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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_Header style_Header " style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#00B050; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Some personal identifiers have been redacted for privacy purposes.</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">United States of America</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION</span></p>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
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								</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainan</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t,</span></p>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> v. </span></p>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ASPLUNDH TREE EXPERT, LLC,</span></p>
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							<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and its successors</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span></p>
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								</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent.</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC Docket No</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">21</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">0497</span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Appearances:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Kristi Henes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Esq.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Javier G. Diaz, Esq.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Department of Labor, Office of Solicitor,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">enver</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Colorado</span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For Complainant</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-left:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">David L. Zwisler</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Esq.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart, P.C.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">enver</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Colorado</span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">F</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Be</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fore: </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Judge<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Christopher D. Helms</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">– U. S. Administrative Law Judge</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
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				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">I.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Procedural History</span></p>
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">November</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2020, Asplundh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Tree Expert, LLC (“Respondent”) performed tree-trimming services at a jobsite located at 1777 CR 241, New Castle, Colorado (“worksite” or “site”). On that date, three of Respondent’s employees,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(‘</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”), and James Haynes (“Haynes”), the crew foreman, entered the worksite<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in order to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>perform tree-trimming services.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex. C-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
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				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As part of these tree-trimming services, the crew was tasked with removing the top portions of several large cottonwood trees. (Ex. C-10). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In order to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>remove<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a top portion of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, crewman<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ascended<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the tree</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Ex. C-10). After<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>proceeded to cut the top portion of the tree, it broke off<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and fell in</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an unattended direction striking the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">branch</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was standing on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Ex. C-10). This caused<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to fall to the ground, suffering severe injuries. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 332;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex. C-10).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). (Tr. 220-22). OSHA’s Denver, Colorado</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Area Office initiated an investigation after the notification. (Tr. 216</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-17</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 220-22).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>At the close of OSHA’s investigation, on April 26, 2021, the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor (“Secretary”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>issued a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation and Notification of Penalty (“Citation”) to Respondent. The Citation alleges a violation of section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 U.S.C. §§ 651-678 (the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Act</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">), the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">statutory<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">provision commonly referred to as the general duty clause. Specifically,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Alleged Violation Description (“AVD”) of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Citation alleges Respondent “did not provide safe means or methods to remove a dead cottonwood tree in cold weather” exposing Respondent’s employees to struck-by and fall hazards while performing tree trimming operations. The Citation indicates that feasible and effective means existed to eliminate or materially reduce the hazards</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and specifically notes<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[a]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">mong</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>other methods, one feasible acceptable method to correct the hazards is to ensure that all dead limbs are trimmed from a safe distance by using a bucket truck or similar equipment.” The Citation proposes a total penalty of $13,653.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On May 19, 2021, Respondent timely filed a notice of contest, thereby bringing the matter before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (“Commission”) pursuant to section 10(c) of the Act. 29 U.S.C. § 659(c). A two-day<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was held on June 7,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2022</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and June 8, 2022. The Secretary presented<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">four</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>witnesses: 1)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an expert witness, Donald Blair</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; 2)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Assistant Area Director for the Denver Area Office, Lisa Bennett;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an employee for Respondent, Donald<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">O’Campo</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; and 4) a foreperson<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent, Christopher Martinez.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent did not call any witnesses, but portions of a deposition of Compliance Safety and Health Officer (“CSHO”) Katherine Rain were entered into evidence as she was medically unavailable. (Tr. 383-84; Ex. R-40).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Both parties submitted timely post-trial briefs.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">2</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Pursuant to Commission Rule 90, after hearing and carefully considering all the evidence and the arguments of counsel, the Court issues this Decision and Order as its findings of fact and conclusions of law. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the reasons discussed,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">itation 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tem<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1 is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>VACATED.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">II.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Stipulations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
