<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">to construct the second-floor foundation of the structure</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at the time of the incident</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr. 35-36, 333-34). After<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent installed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">he concrete<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">hollow core<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">slabs, Respondent</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">’s Mr. Lopez</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>admits to directing cement bags be placed on top of the</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hollow core</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>slabs. (Tr. 36, 40-41, 91-92, 339-40). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.268cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Court finds that the precast concrete hollow core slabs were not adequately supported to prevent collapse when the accident occurred</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>where ledger angles were not properly installed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">in tie beams whose structural integrity was compromised.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span>The<span><span></span>
					</span>Court finds that the<span><span></span>
					</span>evidence establishes that the cited standard applies to Respondent.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See Dillingham Constr. Pac. Basin LTD,<span>
						</span></span>19 BNA OSHC 1069, 1070-71 (No. 99-0787, 2000)<span><span></span>
					</span>(ALJ)<span><span></span>
					</span>(29 C.F.R. § 1926.704(a) standard applies to<span><span></span>
					</span>prime<span><span></span>
					</span>contractor who was responsible for the installation of precast concrete<span>
					</span>members,<span><span></span>
					</span>i.e. beams, that fell because they were not adequately supported<span>
					</span>by welding the components together<span>
					</span>to prevent collapse.).<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">B.</span><span><span></span>
				</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent Failed to Comply with the Standard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">On<span><span></span>
					</span>July 11,<span>
					</span>2020, Respondent finished<span>
					</span>installing<span><span></span>
					</span>hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>on the concrete<span>
					</span>structure<span>
					</span>at the worksite. (Tr. 36, 90-92). At the direction of Mr. Lopez,<span>
					</span>sixty<span>
					</span>87-pound cement bags were then placed on top of the hollow core slabs. (Tr. 40, 339-40). The flooring then<span><span></span>
					</span>collapsed<span><span></span>
					</span>injuring<span>
					</span>two of<span>
					</span>Respondent’s employees<span><span></span>
					</span>due to the<span>
					</span>hollow core slabs not being adequately supported. (Tr. 340-41;<span><span></span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, C-23, R-D).  </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">CO Benson<span><span></span>
					</span>testified that the hollow core slabs fell due<span>
					</span>in part<span>
					</span>to<span>
					</span>the<span>
					</span>incorrect installation of the ledger angles. (Tr. 39-40). CO Benson and Dr. Ewing described a litany of irregularities that occurred when the ledger angles were installed at the worksite by contractors other than Respondent that reduced the strength of the connections between ledger angles and tie beams. (Tr. 182;<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">see</span><span><span></span>
					</span>fn<span><span></span>
					</span>6). CO<span><span></span>
					</span>Benson<span>
					</span>testified<span>
					</span>that prior to installation of the hollow core<span><span></span>
					</span>slabs, there was a design change<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref53" href="#ftn53">53</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span>which<span><span></span>
					</span>resulted in the wedge anchors,<span><span></span>
					</span>which<span><span></span>
					</span>were to hold up the ledger angles,<span><span></span>
					</span>being installed prior to the concrete pour.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref54" href="#ftn54">54</a></span> (Tr. 94-98,<span>
					</span>102,<span>
					</span>113-14, 184;<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">see</span><span><span></span>
					</span>fn.<span>
					</span>6, herein). Thereafter, while attempting to align the holes of the ledger angles with the wedge anchor<span><span></span>
					</span>bolts that were installed in the tie beams, it was discovered that the<span><span></span>
					</span>holes<span><span></span>
					</span>were not properly aligned.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson further<span>
					</span>said,<span><span></span>
					</span>“so they<span><span></span>
					</span>[not Respondent]<span><span></span>
					</span>made some adjustments with the holes and used different washers that did not come with the bolts.”<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The washers that they<span>
					</span>[not including Respondent]<span>
					</span>used were wrong for the bolts.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>68, 71, 94-98,<span><span></span>
					</span>103,<span><span></span>
					</span>182, 184; Ex. C-6, at B). A contractor, other than Respondent, also made unallowed enlarged slotted holes in the ledger angles. (<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">s</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">ee</span><span><span></span>
					</span>fn<span><span></span>
					</span>21, herein). A contractor, other than Respondent, used<span>
					</span>incorrectly sized and irregular<span>
					</span>bolts to connect the ledger angles to the tie<span>
					</span>beams. (Tr. 85-86;<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">see</span><span><span></span>
					</span>fns<span><span></span>
					</span>6, 19, herein).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Ott Welding used expansion anchors and not mechanical screws as required. (<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">see</span><span><span></span>
					</span>fn<span><span></span>
					</span>6, herein). A contractor, other than Respondent, inadequately shored the ledger angles. (Tr. 193, 201-02, 218-19;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, C-2). All of these<span>
					</span>irregularities<span><span></span>
					</span>were visible to, and discoverable by,<span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent<span><span></span>
					</span>when Mr. Lopez walked around the worksite before beginning to install the hollow core slabs. (Tr. 193, 204,<span><span></span>
					</span>210-14, 283, 302;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, at H, C-6, at B, C-16, at A).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">CO Benson and Dr. Ewing also testified<span>
					</span>that the hollow core slabs fell due in part to the<span>
					</span>concrete in the tie beams and elsewhere not<span>
					</span>having fully<span>
					</span>cured. The concrete had only been poured on July 7, 2020, just a few days before the accident. (Tr. 215-17). All of these<span>
					</span>irregularities<span><span></span>
					</span>should have given Respondent pause to not proceed to install the hollow core slabs and place cement bags on top of them<span><span></span>
					</span>on July 11, 2020.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.268cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Court finds that the precast concrete hollow core slabs were not adequately supported to prevent collapse where ledger angles were not properly installed in tie beams whose structural integrity was compromised.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The Commission</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has consistently held an employer</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>whose own employees are exposed to a hazard,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">can be cited<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">even if it did not create or control the hazard. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See Anning-Johnson Co.,<span>
						</span></span>4 BNA OSHC<span>
					</span>at<span><span></span>
					</span>1198-99<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">; S</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Pan Serv</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>v. DOL,<span>
						</span></span>685 F.<span><span></span>
					</span>App’x<span><span></span>
					</span>at<span><span></span>
					</span>695;<span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">OSHA Instruction CPL 2-00.124,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at ⁋ XC2.</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>As previously discussed, Respondent failed to exercise reasonable diligence to discover the condition<span><span></span>
					</span>of the ledger angles at the worksite<span><span></span>
					</span>and failed to take steps within its power to protect its employees. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The Court finds that<span>
					</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.704(a) applies<span><span></span>
					</span>and<span>
					</span>Respondent violated<span>
					</span>it.</p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">C.</span><span><span></span>
				</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent Exposed its Own Employees t</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">o the Hazard</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span>at Citation 1, Item 2</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The<span>
					</span>discussion and rationale previously addressed<span><span></span>
					</span>at Section VIC,<span>
					</span>herein,<span><span></span>
					</span>likewise<span>
					</span>apply<span><span></span>
					</span>to employee exposure to a hazardous condition here<span>
					</span>with regard to Citation 1, Item 2<span>
					</span>and is incorporated herein. Respondent’s employees were directly exposed to hazardous conditions<span><span></span>
					</span>where<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">precast concrete hollow core slabs were not adequately supported to prevent collapse where ledger angles were not properly installed</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in, and connected</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">to,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>tie beams</span>.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr.<span>
					</span>40-41, 339-41;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1<span><span></span>
					</span>to<span><span></span>
					</span>C-23;<span><span></span>
					</span>R-D;<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">see</span><span><span></span>
					</span>fns. 6, 19-21, 54,<span>
					</span>herein). The record shows that both Mr. Lopez and<span>
					</span>[redacted]<span><span></span>
					</span>were severely injured from the worksite collapse. <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">40,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">339-41, 352-53). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Manolo was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">also working at the worksite when the accident occurred. These three<span>