					</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Jurisdiction</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The parties<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">stipulated to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">various facts, including several jurisdictional details</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">3</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex. J-1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based on the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Joint</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tipulations, the Court finds<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commission has jurisdiction over th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>action<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 29 U.S.C.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">659(c).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, the Court obtained jurisdiction over this matter under section 10(c) of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Occupational Safety and Health</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Act</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(“Act</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>upon Respondent’s timely filing of a notice of contest. 29 U.S.C. § 659(c).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Court<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">finds Respondent was an employer engaged in a business and industry affecting interstate commerce within the meaning of section</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3(3) and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3(5) of the Act,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. §§ 652(3), (5).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The parties stipulated that the Secretary employed Katherine Rain as a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">CSHO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for OSHA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Ex. J-1).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The CSHO<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was assigned to OSHA’s Denver, Colorado Area Office, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">she<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inspected Respondent’s worksite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in November 2020.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">III.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Factual Background</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">4</a></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nationwide tree-trimming company that contracted with Xcel Energy<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(“Xcel”)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in Colorado to prune and manage vegetation affecting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">X</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cel</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>power infrastructure. (Tr. 2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. J-1, C-10). It is headquartered in Pennsylvania with approximately 34,000 employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nationwide and roughly 290 employees located in Colorado at the time of the incident. (Tr. 74, 220-21; Ex. J-1).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In November<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2020, Respondent was engaged in tree pruning and vegetation management<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at a worksite<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">located at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1777 CR 241, New Castle, Colorado</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(“site” or “worksite”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Citation; Tr. 2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. J-1).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Xcel had hired Respondent to trim and prune trees that could threaten<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">X</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cel’s power infrastructure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 220;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-19). Specifically, Respondent was tasked with trimming several dead cottonwood trees that were interfering with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Xc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">el’s powerlines. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, C-11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s worksite management consisted of crew foreman James Haynes. (Ex. C-10). The crew further consisted of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Ex. C-10).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s general foreman</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, who supervised all of Respondent’s crews at the time of the accident</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was Ramon Varela. (Tr. 318;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-6, C-8, C-25). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">November 2</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">20</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Respondent’s crew arrive</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at the worksite to trim trees. (Tr. 220;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. J-1</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, C-10</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Respondent’s employees had been instructed to remove the tops of certain trees on the site. (Tr. 45). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">When Respondent’s crew arrived, they performed a Job Safety Briefing before beginning their work. (Tr. 67-68, 102;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10 pp. 13-14, R-40</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 144-45</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This job briefing included a description of the task</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to be performed, the tools needed for the job, potential hazards, and steps to</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ensure</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proper safety. (Ex. C-10</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>12-22). “Dead trees” were identified as a safety hazard. (Ex. C-10<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>13). The Job Safety</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Briefing</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was signed by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and James Haynes. (Ex. C-10</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>13). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Haynes determined<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">they would need a 60/70 bucket truck<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in order to</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>top the 70-foot height of one of the trees.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">5</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 47, 330; Ex. C-8).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> However, Respondent did not provide the 60/70 bucket truck. (Tr. 47, 330).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent did not have permission to use the 60/70 bucket truck on site.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">6</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 271).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent instead provided a second crew and a smaller squirt boom to assist in topping the hazard trees.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">7</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 49-50, 195-96, 249-50, 337; Ex. C-15).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The squirt boom crew consisted of foreman Chris Martinez and crewmember Alfred Rankin. (Tr. 324).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Upon arrival at the worksite, the squirt boom crew reviewed</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Job Safety Briefing and discussed the plan the first crew had developed. (Tr. 50-51,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">320,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">325; Ex. C-10</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>12-13).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Prior to the squirt boom crew’s arrival,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, unaware of the squirt boom crew’s impending arrival, proceeded to climb a dead cottonwood tree in need of topping. (Tr. 352-53; Ex. C-8). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, a trained climber with 17 months of experience, made it approximately 35 feet up the tree but was unable to climb any further due to structural weakness in the tree.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">8</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 152-54, 352-53; Ex. C-8). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The remaining 35-foot portion of the tree, above<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, needed to be topped. (Tr. 352-53). Before beginning his cut,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>tied into a fall protection system. (Tr. 232). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>secured his lanyard around the main stem of the tree and his climbing line around the branch on which he was standing.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">9</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 65, 121-22, 141-42, 157-59, 248, 328</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-29</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 339-4</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 348; Ex. C-10<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>19-20, R-40</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 69-70</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Respondent’s employees, who were not in the tree, held on to a tag line intended to guide the portion of the tree that was being topped in a safe direction. (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 69, 167-68, 331). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>proceeded with his first cut, the notch cut, into the tree at a 32-degree angle. (Tr. 62-63, 167, 191).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">10</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The notch cut is the first cut made and is intended to direct the falling path of the portion of tree being cut. (Tr. 57). The notch cut<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">consists<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of a top cut and a bottom cut which together create an angle to aim the falling portion of tree in the intended direction. (Tr. 57-58). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>then proceeded to make a back cut but did so incorrectly and created a bypass cut instead. (Tr. 332-34). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A back cut is used to remove wood from the back of the tree and create a hinge in conjunction with the initial notch cut. (Tr. 60-61). The hinge is a strip of wood left between the face notch cut and back cut that helps guide the topped portion of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tree to fall in the intended direction. (Tr. 60-61). When a back cut goes too far into the tree through the hinge and into the notch cut, a bypass cut occurs. (Tr. 61). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bypass</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cut was not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">observed by Respondent’s employees on the ground because they were working on the opposite side of the tree.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref12" href="#ftn12">11</a></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 64, 168, 344; Ex. C-11<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The improper back cut caused the topped portion of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tree to fall in an unintended direction. (Tr. 332; Ex. R-40</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 72, 75-77</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The top</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>portion of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tree, estimated to weigh 875 pounds, struck the end of the branch<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was standing and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">which his second tie off was secured. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">328-29,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">332; Ex. C-17</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 7</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). As a result of the top portion of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tree striking the branch,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s lanyard around the main stem was lifted over the area in which he was tied off and caused<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to fall about 35 feet to the ground. (Tr. 204-09, 332). </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>sustained a broken leg and permanently disabling spinal injuries from the fall. (Tr. 332).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_BodyText style_BodyText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent notified OSHA of the incident as part of the Rapid Response program. (Tr. 220-22). OSHA assigned CSHO Rain to investigate the matter, and she conducted an onsite inspection. (Tr. 220-2</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. J-1).</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Through the course of her investigation, she conducted an opening conference, inspected the worksite, gathered pertinent facts, and conducted a closing conference with Respondent’s employees. (Tr. 222-23). </span><span style="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-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As a result of OSHA’s inspection, the Secretary issued Respondent the Citation for a violation of the general duty clause. The Citation alleged Respondent’s employees were exposed to struck-by hazards and fall hazards while performing tree</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming operations on a dead cottonwood tree. On April 26, 2021, OSHA issued the Citation that is at issue in this case.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">IV.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Discussion</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:96px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">A.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">Law Applicable to Alleged Violation</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The general duty clause requires each employer to “furnish to each of his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees...” 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1). To prove a violation of the general duty clause, the Secretary must show that: (1) a condition or activity in the workplace presented a hazard; (2) the employer or its industry recognized the hazard;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(3) the hazard was likely to cause death or serious physical harm; and (4) that a feasible means existed to eliminate or materially reduce the hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Arcadian Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 20 BNA OSHC 2001, 2007 (No. 93-0628, 2004)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pelron</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 12 BNA OSHC 1833, 1835 (No. 82-388, 1986)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">K.E.R. Enters.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2241, 2242 (No. 08-1225, 2013)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary must also prove that the employer knew or, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, could have known of the hazardous condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cranesville</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Block Co., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1977, 1985 (No. 08-0316, 2012) (consolidated);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Burford’s Tree, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1948, 1950 (No. 07-1899, 2010). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has the burden of establishing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>each element by a preponderance of the evidence.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Hartford Roofing Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1361</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1363</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 92-3855, 1995). “Preponderance of the evidence” has been defined as:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:53.733px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The greater weight of the evidence, not necessarily established by the greater number of witnesses testifying to a fact<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">but by evidence that has the most convincing force</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#212121; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; superior evidentiary weight that, though not sufficient to free the mind wholly from all reasonable doubt, is still sufficient to incline a fair and impartial mind to one side of the issue rather than the other. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Preponderance of the evidence,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Black’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s Law Dictionary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ed. 2014)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(emphasis added)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:120px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; margin-left:120px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">1</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that Respondent violated the general duty clause in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Item<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as follows:<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to struck-by and fall hazards while performing tree trimming operations:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On or before November 2, 2020, the employer did not provide safe means or methods to remove a dead cottonwood tree in cold weather. An employee was instructed to climb a tree to cut limbs for the removal. The employee tied off to a leader branch that was struck-by another branch when it was cut. As a result, the leader branch that the employee had been tied to broke off and fell approximately 35 feet to the ground. The employee sustained a broken leg and permanently disabling spinal injuries when he landed on the ground. This condition exposed employee to struck-by hazards and a fall hazard of approximately 35 feet.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:90px; text-indent:-2.381cm; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Among other methods, one feasible acceptable abatement method to correct the hazards is to ensure that all dead limbs are trimmed from a safe distance by using a bucket truck or similar equipment.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For the reasons set out, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Court</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>finds that the Secretary failed to meet<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>burden to establish Respondent violated the general duty clause.</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">a.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Existence of a Hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish a violation of the general duty clause, the Secretary must first define the hazard at issue. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">K.E.R. Enters.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC at 2242. “A safety hazard at the worksite is a condition that creates or contributes to an increased risk that an event causing death or serious bodily harm to employees will occur.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Baroid</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Div. of NL Indus., Inc. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 660 F.2d 439, 444 (10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1981). When the Secretary proceeds under the general duty clause,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>must define the hazard “in a way that apprises the employer of its obligations and identifies conditions or practices over which the employer can reasonably be expected to exercise control.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Arcadian</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2001,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2007 (No. 93-0628, 2004);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also Waldon Health Care Ctr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1052,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1060<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(No. 89-2804, 1993) (“[W]hen the Secretary proceeds under the general duty clause, he must meet the same minimal criterion regarding the nature of the alleged hazard as he does when<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">promulgating</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a section 5(a)(2) standard.”). There is no requirement that there be a significant risk of the hazard coming to fruition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1060. Instead, the test is whether, if the hazardous event occurs,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>it create a significant risk of harm to employees. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">While employers cannot be cited for unpreventable conditions, “the existence of a hazard is established if the hazardous incident can occur under other than a freakish or utterly implausible concurrence of circumstances.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1060, citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nat’l</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Realty & Constr. Co. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 489 F.2d 1257, 1265 n.33 (D.C. Cir. 1973);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pelron</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 12 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1835.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary argues that Respondent’s employees were exposed to fall and struck-by hazards when they were directed to perform tree-topping of dead cottonwood trees. (Sec’y Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t 8-10). While alleging that the hazard was improperly defined as a general duty clause violation, Respondent does not dispute that trees f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ll at its worksites.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref13" href="#ftn13">12</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t 4-8). It was aware that certain dead cottonwood trees posed a risk to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">X</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cel’s powerlines and needed to be trimmed. (Tr. 44-47).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Trimming and reducing tree-related hazards to Xcel</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>power infrastructure was a routine practice. (Tr. 2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s expert explained that a dead tree is a suspect tree due to the rot and structural weakness that results. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">86,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">119-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 352</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. If trees are too far degraded, they could collapse if you jumped on them. (Tr. 75). The expert further explained that a dead tree can decay to the “point it has the consistency of angel food cake.” (Tr. 86).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> These dead portions of trees can fall in unintended ways and injure employees. (Tr. 121-22). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary alleges that dead cottonwood trees present a hazard during trimming because<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees can</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fall</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees can be struck by portions of the tree to be trimmed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Secretary’s expert stated falling and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">striking employees are the most recognized hazards in the tree-trimming industry. (Tr. 137). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rimming dead trees, such as the dead cottonwoods, could lead to falling and crushing employees. (Sec’y Br. at 7-9; Ex. C-10)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Respondent acknowledges as much</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">TapRoot</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Report, job briefings, and Job Hazard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Assessment<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(“JHA”). (Ex. C-10). Respondent’s JHA specifically acknowledges “fall from height” and “being hit/struck by falling/moving object[s]” as possible safety or environmental hazards at the worksite. (Ex. C-10 at 15-22). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, there</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>no</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>credible dispute that Respondent’s employees were exposed to struck-by and fall hazards while performing tree trimming operations on dead cottonwood trees. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary established the presence of a hazard (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees falling and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">dead cottonwood trees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">falling and striking</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) at the worksite to which employees were exposed.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">b.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Hazard Recognition</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary can establish hazard recognition either “by proof that a hazard is recognized as such by the employer or by general understanding in the employer’s industry</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Integra Health Mgmt., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, No. 13-1124, 2019 WL 1142920, at *7 (OSHRC, Mar. 4, 2019). The Secretary argues that Respondent was aware of the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>presented by dead</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cottonwood</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trees at its worksites and that its employees were exposed to th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ese</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Sec’y Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Besides Respondent’s own recognition, the Secretary argues that the industry also recognized the hazard of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">these dead<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">striking</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and employees potentially falling</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id. </span></p>
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			<p style="margin-left:68.067px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:216px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; padding-right:20px;">i.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Respondent’s recognition of the hazard</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In support of its contention that Respondent recognized the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>points to Respondent’s Line Clearance Qualification Standard Employer Training Manual (“LCQS Manual”). (Sec’y Br. at 9). Respondent disputes the Secretary’s framing of the hazards. It argues that it is unclear from the record what hazard the Secretary is alleging. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br. at 9-11). Respondent further argues the series of events which caused<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to fall from the tree was an uncommon occurrence which is not expected, known, or recognized</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in the tree-trimming industry. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br. at 11-12). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">It argues that it could not have recognized the hazard because it was freakish in nature and could not have been foreseen. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">11-12</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Despite these contentions, both parties agreed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent through its trainings, hazard assessments, safety briefings, and directions to employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">dead cottonwood trees are dangerous.