						</span></span>Respondent employees were exposed to<span><span></span>
					</span>the<span><span></span>
					</span>hazardous conditions. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The Court finds that<span>
					</span>Respondent exposed<span><span></span>
					</span>three of its<span><span></span>
					</span>employees<span><span></span>
					</span>to the hazard and it was an Exposing Employer<span><span></span>
					</span>when it did so at the worksite on July 10-11, 2020.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">D.</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent Had<span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Constructive<span>
					</span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Knowledge of the Hazard</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span>at Citation 1, Item 2</span></p>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="line-height:2; margin-left:8px; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:11.933px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary contends that Respondent failed to exercise reasonable diligence to discover and to prevent violative conditions and that Respondent therefore had constructive knowledge of those conditions.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">An employer will be deemed to have constructive knowledge of a violation that is in plain view.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; 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:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kokosing Constr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">17 BNA OSHC 1869, 1871 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No. 92-2596, 1996</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Tenth Circuit has held that constructive employer knowledge exists when “[a] diligent foreman checking the safety of his workers should have discovered” the hazard.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; 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:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Austin Bld</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Co. v. Occupational Safety and Health Review Comm’n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 647 F.2d 1063, 1068 (10th Cir. 1981).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This consideration of “reasonable diligence” includes an examination of the employer’s “obligation to inspect the work area, to anticipate hazards to which employees may be exposed, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; 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:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Frank Swidzinski Co</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 9 BNA OSHC 1230, 1233 (No. 76- 4627, 1981).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Under Commission precedent, “reasonable steps to monitor compliance with safety requirements are part of an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">effective safety program.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">w.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Bell Tel</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1097, 1099 (No. 98-1748, 2000),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d without published opinion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 277 F.3d 1374 (5th Cir. 2001). This “reasonable diligence” cannot simply rely on the assumption that an employee will alert the employer to hazards if he observes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; letter-spacing:-.014cm; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">them</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“Reasonable diligence implies effort, attention, and action; not mere reliance upon another to make violations known.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; 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:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">N & N Contractors, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2124.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Here</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">floor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>structure collapsed after</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the weigh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">t of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hollow core slabs<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">and 60 cement bags<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">were set upon<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ledger angles<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">at the direction of Mr. Lopez<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">that were not properly connected to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">tie beams</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref55" href="#ftn55">55</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The tie beams were made</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of cement that had not sufficiently cured to achieve required strength</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent takes issue with Dr. Ewing’s opinion that the comprehensive strength reports for the tie beams involved in the collapse indicated that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hollow core<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">slabs should not have been placed on the ledger angles.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref56" href="#ftn56">56</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Reply Br. at 2). The concrete was poured for the tie beams in the area of the collapse on July 7, 2020; only 4 days before the failure occurred. The structural notes required the concrete to cure over a period of 28 days before loads are placed upon the structures made out of concrete. The strength requirement was prescribed as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the 28-day minimum strength of 4,000 psi</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Using both compressive strength reports, Dr. Ewing opined that the concrete had only reached<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">2,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">600 psi<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">as of July 11, 2020. The Court finds that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">concrete in the area<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">where</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ledger angle connected to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">tie beam</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ttained a strength of only 2,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">00 psi<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">as of the date and time of the accident and was not sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cured to support<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the weight of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">hollow core slabs and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">60</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cement bags. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. C-37, C-39). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">he structural notes state form work supporting structural concrete (beams and slabs) may not be removed until the concrete has attained 75% of the 28-day design minimum strength.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Determination of the in place concrete strength shall be determined by laboratory testing of concrete cylinders. Here, the concrete cylinders showed that form work supporting the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>tie</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>beams and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hollow core<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">slabs should not have been removed on or before July 11, 2020. The structural notes g</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on to say that “concrete shall be placed and cured to ACI standards and specifications.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> Dr. Ewing opined that the concrete had not been sufficiently cured at the time of the accident and the evidence shows that Dr. Ewing’s opinion is well supported. The Court also finds that Dr. Ewing’s opinion that the ledger angles were improperly affixed to the tie beam that collapsed is also well supported and Respondent’s argument to the contrary is rejected.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref57" href="#ftn57">57</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">(See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Reply Br. at 2). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Respondent e</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">xposed its employees to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">numerous<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">violative conditions<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">described above in Section VIIB that it did not create or control that relate to ledger angles that were not installed per engineer’s plans. Respondent<span>
						</span></span>failed<span>
					</span>to exercise reasonable diligence to discover these<span><span></span>
					</span>violative<span><span></span>
					</span>conditions<span><span></span>
					</span>and take steps within its power to protect its employees<span><span></span>
					</span>from these violative conditions. Ignorance is sometimes bliss, but not in this case, and not in the context of the Act.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>An employer attempting to re-direct its own legal obligations under the Act to protect its<span>
					</span>own<span>
					</span>workers onto other higher tier contractors<span><span></span>
					</span>does so at its own risk.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref58" href="#ftn58">58</a></span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Mr. Lopez testified that he counted the bolts in the ledger angles to ensure that they were all there before proceeding with the installation of the hollow core slabs. When doing so, with the exercise of due diligence, he should have seen that there were varying sizes and shapes of bolts and washers on the ledger angles. He should have seen that there were field cut slotted holes in the ledger angles that could cause inadequate load transfer. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>213). He should have seen that the ledger angles were not affixed flush<span>
					</span>and properly aligned<span>
					</span>with<span><span></span>
					</span>the tie beams. He should have seen that anchor bolts had been sawed off<span><span></span>
					</span>because they were sticking too far out.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref59" href="#ftn59">59</a></span> (Tr. 283). Dr. Ewing testified that<span><span></span>
					</span>“[y]ou<span><span></span>
					</span>would be able to see that the bolts were not as described or required in the construction documents.” He said one would have seen threaded rods and a nut; and not a bolt as required by the construction drawings.<span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref60" href="#ftn60">60</a></span> (Tr. 302-03).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>During OSHA’s investigation, Mr. Lopez told CO Benson that he does not check to see if the bolts or angle clips are installed correctly because he relies on the contractor who contracted with his company. (Ex.<span><span></span>