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 220-21; Ex. C-10).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> They agreed, and the facts of the case showed, they may cause severe injury because of their unstable and unpredictable nature. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">75,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">86, 119-2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 352</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16). Respondent’s employees had acknowledged dead trees as a hazard in their Job Safety Briefing before beginning their work. (Ex. C-10<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>12-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">3).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> They had also acknowledged “being hit/struck by falling/moving object[s]” in their Job Hazard Assessment. (Ex. C-10<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>16-22).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Supervisory personnel<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">had also recognized this hazard and had signed the Job Safety Briefing. (Ex. C-10<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>12-13). Respondent routinely directed employees to assess, trim, and mitigate dangerous dead trees. (Tr. 220</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-21</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. C-10). It assigned</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Haynes’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">crew to trim and mitigate dangerous dead trees at the worksite precisely because they posed a hazard. (Tr. 220</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-21</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex. C-10). </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent recognized the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">which is evidenced through the trainings it</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>provided</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>its employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Tr. 154,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">246</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-48</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-16, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 85-89</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Integra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2019 WL 1142920, at *8. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent provided training on the hazards and discussed the dangers of dead tree hazards</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, such as</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>falling and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>portions of trees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>striking employees in their Job Safety Briefings and Job Hazard Assessments. (Tr. 154, 246;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 143-45</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Its written safety policies define the hazard dead trees pose to employees and include information designed to address the hazards these dead trees present</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref14" href="#ftn14">13</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 66, 121-22;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 85-89</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Specifically,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">L</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">esson 13 of the LCQS Manual discusses tree felling. (Tr. 53-54; Ex. C-16 at 5). Lesson 13 states that “[f]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">elling</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trees, if not done under control, can cause property damage and injury, including loss of life.” (Ex. C-16 at 6).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Lesson continues by stating the first step in proper tree felling is to check the site and tree for hazards. (Ex. C-16 at 7). Hazards include falling trees and the “felling path” of the tree. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Step 3 acknowledges<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">struck-by and fall hazards when it instructs employees to use proper escape routes when the tree begins to fall. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Step 5 additionally warns of struck by and fall hazards when it instructs employees to “[c]heck felling site for hangers/hazards after tree falls to ground prior to proceeding back into the felling site.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Struck by and falling hazards are further warned against in the reiteration of the “Danger Zone” around the tree to be felled. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Employees are instructed to avoid this “Danger Zone” when a tree is being felled for their protection. (Ex. C-16 at 7).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further, Lesson 11 of the LCQS Manual discusses specific Pruning Cuts to be used when trimming trees. (Ex. C-16 at 3-4).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Lesson describes how to make appropriate cuts on different limbs and how to safely drop and guide them to the ground. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Lesson 11 specifically states “[d]o<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not allow</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>bypass cuts when notching” as control of the tree part being trimmed will not be able to be maintained. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s training materials<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reference<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">topics covered in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ANSI Z-133. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-16,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Seward Motor Freight, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 13 BNA OSHC 2230, 2232 n.5 (No. 86-1691, 1989) (“An ANSI standard is relevant evidence that a hazard is ‘recognized’ within the meaning of section 5(a)(1).”).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent trained its employees on the safety<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tree</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">measures set out in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>written materials. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>C-16, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 85-89</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).<span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">well aware</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of arborist industry guidelines, particularly ANSI Z-133. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">here is substantial evidence in the record that Respondent recognized the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s posed by trimming dead trees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and the applicability of ANSI Z-133 to its business. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 66, 121-22;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 171-73, 179-81</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s training specifically included<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">material<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">similar to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ANSI Z-133 tree felling safety requirements and using chainsaws to fell trees. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-16</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 16-17, 85-89, 171-73, 179-81</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent’s own work rule in the LCQS Manual specifically addresses fall protection systems and tie-in procedures to avoid fall and struck-by hazards associated with climbing trees. (Ex. C-16).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s training on how to address the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>from</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trimming</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ead</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trees is significant evidence it recognized the hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Integra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2019 WL 1142920, at *8;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1062 (employer’s safety manual that defined and set forth “precautionary steps” to prevent the hazard was evidence of employer’s recognition of the hazard);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gen. Dynamics</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Land Sys. Div. Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1275, 1285 (No. 83-1293, 1991) (safety bulletins issued by employer to employees was evidence of employer’s recognition of the hazard),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 985 F.2d 560 (6th Cir. 1993) (unpublished). Respondent provided specific training on hazards related to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming dead<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trees, and supervisors directed employees to remove such trees because of the risks they posed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary sufficiently established hazard recognition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Integra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2019 WL 1142920, at *8;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Beverly Enters., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1161, 1186 (No. 91-3144, 2000) (consolidated) (finding employer had actual recognition where “managers at the highest level of the corporation recognized the hazard posed”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1061-62 (precautions taken by an employer can be used to establish recognition in conjunction with other evidence). </span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:68.067px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:216px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; padding-right:20px;">ii.