					</span>R-D, at 7, ⁋F).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">With shore posts still in place and the concrete not sufficiently cured, Mr. Lopez<span>
					</span>should have realized that<span>
					</span>all of<span>
					</span>these<span>
					</span>identifiable<span>
					</span>conditions weakened the effectiveness of the ledger angles to hold the hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>and cement bags. The Secretary argues the partially<span>
					</span>stripped formwork indicated that the concrete had not reached the proper strength. (Sec’y Br. at 10-11). Dr. Ewing testified that partially stripped formwork would indicate the concrete had not reached its design strength. He said the removal of formwork only indicated that the concrete member itself can support its own weight. He also said that the Structural Notes do not say a contractor is ready to place loads on the concrete when the formwork is removed. (Tr. 218-19, 296;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-9, C-37). Mr. Lopez testified that he did not ask<span><span></span>
					</span>anyone<span><span></span>
					</span>why the formwork was still there and perceived it as normal to still be there. (Tr. 345-47).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Mr. Lopez admits he never reviewed any design plans or compressive strength reports, and only looked at blueprints of the hollow core slabs. (Tr. 344, 350). He further testified that he never asked to speak with a structural engineer because it was not his job. (Tr. 345-46). Mr. Lopez told CO Benson that it was not his responsibility to review any engineering plans. (Tr. 92). Mr. Lopez never asked to see any structural or design drawings of the concrete structure. (Tr. 344-46). Mr. Lopez did not take reasonable steps to determine if the design plans of the building had been changed. (Tr. 344-46). <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He testified that he did not ask anyone if the design plans had been changed because it was not his responsibility to. (Tr. 345-46). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">The record reveals Respondent could have known of the presence of the violative condition</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with the exercise of reasonable diligence. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Mr. Lopez spent</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>only</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">bout ten minutes</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">walking around the site before commencing work.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">(Tr. 350-51).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> H</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">e never<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">asked anyone, including BCB, whether<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">the concrete had properly cured, had the proper compressive strength, or could handle the weight of the cement bags. (Tr. 345-47, 350-51</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">; Ex. C-3, at A</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">He did not ask<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">if anyone on the worksite had structural design knowledge</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">342-43,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">345-46).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "> Following through with any of the aforementioned actions would have been reasonable under the circumstances.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; margin-left:7.933px; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:11.933px; ">When the Secretary shows that a supervisor had constructive knowledge of the violation, such knowledge is generally imputed to the employer. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See Ga. Elec. Co. v. Marshall</span>, 595 F.2d at 321;<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">N.Y. State Elec. & Gas Corp.</span>, 88 F.3d at 105;<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Access Equip. Sys., Inc.</span>, 18 BNA OSHC<span><span></span>
					</span>1726.<span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">As<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">an</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>owner of Revolution working on the actual worksite, Mr. Lopez’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">constructive<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">knowledge is imputed to Respondent. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Tampa Shipyards,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>15 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1537.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The evidence<span>
					</span>shows<span><span></span>
					</span>that the structural integrity of the tie beams was compromised because the ledger angles were not installed per the engineer’s plans. Respondent had<span>
					</span>constructive<span>
					</span>knowledge of the violative conditions<span><span></span>
					</span>that led to the failure of the ledger angles and the ensuring collapse of the hollow core slabs. Constructive knowledge of the violative condition is established. The Secretary has proven all elements of his<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">prima facie</span><span><span></span>
					</span>case. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">VIII. <span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Citation 1, Items 1 and 2</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">,</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
						</span>were Properly Classified as Serious and the Penalty Assessed is Appropriate</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Section 17(j) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. 666(j), requires the Commission<span><span></span>
					</span>to consider four factors in<span>
					</span>assessing<span><span></span>
					</span>penalties: the gravity of the violation and the employer’s good faith, history, and size. The Act does not prescribe how or what weight to apply to the factors. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Atlas Roofing Co. v. OSHRC</span>, 518 F.2d 990, 1001 (5th Cir. 1975),<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span>, 430 U.S. 442 (1977) (OSHA penalties are meant to “inflect pocketbook deterrence”). Penalty assessment requires application of administrative discretion. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">D.S. Grading Co., Inc. v. Sec’y of Labor</span>, 899 F.3d 1145, 1148 (11th Cir. 1990). The gravity of the violation is generally afforded greater weight in assessing an appropriate penalty. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Trinity Indus.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Inc.</span>, 15 BNA OSHC 1481, 1489<span><span></span>
					</span>(No. 88-2691, 1992). A violation’s gravity is determined by weighing the number of employees exposed, the duration of their hazard exposure, preventative measures taken against injury, and the possibility that an injury would occur. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">J. A. Jones Constr. Co.</span>, 15 BNA OSHC 2201, 2214<span>
					</span>(No. 87-2059, 1993);<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Kus-Tum Builders, Inc.</span>, 10 BNA OSHC 1128, 1132 (No. 76-2644, 1981). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Under section 17(k) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 666(k), a serious violation exists where there is substantial probability that death or serious harm could result from a condition that exists in a place of employment. The Secretary need not show there was a substantial probability an accident would occur, only that if an accident did occur, death or serious physical harm could result. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.,</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">v. Sec’y of Labor</span>, 406 F.3d 731, 735 (D.C. Cir. 2005);<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Brock v. L.R. Willson & Sons, Inc.</span>, 773 F.2d 1377, 1388 (D.C. Cir. 1985);<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Mosser Constr., Inc.</span>, 23 BNA OSHC 1044, 1046 (No. 08-0631, 2010).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">In determining whether a hazard is “causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm,” the Commission does not look to the likelihood of an accident or injury occurring, but, instead, looks to whether, if an accident occurs, the results are likely to cause death or serious harm. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See Babcock</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>& Wilcox Co. v. OSHRC</span>, 622 F.2d<span>
					</span>1160,<span><span></span>
					</span>1164<span><span></span>
					</span>(3d<span>
					</span>Cir.<span><span></span>
					</span>1980)<span><span></span>
					</span>(Secretary must show that the hazard causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to an employee);<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Beverly</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Enter</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">s</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">. Inc.</span>, 19 BNA OSHC<span>
					</span>1161,<span>
					</span>1188<span><span></span>
					</span>(No. 91-3144, 2000)<span><span></span>
					</span>(consolidated)<span>
					</span>(Secretary must show that recognized hazard “causing” or is “likely to cause”<span>
					</span>“death or serious physical harm.”);<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Healthcare Ctr.</span>, 16 BNA OSHC<span>
					</span>1052,<span>
					</span>1060<span><span></span>
					</span>(No. 89-2804)((criteria “is not the likelihood of an accident<span><span></span>
					</span>or injury, but whether, if an accident occurs, the results are likely to cause death or serious harm.”).<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">Here, the record<span>
					</span>shows<span><span></span>
					</span>that potentially hazardous conditions existed at the worksite and resulted in serious harm to<span>
					</span>two of<span>
					</span>Respondent’s employees. Respondent’s failure to comply with 29 C.F.R. §<span><span></span>
					</span>1926.701(a) on July 11, 2020, at the worksite in Naples, Florida<span><span></span>
					</span>exposed employees to crushing hazards and serious physical injury. The evidence in this case establishes that there was a high probability of<span><span></span>
					</span>death or serious bodily harm if an accident<span>
					</span>occurred. (Tr. 34-35, 39-41, 340-41, 352-53;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, C-23, R-D). Mr. Lopez testified both he and<span>
					</span>[redacted]<span><span></span>
					</span>required<span>
					</span>hospitalization and<span>
					</span>surgery<span>
					</span>for broken bones<span>
					</span>after<span><span></span>
					</span>the hollow core slabs fell on them. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>352-53). When asked why a serious citation was recommended, CO Benson said it was due to employees actually being injured and sustaining very serious injuries. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>40,<span>
					</span>101). When<span>
					</span>asked what the most serious injury would be from a collapse of hollow core slabs, CO Benson said “[d]eath.” (Tr. 101). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The gravity-based penalty proposed for Citation 1, Item 1 was $13,494. The violation was assigned<span>
					</span>a high severity, greater probability, and high gravity. (Tr. 101-02; Ex. R-D at 1). The item was assigned high severity because workers were exposed<span><span></span>
					</span>to<span><span></span>
					</span>crushing hazards that could cause irreversible injury and/or death. (Tr. 101-02; Ex. R-D at 1). It was assigned a greater<span>
					</span>probability. (Ex. R-D,<span><span></span>
					</span>at 1). The Secretary reduced the proposed gravity-based penalty by 70% due to the company’s size. (Tr. 101-02; Ex. R-D at 1). The Secretary did not give any reductions for good faith or history. (Tr. 100-02; Ex. R-D at 1). CO Benson testified that no good faith reduction was provided because Respondent lacked any safety and health program. (Tr. 101). The calculated penalty, taking into consideration the reduction for Respondent’s size, for Citation 1, Item 1 is $4,048. (Tr. 100;<span>
					</span>Ex. R-D at<span>
					</span>2). Respondent makes no argument for a penalty reduction.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The gravity-based penalty proposed for Citation 1, Item 2 was $13,494. The violation was assigned a high severity, greater probability, and high gravity. The item was assigned high severity because workers were exposed<span><span></span>
					</span>to<span><span></span>
					</span>crushing hazards that could cause<span>
					</span>death or multiple fractures resulting in permanent disability. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>102; Ex. R-D at<span>
					</span>5).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary reduced the proposed gravity-based penalty by 70% due to<span>
					</span>Respondent only employing<span><span></span>
					</span>six people. (Tr.<span>
					</span>88,<span>
					</span>102; Ex. R-D at<span>
					</span>5). The Secretary did not give any reductions for good faith or history<span><span></span>
					</span>due to<span>
					</span>Respondent’s lack of any safety and health program. (Tr. 100-02; Ex. R-D at<span>
					</span>5). The calculated penalty for Citation 1, Item 2, after the reduction, is $4,048. (Tr. 102;<span>
					</span>Ex. R-D at 6). Respondent<span>
					</span>again<span>
					</span>made<span><span></span>
					</span>no argument for a penalty reduction.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">The Court finds<span>
					</span>that<span>
					</span>the proposed penalties for both items<span>
					</span>are<span><span></span>
					</span>appropriate and assesses<span><span></span>
					</span>them<span><span></span>
					</span>as proposed.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">IX. <span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Respondent’s Defenses Fail</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; margin-left:-1.067px; text-indent:1.298cm; margin-right:.933px; ">Respondent pleaded numerous defenses<span><span></span>
					</span>in its Answer.<span style="position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; "><a name="ftnref61" href="#ftn61">61</a></span> Many of these defenses were not raised further at trial or in its Post-Trial and Reply Briefs. Affirmative defenses not raised at the trial are deemed waived and abandoned by Respondent. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Corbesco</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">, Inc. v. Dole,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>926 F.2d 422, 429 (5th Cir. 1991) (Affirmative defenses not argued waived);<span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ga.-Pac. Corp.,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>15 BNA OSHC 1127, 1130 (No. 89-2713,<span>
					</span>1991) (“Commission declines to reach issues on which the aggrieved party indicates no interest.”). The Court finds all of these defenses are rejected because they either lack merit or have been abandoned, or both. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; ">X. <span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Conclusion</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Revolution<span><span></span>
					</span>was<span>
					</span>a<span><span></span>
					</span>creating and<span>
					</span>exposing<span><span></span>
					</span>employer<span>
					</span>as to Citation 1, Item 1. It was<span><span></span>
					</span>an exposing employer as to Citation 1, Item 2<span><span></span>
					</span>as it failed to exercise reasonable diligence to discover the violative conditions and failed to take steps consistent with its authority to protect its employees. As discussed above,<span><span></span>
					</span>the elements of applicability, employee exposure, violation<span><span></span>
					</span>and knowledge<span><span></span>
					</span>of the cited conditions<span><span></span>
					</span>are proved<span><span></span>
					</span>as to both items. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">XI. </span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; ">All findings of fact and conclusions of law relevant and necessary to a determination of the contested issues have been made above. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Fed. R. Civ. P. 52(a). All proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law inconsistent with this decision are denied.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; ">XII. <span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">O</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">rder</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; text-align:center; ">           Based upon the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law,<span>
					</span>IT IS<span><span></span>
					</span>ORDERED that:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; text-align:center; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; ">Citation 1, Item 1, alleging a Serious violation of<span>
					</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.701(a),<span>
					</span>is<span>
					</span>AFFIRMED and the Court assesses a penalty in the amount of<span><span></span>
					</span>$4,048; and</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; ">IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that: Citation 1, Item 2, alleging a Serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.704(a), is AFFIRMED and the Court assesses a penalty in the amount of $4,048. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; ">SO ORDERED.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:-5.933px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:-5.933px; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:-5.933px; ">                                                                        <span><span></span>
					</span>The Honorable Dennis L. Phillips</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:-5.933px; ">                                                                                  U.S. OSHRC Judge</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:-5.933px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>Dated:<span>
					</span>September 26, 2022</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>            Washington, D.C.</p>
			</div>
			<hr/>"
      <div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">1 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Marquez is no longer employed at OSHA. (Tr. 50).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">2 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson has been an OSHA CO for approximately 16 years. (Tr. 33-34). He has conducted more than 700 OSHA inspections at construction work sites. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>34). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">3 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-6 shows a tie beam at “D”. (Tr. 70; Ex. C-6, at D). CO Benson testified that Mr.<span>
					</span>Phil<span>
					</span>Nanna<span>
					</span>(sometimes spelled “Nana”),<span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">a safety consultant for BCB,<span>
						</span></span>told him that the<span><span></span>
					</span>segment of the tie beam he photographed at the storage facility in<span>
					</span>September<span><span></span>
					</span>2020<span>
					</span>“was taken<span><span></span>
					</span>from the tie beam that the ledger angle was affixed to that had collapsed.” (Tr. 124).<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">4 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr.<span>
					</span>Bryan<span>
					</span>Ewing, the Secretary’s expert,<span><span></span>
					</span>testified that hollow core slabs are typically precast, four-foot-wide planks, with several voids within the depth of the slabs. He testified that each hollow-core slab weighed 6,536 pounds. He said they are horizontal structural members typically used for roofs or floors.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 194-95, 239).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-9 shows hollow core slabs<span>
					</span>laying<span>
					</span>atop concrete at the west [left] side of the photograph<span><span></span>
					</span>and in the background two hollow core slabs are shown leaning on a tie beam. (Tr. 72; Ex. C-9). CO Benson testified that hollow-core slabs range from about 29 to 30 feet in length. He said they are “usually more than nine feet or more up.”<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 67, 94;<span><span></span>
					</span>Exs. C-1, at E, C-3).<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">5 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that Revolution’s job at the worksite was to, using a crane, install the hollow core slabs by laying them down one by one next to each other and insuring they fit. Revolution was also to put cement between the slabs to enjoin the slabs<span>
					</span>and make sure there were no openings between them for water proofing purpose. (Tr. 90-91).  </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">6 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>A<span><span></span>
					</span>ledger angle was a<span>
					</span>L-shaped steel section<span><span></span>
					</span>with holes and<span><span></span>
					</span>a 90-degree angle.<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Here,<span><span></span>
					</span>the vertical leg of the<span><span></span>
					</span>ledger<span><span></span>
					</span>angle was anchored into concrete<span>
					</span>using<span>
					</span>“expansion anchors”, where the drawings called for the use of mechanical screw bolts, that were<span><span></span>
					</span>inserted before the concrete had cured.<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing said doing so can lead to micro cracks within the concrete and premature failure of the<span>
					</span>tie<span>
					</span>beam.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The ledger angle supported the hollow core slab on the vertical leg of the angle. The weight of the hollow core slabs is transferred to the foundation through the slabs resting on the ledger angle, up through the ledger angle and through anchor bolts, through connections to the tie beam to the supporting columns, and from the columns to the foundation.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 65-73, 195-96, 204-09, 218;<span>
					</span>Exs.<span>
					</span>C-4, at A,<span>
					</span>C-6, at A,<span><span></span>
					</span>C-10, at A,<span>
					</span>C-18, at A, C-20, at A;<span>
					</span>Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Br.<span>
					</span>at 3).<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified that ledger angles were<span>