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Industry recognition<span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary also argues the relevant industry recognized the cited hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Sec’y Br.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; 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-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>11). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Industry recognition may be shown through the general understanding in the employer’s industry. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Integra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2019 WL 1142920, at *8. ANSI standards are developed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in an attempt to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>provide safety standards for a variety of workers engaged in various industries.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Combined with expert testimony, they can provide evidence of industry hazard recognition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Beverly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1181;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bethlehem Steel Corp. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 607 F.2d 871, 874 (3d Cir. 1979)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ACME Energy Servs.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2121, 2124 (No. 08-0088, 2012) (industry recognition may be shown through the knowledge or understanding of industry safety experts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 542 F.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">App’x</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>356 (5th Cir. 2013) (unpublished). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s expert testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ANSI Z-133 applies to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">dead<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and trimming of those trees,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>like those at Respondent’s worksite. (Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">137</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; Ex.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">C-17</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Pride Oil Well Serv.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1809, 1813 (No. 87-692, 1992) (ANSI standard provides evidence of industry recognition of a hazard).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The arborist industry recognize</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the danger of being struck by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a falling<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ead</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>tree when they are being<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimmed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. If an employer is engaged in tree felling, the danger and hazard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">posed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">remain the same “regardless of why the tree is being felled.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nelson Tree Servs., Inc. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 60 F.3d 1207, 1210 (6th Cir. 1995). Respondent adopted<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">safety materials<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">similar to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ANSI Z-133 and trained<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on it. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 66, 121-22;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 16-17, 85-89, 171-73, 179-81</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Similarly, to the current case, in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nelson Tree Services</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the company</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was hired not only<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fell trees obstructing utility lines, but to trim and cut<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trees obstructing utility lines</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as well. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nelson Tree Servs., Inc. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 60 F.3d 1207, 1210 (6th Cir. 1995).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> There,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nelson Tree Services</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had argued felling an entire tree was not a recognized hazard in their industry, because they</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>typically topped a tree prior to felling it which reduced and changed the hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The court</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rejected this argument and stated, “that although felling preparations may differ according to the reason for felling, the danger posed by a falling tree remains the same; a falling tree creates the same hazard, regardless of why that tree is being felled.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Simply put, the hazards, namely struck by and fall hazards, from trimming dead trees is the same as if felling them. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Beyond ANSI Z-133, the testimony of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary’s expert bolsters the evidence of industry recognition. (Tr. 137; Ex. C-17). According to the Secretary’s expert, the number one hazard related to trimming a tree is falling. (Tr. 137).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> OSHA’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Assistant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Area Director additionally testified regarding the tree-trimming industry’s recognition of fall hazards and the fall protection methods and equipment needed to ensure that workers are safe while trimming trees. (Tr. 228-29). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This testimony, combined with the other record evidence, presents strong evidence of industry recognition of the cited hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Beverly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1181 (recognizing that “voluntary industry codes and guidelines are evidence of industry recognition” but also relying on expert testimony to establish industry recognition);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ACME Energy</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC at 2124 (holding industry recognition may be shown through the knowledge or understanding of safety experts familiar with the hazard in question). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary can establish hazard recognition by showing either the employer’s recognition or industry recognition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Integra</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2019 WL 1142920, at *8. Here, the Secretary has shown both employer and industry recognition of the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Therefore,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>carried this element of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>burden of proof.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">c.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Death or Serious Physical Harm</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To determine 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><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Babcock</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 622 F.2d at 1164;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Beverly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1188;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1060;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">R.L. Sanders Roofing Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 7 BNA OSHC 1566, 1569 (No. 76–2690, 1979),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">rev’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on other grounds</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 620 F.2d 97 (5th Cir. 1980).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s employee,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, fell from an approximately 35-foot distance when the portion of tree he was trimming fell on the branch he was standing on. (Tr. 204-09, 332, 352). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The possibility of death or serious physical harm resulting from an employee<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">falling 35 feet<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is “supplied by common sense [and] understanding of physical law.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ill. Power Co. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 632 F.2d 25, 28 (7th Cir. 1980). The record supports this commonsense conclusion. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Further,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>sustained severe injuries. While not dispositive, the existence of an actual injury to employees from the cited hazard is evidence that the hazard presented a risk of death or serious physical harm. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See, e.g., Beverly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1188-90 (citing actual back injuries suffered by the employer’s workers as evidence that the hazard posed a risk of serious harm).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> As a result of falling approximately 35 feet to the ground,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was hospitalized. (Tr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>204-09, 280-81, 332, 352; Ex. C-8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). He sustained a broken leg and permanently disabling spinal injuries from the fall. (Tr. 332). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Broken bones constitute serious physical harm even if a worker recovers with no permanent side effects. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1060 n.6. </span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary established that the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>presented by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ead</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; color:#000000; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was likely to cause death or serious physical harm</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:168px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-weight:normal; padding-right:20px;">d.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Feasible Means of Abatement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
					</span></span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">W</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hen an employer has taken some action to address a hazard, the Secretary must show that it was inadequate. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See U.S. Postal Serv.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nat’l</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ass’n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Letter Carriers,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>21 BNA OSHC 1767, 1773 (No. 04-0316, 2006). Respondent’s training materials<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and work rule</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">refer to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>similar safety standards articulated in</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ANSI Z-133. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 66, 121-22, 141, 154-55;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16, R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 16-17, 85-89, 171-73, 179-81</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary argues that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">despite the references, there were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">deficiencies in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">supervision and rule enforcement. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; 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-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">12-15</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref15" href="#ftn15">14</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Following<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s injury, Respondent’s supervisors now conduct hands on job training with employees. (Tr. 310).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See SeaWorld of Fla., LLC v. Perez</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 748 F.3d 1202, 1206, 1215 (D.C. Cir. 2014) (finding existing safety procedures inadequate);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">BHC Nw. Psychiatric Hosp., LLC v. Sec’y of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 951 F.3d 558, 565 (D.C. Cir. 2020) (finding incomplete and inconsistently implemented safety protocols were inadequate to address the cited hazard). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To demonstrate a “feasible” means of abatement, the Secretary “must specify the proposed abatement measures and demonstrate that the measures are capable of being put into effect and that they would be effective in materially reducing the incidence of the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Beverly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1191. The Secretary must also show that the proposed abatement measures are economically feasible. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Waldon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1063.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary argues that the violation could feasibly be abated by improving employee<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">supervision</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and ensuring that dead limbs are trimmed from a safe distance by using a bucket truck or similar equipment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; 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-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">12-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">However, the Secretary’s own witness conceded that a qualified climber could do the work, in this case, with the equipment provided. (Tr. 155-56, 158-59, 165, 198). The expert specifically testified that a bucket truck or other aerial lift are not required to do the work performed by Respondent. (Tr. 155-56, 158-59, 165, 198). He stated that dead cottonwood trees can be climbed and that, specifically, the dead cottonwood in this case was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually safe</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to climb. (Tr. 155-56, 158-59, 165, 198). Nothing in the ANSI standards require the use of a 60/70 bucket truck and there was nothing in this instance that required one. (Tr. 155-56, 158-59, 165, 198). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Arcadian</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC at 2011 (“Feasible means of abatement are established if ‘conscientious experts, familiar with the industry’ would prescribe those means and methods to eliminate or materially reduce the recognized hazard.”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nelson Tree Servs., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">60 F.3d<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1211 (“[S]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ubstantial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>evidence supports the administrative law judge’s finding that there existed feasible means, which [the employer] could and should have taken, to eliminate or substantially reduce the hazard of being struck by a prematurely felled tree.”). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s own expert admitted that the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary’s own<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proposed abatement measures were not needed in this instance. (Tr. 155-56, 158-59, 165, 198).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Further, the Secretary admitted that the citation was not issued<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as a result of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a failure in training, supervision, equipment, or fall protection. (Tr. 246-47; Ex. R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 16-17, 85-89, 91)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Secretary and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>expert admitted<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was a trained climber and not inexperienced as previously thought. (Tr. 152-54; Ex. R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 16-17, 85-89, 91, 147)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Consistent with his report, the Secretary’s expert testified that a qualified climber could do the work with the equipment provided by Respondent. (Tr. 156; Ex. C-10<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>10).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The Secretary’s expert specifically testified that the proposed abatement of trimming all dead limbs from a bucket truck was not feasible. (Tr. 162). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On cross-examination, h</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e testified:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. Are you aware of any company in the industry that requires all dead limbs to be trimmed from a bucket or similar aerial lift?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. Well, no.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. Okay.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">So</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the fact that the feasible method of abatement that has been proposed by OSHA as requiring Asplundh to have all dead limbs be cut from a bucket truck or similar aerial lift just isn't feasible?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. That isn't the way I take this case.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. I'm not asking you to take the case. Is it feasible to -- is it an industry standard that all dead limbs would be cut from a bucket truck?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Absolutely not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 162).