					</span>also<span>
					</span>anchored into tie beams before the concrete had reached its design strength. (Tr. 205). A ledger angle that fell down with a hollow core slab is shown on the ground at<span>
					</span>the<span>
					</span>photograph<span><span></span>
					</span>contained<span>
					</span>at<span><span></span>
					</span>Exhibit<span><span></span>
					</span>C-10, at A. (Tr. 73; Ex. C-10, at A). The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-16<span><span></span>
					</span>shows a<span>
					</span>ledger angle with a hole that had been enlarged to allow a bolt to pass through.<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified that irregular bolt hole sizes cause loads to be unevenly distributed on individual bolts. (Tr.<span>
					</span>76-77, 209-10, 287-88; Ex. C-16, at A). Dr. Ewing testified that the hole for the bolt needed to be one sixteenth of an inch larger than the diameter of the bolt. (Tr. 287-88). One of the ledger angles on a tie beam that collapsed supported by shoring poles is shown on the ground at the worksite. (Tr. 79-80; Ex.<span>
					</span>C-17, at A and B). The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-18 shows a ledger angle on the ground and cement bags under a collapsed hollow core slab. (Tr. 80; Ex. C-18, at A). The holes in the ledger angle<span><span></span>
					</span>were to align with the bolts that were<span><span></span>
					</span>inserted<span><span></span>
					</span>inside the<span><span></span>
					</span>wood foundation<span>
					</span>(also referred to as forms)<span><span></span>
					</span>which<span><span></span>
					</span>supported the<span><span></span>
					</span>tie beam<span><span></span>
					</span>prior to concrete being poured. (Tr. 81).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified that the photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-18 shows the continued practice of making field cut holes in a ledger angle<span><span></span>
					</span>located at the worksite. (Tr. 212; Ex. C-18).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:8.067px; ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; ">7 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Mr. Lopez s</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">aid the accident occurred after he finished installing the core slabs.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 355, 364</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">, 367</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">The Court finds that the accident occurred after sixty cement bags had been placed on top of the hollow core slabs.</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-family:Arial; font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">8 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">C</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">O Benson conferred with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">CO</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Marquez concerning<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">CO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">Marquez</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">’s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>initial findings and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">photograph</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">s. (Tr. 34-35). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">9 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The parties stipulated that Dr. Ewing was qualified to testify<span>
					</span>as<span>
					</span>an expert in structural engineering.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 163-64, 191). The<span><span></span>
					</span>Court also found Dr. Ewing to be<span>
					</span>qualified to<span><span></span>
					</span>testify as an expert witness in structural engineering. (Tr. 191). Dr. Ewing is a structural engineer with the<span>
					</span>OSHA Office of<span>
					</span>Construction within the Department of Labor. (Tr. 152-53). He has been a structural engineer with OSHA for approximately 6 years. (Tr. 153). Dr. Ewing<span><span></span>
					</span>has a Bachelor of Science<span><span></span>
					</span>in Civil Engineering with structural emphasis,<span><span></span>
					</span>a<span><span></span>
					</span>Master of Science<span><span></span>
					</span>in Civil Engineering with structural emphasis, and<span>
					</span>a<span>
					</span>Doctor of Philosophy in<span>
					</span>Civil<span>
					</span>Engineering<span><span></span>
					</span>focused on unbonded<span>
					</span>post-tension and clay brick masonry<span><span></span>
					</span>from<span><span></span>
					</span>North Carolina State University. (Tr. 161-62; Ex. C-41 at 1). Prior to working for OSHA, he worked in antiterrorism and force protection design for Baker<span><span></span>
					</span>Risk Engineering. (Tr. 156). Dr. Ewing<span><span></span>
					</span>assists in accident investigations, forensic engineering, rule-making, and general engineering questions. (Tr. 153). He has assisted in over<span><span></span>
					</span>fifty<span><span></span>
					</span>OSHA investigations with the majority of investigations involving the failure of concrete structures. (Tr. 153). Dr. Ewing<span><span></span>
					</span>is licensed as a professional engineer in the State of California. (Tr. 157; Ex. C-41<span><span></span>
					</span>at 1). Additionally,<span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing<span><span></span>
					</span>sits on the American Society of Civil Engineers committee and serves as the OSHA liaison to the committee. (Tr. 158). At the<span>
					</span>trial, Respondent objected<span><span></span>
					</span>to the admissibility of<span><span></span>
					</span>his<span>
					</span>expert report,<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-41,<span><span></span>
					</span>on the basis of hearsay<span>
					</span>and presented<span><span></span>
					</span>two cases after the<span>
					</span>trial<span><span></span>
					</span>to support his<span><span></span>
					</span>objection. (Tr. 219-22). Expert reports often contain inadmissible hearsay. While Rule 703 of the Federal Rules of Evidence authorize experts to proffer opinions based on inadmissible facts or data, the inadmissible information contained in the expert reports is not thereafter automatically admissible. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Fed. R. Evid. 703. However, a court may decide to admit the materials upon which experts rely “to assist the factfinder in assessing the basis of the expert’s testimony.” <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">United States of Am</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>v. Philip Morris USA Inc.</span>,<span><span></span>
					</span>No. 99-2496 (PLF),<span>
					</span>2021 WL 4318113,<span><span></span>
					</span>at *2 (D.C. Cir.<span>
					</span>Sept. 23,<span>
					</span>2021). Where, as here, the judge sits as the trier of fact, the typical concerns contemplated by rules of inadmissibility are diminished because “it is presumed that the judge will understand<span><span></span>
					</span>the limited reason for the disclosure of the underlying inadmissible information and will not rely on that information for any improper purpose.” <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">Williams v. Ill</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">.,</span><span><span></span>
					</span>567 U.S. 50, 69-70 (2012). Here, the Court<span>
					</span>was<span><span></span>
					</span>inclined to admit the expert report<span>
					</span>at trial<span>
					</span>for purposes of aiding<span>
					</span>it<span>
					</span>in<span>
					</span>assessing the<span>
					</span>basis<span><span></span>
					</span>of<span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing’s<span><span></span>
					</span>testimony<span><span></span>
					</span>relating to the<span><span></span>
					</span>technical and complex issues<span>
					</span>in<span><span></span>
					</span>this case. The Court is capable of not relying on inadmissible information within the report for improper purposes.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing’s expert report at<span><span></span>
					</span>Exhibit C-41<span>
					</span>was<span><span></span>
					</span>admitted. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>224).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn10" href="#ftnref10"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">10 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez testified at the<span>
					</span>trial<span><span></span>
					</span>with a Spanish language interpreter. He said that<span>
					</span>neither<span>
					</span>he<span>
					</span>nor<span>
					</span>[redacted], or a<span><span></span>
					</span>third employee, Manolo<span><span></span>
					</span>(no last name given),<span><span></span>
					</span>who were at the worksite<span>
					</span>on July 11, 2020,<span>
					</span>ever received any formal training or schooling in structural design. Marcos Lopez is referred to herein as Mr. Lopez and<span>
					</span>[redacted]<span><span></span>
					</span>is referred to herein as<span>
					</span>[redacted]. Mr. Lopez<span><span></span>
					</span>did not have any certification in structural design.<span>
					</span>(Tr. 325-32, 343-44, 354).<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn11" href="#ftnref11"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">11 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Nash is not a structural engineer. (Tr. 304). Mr. Lopez never asked Mr. Nash if he had any training in structural design. (Tr. 343).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn12" href="#ftnref12"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">12 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez told CO Benson that “once Victor Mellor calls him to tell him to come meet him at the site, that’s when he knows that it’s time to install the hollow core slabs.” (Tr. 93, 99). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn13" href="#ftnref13"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">13 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">The building design also called for another two inches of topping slab to be poured over the entire floor, but this had not yet occurred before the floor collapsed. </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">92-93, 205,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">340-41, 352-53</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">;</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">. C-1, C-23, R-D). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn14" href="#ftnref14"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">14 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing estimated the grouting would take Respondent two or three days to do it by hand. Mr. Lopez planned to start grouting on July 11, 2020. (Tr. 205-06, 340).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn15" href="#ftnref15"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">15 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-3, at A, shows a row of cement bags laying on top of a fallen hollow-core slab. (Tr. 66-67; Ex. C-3, at A). The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-10, at B, shows a row of<span>
					</span>about<span>
					</span>10 to 11<span>
					</span>cement bags,<span><span></span>
					</span>which<span><span></span>
					</span>were on top of a hollow core slab before it collapsed,<span><span></span>
					</span>laying on top of hollow-core slabs that had fallen to the ground. (Tr. 72-73; Ex. C-10, at B). The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-11 also shows cement bags at “A” on the ground. (Tr. 73-74; Ex. C-11, at A).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn16" href="#ftnref16"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">16 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified that Respondent needed “to know the strength of the concrete prior to loading or subjecting the concrete to construction loads.” (Tr. 299).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn17" href="#ftnref17"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">17 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Manolo was about 10 to 15 feet from Mr. Lopez when the accident occurred. Manolo was not injured.<span>
					</span>(Tr. 355). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn18" href="#ftnref18"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">18 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>A wedge anchor bolt is also commonly referred to as a “bolt” (Tr. 69).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn19" href="#ftnref19"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">19 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO<span>
					</span>Benson<span>
					</span>testified that his investigation revealed that the bolts delivered to the worksite were not the correct size. (Tr. 85-86). Dr. Ewing<span>
					</span>testified that the drawing package from the engineer specified that a six-inch bolt be used and that this did not occur. (Tr. 205-07; Ex. C-39).<span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span>CO Benson testified that the manufacturer dictated that the bolts were to be inserted around six to<span>
					</span>six- and one-half<span><span></span>
					</span>inches. (Tr. 75-77, 103). A<span><span></span>
					</span>purchase order<span>
					</span>provided to CO Benson by Ott Welding<span>
					</span>showed that it ordered 80 wedge anchor bolts that were 3/4x6-1/4 inches in size from TCS on March 27, 2020.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified that five and three-quarters inch bolts were<span><span></span>
					</span>found at the worksite. He was told these were possibly used to connect the ledger angles<span><span></span>
					</span>to the tie beams. He said these bolts were not allowed to be used in concrete in the fashion used. (Tr. 85-86, 104, 267-71;<span>
					</span>Ex.<span>
					</span>C-38). CO Benson testified that the<span>
					</span>hole<span>
					</span>measurements “showed that the hole was not deep enough<span>
					</span>inside the tie beam to meet the manufacturer’s<span><span></span>
					</span>specification of the anchor bolt.” Dr. Ewing testified that the bolts needed to be embedded about five and a half inches into the side of the tie beam. He said that photographs taken by CO Benson showed that the depth of the holes for the bolts were measured at three and a quarter to three and a half inches. Dr. Ewing said that the lesser embedment “would<span>
					</span>weaken a<span><span></span>
					</span>connection for sure because the connection is a function of the embedment.”<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 77, 206-07;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-12 through C-13).<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson<span><span></span>
					</span>said the failure to properly embed the wedge anchors bolts “would be one of the contributing factors to make an assessment to recommend” the issuance of a citation for a violation of 28 C.F.R. §1926.704(a)<span><span></span>
					</span>[Citation 1, Item 2]. CO Benson further testified that he would recommend the issuance of a citation for a violation of that standard if it was the only issue. (Tr. 129-130). He said that the failure to properly embed the anchors was a contributing factor in creating a struck-by hazard. (Tr. 127). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn20" href="#ftnref20"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">20 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that Mr. Nanna told him that the section of the tie beam at the storage facility “was taken from the tie beam that the ledger angle was affixed to that had collapsed.” (Tr. 124). CO Benson testified that wedge anchors were installed<span>
					</span>by Ott Welding<span>
					</span>in the tie beam section<span>
					</span>stored in the storage facility prior to concrete being poured and that contributed to the creation of a hazard. (Tr. 132-33). He stated that he believed that had Ott Welding followed the manufacturer’s<span>
					</span>recommendations regarding the installation of the wedge anchors “that would have given the structural stability to the wedge angles which then would have supported the hollow core.” (Tr. 132-33).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn21" href="#ftnref21"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">21 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing said that the construction drawings did not call for “slotted holes”<span><span></span>
					</span>which allow tie beams to slide back and forth<span><span></span>
					</span>and could cause inadequate load transfer. He said these cut holes within the ledger angle were visible before hollow-core slabs were installed. (Tr. 212-14; Ex. C-16, at A).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn22" href="#ftnref22"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">22 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson said the crane operator told him that he had lifted 60 cement bags atop the hollow core slabs. The Court finds that 60 cement bags were atop the hollow core slabs when the accident occurred. (Tr. 40).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn23" href="#ftnref23"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">23 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that he had been told that the bags weighed between 84 to 98 pounds<span><span></span>
					</span>each. (Tr. 40). He said he believed that<span>
					</span>the cement bags placed “4,500 or 4,800 pounds” of additional weight on top of the hollow core slabs. (Tr. 94-95). Dr. Ewing described the bags as “80-pound<span><span></span>
					</span>bags of cement.” (Tr. 204; Ex. C-20). The Court finds that the cement bags weighed an average of 87 pounds calculated by<span>
					</span>the<span>
					</span>average<span><span></span>
					</span>of<span><span></span>
					</span>80, 84, and 98 lbs. = 262<span><span></span>
					</span>lbs. /3 = 87 lbs. Accordingly, the Court finds that the cement bags placed 5,220 pounds of added weight atop the hollow core slabs at the time of the accident.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn24" href="#ftnref24"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">24 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified<span>
					</span>at trial<span>
					</span>that someone decided to use wedge anchor bolts instead of another type of anchor. (Tr. 123).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn25" href="#ftnref25"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">25 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that he<span>
					</span>was<span>
					</span>not able to determine who installed the wedge anchor bolts<span>
					</span>prior to the pour. But<span><span></span>
					</span>he did say Revolution did not do it. (Tr. 110-11, 131). He also said<span>
					</span>that at his pre-trial deposition he agreed<span>
					</span>with counsel<span>
					</span>that “[t]here would be no way for me [counsel] to<span><span></span>
					</span>when I’m [counsel] installing the hollow core to determine whether or not the bolts were sufficiently embedded into the tie beam.” (Tr. 126-27).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn26" href="#ftnref26"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">26 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Wedge anchor bolts are used “to attach the ledger angle onto the tie beam.” (Tr. 68, 82-83, 218;<span>
					</span>Exs. C-5, C-6, at B, C-21).<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>The photograph at<span>
					</span>Exhibit C-21 shows<span>
					</span>holes<span>
					</span>at the bottom of<span><span></span>
					</span>a tie beam that were there from anchor bolts that<span><span></span>
					</span>fell down from the tie beams that had earlier been<span>
					</span>installed inside<span>
					</span>the tie beam<span>
					</span>to affix the ledger angle. (Tr. 82-83; Ex. C-21).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn27" href="#ftnref27"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">27 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing’s expert report states that he reviewed the compressive<span><span></span>
					</span>strength report dated July 13, 2020. (Ex. 41, at 2, ¶5). At trial,<span>
					</span>and without any compressive<span>
					</span>strength report<span><span></span>
					</span>before him,<span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified that “if he remembered correctly” he received only the compressive<span><span></span>
					</span>strength report dated July 7, 2020<span><span></span>
					</span>(Ex. C-39 at 1). The Court finds that Dr. Ewing<span>
					</span>also<span>
					</span>had and reviewed the compressive strength report dated July 13,<span>
					</span>2020<span><span></span>
					</span>(Ex. C-39 at 2),<span><span></span>
					</span>when he prepared his expert report<span><span></span>
					</span>dated August 16, 2021. Dr. Ewing testified that his expert report is “based upon the compressive strength reports.”<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 172-74;<span>
					</span>Exs. 39, 41, at 2¶5). The Court finds that Dr. Ewing received both compressive<span><span></span>
					</span>strength reports found at<span>
					</span>Exhibit 39. (Tr. 275-76; Ex. C-39). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn28" href="#ftnref28"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">28 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson also testified that after considering the compressive strength report he too “came to the conclusion that the concrete was not at its full strength at the time of the removal of the forms, and they are not at the full strength at the time of the accident.” (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>86-87; Ex. 40). He testified that he learned from Dr. Ewing’s report that the weight placed on top of the ledger angles was too much for the ledger angles to carry. (Tr. 137).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn29" href="#ftnref29"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">29 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.700(b)(2) defines “Formwork” as “the total system of support for freshly placed or partially cured concrete, including the mold or sheeting (form) that is in contact with the concrete as well as all supporting members including shores,<span>
					</span>reshores, hardware, braces, and related hardware.”<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn30" href="#ftnref30"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">30 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified at trial that he had testified at his deposition that the manner the wedge anchor bolts were installed resulted in a reduction in the strength of the connection<span><span></span>
					</span>between the ledger angle and the tie beam. (Tr. 182).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn31" href="#ftnref31"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">31 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.700(b)(7) defines “Shore” as “a supporting member<span>
					</span>that resists a compressive force imposed by a load.”</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn32" href="#ftnref32"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">32 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez did not know when any of the tie beams had been poured. (Tr. 347).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn33" href="#ftnref33"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">33 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that he did not determine whether or not anybody had the concrete strength report at the time of the accident<span><span></span>
					</span>because he was not the compliance officer then.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>But he said,<span><span></span>
					</span>“Somebody had it.”<span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 144; Ex. 39).<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez never requested to see any compressive strength report.<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Tr. 344).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn34" href="#ftnref34"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">34 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>OSHA issued Mellor & Sons a Citation and Notification of Penalty under the multi-employer citation policy. (Ex. R-A. at 3, Answer to Int. 3).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn35" href="#ftnref35"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">35 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that OSHA issued a hazard alert letter to Ott Welding relating to 29 C.F.R. § 1926.704(a). (Tr. 131-32).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn36" href="#ftnref36"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">36 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing stated “shoring” is what they reference to the post,<span><span></span>
					</span>calling them shoring posts. “Formwork” is what is used to support the concrete as it is being cast. (Tr. 216-17, 225-27).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn37" href="#ftnref37"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">37 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Here, Respondent was both<span>
					</span>a<span><span></span>
					</span>Creating and Exposing Employer<span>
					</span>as to Citation<span>
					</span>1, Item 1 that<span><span></span>
					</span>prematurely<span><span></span>
					</span>installed the hollow core slabs and<span>
					</span>directed the placement of 60 bags of cement atop the hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>without first determining, based on information received from a qualified person in structural design, that the structure was capable of supporting the load, thereby exposing its employees to crushing hazards.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent had the authority to allow the concrete more time to cure before it began installing the hollow core slabs and placing the cement bags on top of them.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn38" href="#ftnref38"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">38 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Here, Respondent was also an Exposing Employer<span>
					</span>as to Citation 1, Item 2<span>
					</span>because it failed to exercise reasonable diligence to discover<span>
					</span>that the hollow core slabs were not adequately supported where ledger angles were not installed per the engineer’s plans; thereby compromising the structural integrity of the tie beams upon which the hollow core slabs were seated. Respondent had the authority to allow the concrete more time to cure before it began installing the hollow core slabs<span><span></span>
					</span>on the ledger angles. Respondent also failed to take adequate steps consistent with its authority to protect its employees.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn39" href="#ftnref39"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">39 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span>Exhibit R-A, at 3, Answer to Int. 3.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn40" href="#ftnref40"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">40 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Specifically, the Structural Notes for the project stated:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">FORMWORK AND SHORING</span>:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">Form work supporting structural concrete (beams, slabs, etc.) may not be removed until the concrete has attained 75% of the<span>
					</span>28-day<span><span></span>
					</span>design minimum strengths. Determination of the in place concrete strength shall be determined by laboratory testing of concrete cylinders.<span><span></span>
					</span>...</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">CONCRETE</span>:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">All concrete shall be placed in accordance with the American<span>
					</span>Concrete Institute “Building Code Requirements for Structural<span>
					</span>Concrete” (ACI-318).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">The following minimum design stresses shall be met:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; ">CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE</span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; ">:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> ...<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> Beams, Elevated Slabs .............f’c<span><span></span>
					</span>-<span><span></span>
					</span>4000 psi</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">The concrete stresses<span><span></span>
					</span>listed above are based on a 28 day compressive strength as determined by laboratory testing of concrete cylinders.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">...</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">Concrete shall be placed and cured to ACI standards and specifications.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">(Tr. 200-02; Ex. C-37). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn41" href="#ftnref41"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">41 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Dr. Ewing testified that the concrete for the failed tie beam was poured on July 7, 2020. (Tr. 297-98, 311-12; Ex. C-39<span><span></span>
					</span>at 2). The Court relies on Dr. Ewing’s<span>
					</span>testimony<span><span></span>
					</span>that he was told during interviews that the concrete for the tie beams located where the failure occurred was poured on July 7, 2020 notwithstanding<span>
					</span>Respondent’s<span><span></span>
					</span>argument that it may have been poured on June 29, 2020. (Tr. 297-98, 311-12; Ex. C-39 at 2;<span>
					</span>Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Br. at 15). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn42" href="#ftnref42"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">42 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez later stated that he put two hollow core slabs on Friday. (Tr. 360).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn43" href="#ftnref43"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">43 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent returned on Saturday, at about 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.<span><span></span>
					</span>because some of the hollow core slabs were too short and had to be re-ordered. (Tr. 347-48, 358). Mr. Nash was not at the worksite on Saturday, July 11, 2020. (Tr. 350).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn44" href="#ftnref44"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">44 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that during his<span>
					</span>pre-trial<span>
					</span>deposition,<span>
					</span>he<span>
					</span>agreed<span>
					</span>with Respondent’s counsel<span>
					</span>that Mr. Nash had told him that concrete had been poured for<span>
					</span>three<span><span></span>
					</span>days, had apparently already cured,<span><span></span>
					</span>and<span>
					</span>was not a concern. (Tr. 122). At trial, CO Benson testified that Mr. Nash never told him that he [Nash] had told Mr. Lopez that the concrete had cured and was ready to go. (Tr. 148).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn45" href="#ftnref45"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">45 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Before that, Mr. Lopez poured concrete slabs and installed tile flooring and carpentry. (Tr. 333).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn46" href="#ftnref46"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">46 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez testified:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">Q. Did you ever review any compressive strength reports?</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">A. No, because that’s not part of what that pertains to what I<span>
					</span>do. That’s something that they do.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">Q. And who do you mean by “they”?</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">A. The people in charge of the building.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">Q. Did you request any compressive strength reports?</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">A, No, because that’s not part of my thing. I go in and I ask if it is ready.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">(Tr. 344).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn47" href="#ftnref47"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">47 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez testified that Respondent placed five or six<span>
					</span>50-pound<span><span></span>
					</span>cement bags on top of the hollow core slabs. (Tr. 339-40). <span><span></span>
					</span>The Court rejects this testimony<span>
					</span>as to weight and quantity<span>
					</span>as unsupported<span><span></span>
					</span>by other more persuasive evidence.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn48" href="#ftnref48"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">48 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent argues that Respondent “reviewed the drawings for the installation of the hollow core.”<span><span></span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Reply Br.<span>
					</span>at 3). The testimony Respondent cites to does not support<span>
					</span>its<span><span></span>
					</span>position. Mr. Lopez testified<span><span></span>
					</span>as follows:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">Q When you were hired by American Precast, did you<span><span></span>
					</span>ask to see any structural drawings of the building?</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">A No, not a design. The only thing that they sent to me are the blueprints for the hollow core.<span><span></span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">(Tr. 344).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">Mr. Lopez<span><span></span>
					</span>never says<span><span></span>
					</span>he reviewed<span><span></span>
					</span>any<span>
					</span>structural<span><span></span>
					</span>drawings for the<span>
					</span>building being constructed. (Tr. 344).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn49" href="#ftnref49"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">49 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>CO Benson testified that<span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez told him:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">Q. And do you recall him [Lopez] telling you [Benson] anything about any preparations or inspections he [Lopez] had made before beginning the work?</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">A. He said that that’s not what he does, that he doesn’t do that inspection, that when they call the company up to deliver the slabs, he’s relying on them to make sure that everything is okay.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">(Tr. 92, 147-48). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn50" href="#ftnref50"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">50 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>In<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">Gilles & Cotting, Inc</span>.,<span><span></span>
					</span>the Commission rejected the “actual exposure” test, which required evidence that someone observed the violative conduct, in favor of the concept of “access”, which focuses on the possibility of exposure under the conditions. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">See Gilles & Cotting, Inc</span>., 3 BNA OSHC at 2002 (holding “that a rule of access based on reasonable predictability is more likely to further the purposes of the Act than is a rule requiring proof of actual exposure”). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn51" href="#ftnref51"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">51 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Alternatively, to any extent required, the Court also finds that Respondent had constructive knowledge of the violative condition<span><span></span>
					</span>and hazard. The Court finds Respondent<span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">failed to exercise reasonable diligence to discover the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">violative<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">condition and failed to take steps consistent with its authority to protect<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">employees</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn52" href="#ftnref52"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">52 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>29 C.F.R. § 1926.700(b)(5) defines “Precast concrete” as “concrete members (such as walls, panels, slabs, columns, and beams) which have been formed, cast, and cured prior to final placement in a structure.” </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-left:-48px; text-indent:1.27cm; margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<a name="ftn53" href="#ftnref53"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">53 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Respondent argues that BCB’s Mr. Nash’s determination to install the wedge anchors before the pour absolves<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Respondent of any liability. Respondent contends that OSHA should have cited BCB and/or Ott Welding because BCB was responsible for the design changes that allegedly created the hazard and Ott Welding because it was responsible for the installation of the wedge anchors. (</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br. at 6-7).</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "> These arguments are without merit.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<a name="ftn54" href="#ftnref54"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">54 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">CO Benson stated that installing the wedge anchor bolts in the tie beams prior to the pour did not allow the bolts to expand as the concrete cured around them, which can also lead to cracking in the surrounding concrete. (Tr. 96-97, 113-14).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn55" href="#ftnref55"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">55 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>In its Reply Brief, Respondent asserts that Mr. Lopez did not direct the cement bags be placed atop the hollow core slabs. Respondent argues such an accusation is “pure speculation, unsupported by any facts adduced at trial.” (Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Reply Br. at 1). Respondent is wrong. Mr. Lopez testified: </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">Q. Okay. And who was it that called for that called for that cement to be brought up and placed on top of the hollow core?</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">A. I did.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">(Tr. 339).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn56" href="#ftnref56"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">56 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>According to the Secretary, Respondent had access to compressive strength reports, but did not access them. (Tr. 86-87, 92-93). Mr. Lopez testified that he never reviewed any compressive strength reports because it was not part of his job. (Tr.<span><span></span>
					</span>92,<span><span></span>
					</span>344-45). The Secretary claims, and the Court agrees,<span><span></span>
					</span>a review of the compressive strength reports would have shown the concrete was not at full strength at the time of the accident. (Tr. 86-87; Sec’y Br. at 4). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn57" href="#ftnref57"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-size:10pt; ">57 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Court does agree with Respondent that<span>
					</span>Mr. Lopez<span><span></span>
					</span>would not have been able to<span>
					</span>personally<span>
					</span>determine<span><span></span>
					</span>precisely<span>
					</span>how far the wedge anchors were embedded<span><span></span>
					</span>in the tie beams<span><span></span>
					</span>on July 10, 2020 during his walk-around the worksite.<span>
					</span><span><span></span>
					</span>(Resp’t<span><span></span>
					</span>Reply Br. at 8). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<a name="ftn58" href="#ftnref58"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">58 </span></a><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent’s arguments that BCB,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Morca</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Construction, and Ott Welding created factors that contributed to the floor collapse does not absolve Respondent from its own responsibility and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">liability under the Act. (</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Reply Br. at 3). The Court is finding Respondent violated the</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>two standards based upon its own action or inaction. Respondent may have looked at a drawing for the installation of hollow core; but chose to ignore, not seek, or consider practically everything else that was pertinent to the job. Respondent did not do what was “realistic” under the circumstances. </span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">S. Pan Serv.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">v</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">. DOL, 685 Fed. Appx.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">at</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>695</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">. There were plenty of available indicia that should have given Respondent pause in starting to install hollow core when Mr. Lopez arrived at the worksite. The cement was relatively newly poured just 3 days before, shore poles were in place at many places, compressive strength reports should have been considered to ascertain what strength<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">h</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">ad been achieved by July 10, 2020, anchor bolts had been sawed off, washers varied, and holes cut into the ledger angles were visible</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(Tr. 193, 204,</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">210-14, 283, 302;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">. C-1, at H, C-6, at B, C-16, at A</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Respondent ignored all of these. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<a name="ftn59" href="#ftnref59"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">59 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Although Mr. Lopez did not know how far the anchor bolts had been embedded into the tie beams,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">he should have seen enough indicators to prompt him to ask BCB and/or Ott Welding whether the anchor bolts had been adequately embedded. Instead of doing so, he ignored all the warning signs and did nothing.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 150</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">, 284, 303-05</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-right:7.6px; widows:0; orphans:0; ">
					<a name="ftn60" href="#ftnref60"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">60 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Dr. Ewing testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">contractor</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">s [</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">including BC</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">B</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and Ott Welding</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">]</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">are</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>not able to deviate from the structural drawings just because they believe there’s a safety factor and change the design of the concrete. (Tr. 302).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-right:.933px; ">
					<a name="ftn61" href="#ftnref61"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">61 </span></a><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>asserted<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">ten</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">defenses</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">i.e.,</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">1) standards</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>do</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>not apply,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">2) Secretary cannot show Respondent failed to comply with standards,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">3) isolated instance of employee misconduct of which Respondent had no knowledge or could not have reasonably foreseen,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">4) lack of employer knowledge,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">5) Respondent had work rules that were adequately communicated and Employer took steps to discover violations,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">6) “Respondent did not participate in, have knowledge of or caused the alleged hazards,”</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">7)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Unpreventable or unforeseeable employee misconduct,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">8) greater hazard defense,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">9) compliance functionally impossible, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">10) means of compliance unfeasible.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Answer at 2-4). </span></p>
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