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>While the Secretary provided the use of a bucket truck or similar aerial lift as one feasible means of abatement in the Citation, it proposed alternative feasible means of abatement as well</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, although<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary did not specify such alternative means<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in the Citation itself</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. At<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">argued<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proper employee supervision and training enforcement as alternative feasible means of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">abatement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr. 360-61;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Sec’y Br. at 12-15).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent contends this position</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is wholly inconsistent with the Secretary’s original position in that Respondent was not cited for a failure in training or supervision. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br. at 16-17). Respondent points to the Secretary’s expert’s testimony, that Respondent’s training and associated materials met or exceeded industry standards, in support of its inconsistency argument. (Tr. 141-42, 154-55;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br. at 16-17).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Despite Respondent’s assertions, the record reveals that the nature of the alternative means of abatement, of proper employee supervision and training enforcement, were recognized and tried by the parties.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> During the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Secretary’s expert testified extensively about these alternative means of abatement. (Tr. 78</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-79</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 196-97</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>expert’s report, which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent had before the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>lack of proper supervision as “[p]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">erhaps</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the greatest contributing factor to this incident.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Ex. C-17 at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Secretary’s expert had also testified, at the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, concerning adequate supervision as an abatement method. (Tr. 78-79, 97-99, 196-97). Further, Respondent was able to cross examine and depose the Secretary’s expert about adequate supervision as an abatement. (Tr. 139).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent’s ability to prepare and present its case was not impaired by the Secretary’s alternative abatement methods.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The record showed that the use of a bucket truck or similar aerial lift would not eliminate or materially reduce the fall and struck-by hazards in this case. (Tr. 160-62, 250-51). The use of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a bucket truck in this instance would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">create</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an additional electrical hazard as the dead cottonwoods were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in proximity to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>power lines. (Ex. R-40</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 93, 166-68</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">presented no</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>evidence that employee supervision or training enforcement would materially reduce the hazard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Secretary’s expert admitted that Respondent’s training and associated materials met or exceeded industry standards. (Tr. 141, 154-55). The Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">also did not cite Respondent for any failure in training or supervision. (Tr. 154, 246). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s expert testified:</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">So the documentation by all accounts shows that he was trained in both climbing and cutting.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Yes. The implementation of such is another source.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">You’re aware that there’s no citation here for failure to train Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, correct?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Yeah, we’re just talking about the 501.5(a)(1).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No citation for failure even in the supervision of Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, correct?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No, there’s just the general duty citation.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. And in the general duty clause citation they don’t say you failed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>properly trained,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[sic]<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">correct?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. That’s correct.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. And in fact in the materials that you’ve seen, it appears that Asplundh has training requirements that are equal to or better than the industry requirements.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. Yes, I have no quarrels with the LCQS.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">154-55</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">points to no evidence showing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was acting contrary to Respondent’s own guidelines. OSHA was aware that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was tied off, in conformance with Respondent’s policies, but did not know exactly where those tie-in locations were. (Tr. 24</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">7-4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8; Ex. R-40 at 69-71). The Secretary’s expert originally testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was not tied off properly around the main stem. (Tr. 6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5-67</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). However, he later accepted the possibility that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually tied</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>off around the main stem. (Tr. 209). Further, Mr. Martinez testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was tied off around the main stem in compliance with Respondent’s guidelines. (Tr. 346</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-48</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Secretary has failed to identify one of Respondent’s policies that was not followed or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">address how a change in training or supervision would have materially</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>reduced the alleged hazard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary has<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficiently established a feasible means of abatement that w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ould<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">materially reduce the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Therefore, the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">has not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">met<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>burden of showing the hazard could be materially reduced through<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">feasible means of abatement</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Knowledge</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary can establish Respondent’s knowledge of a general duty clause violation by establishing either its actual knowledge of the hazard or its constructive knowledge such that it could have learned of the hazard with the exercise of reasonable diligence. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Otis Elevator Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 2204, 2207 (No. 03-1344, 2007);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Tampa Shipyards Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1533, 1537 (No. 86–360, 1992) (consolidated). As discussed, the Secretary showed that Respondent recognized the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">associated with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming dead trees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s expert</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>concluded that dead trees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are dangerous and can cause severe injury because of their unstable and unpredictable nature. (Tr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>86, 119-22, 137</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>352;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16). Respondent, aware that trimming dead trees posed a hazard to its employees, provided training<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and developed a work rule discussing these hazards. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>86, 119-22, 137</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>352;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> However, although there is a recognized hazard, the question of whether Respondent had knowledge of the hazardous condition remains.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>asserts that Respondent had constructive knowledge of the violations. (Sec’y Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-17). The Secretary can establish constructive knowledge of a violative condition by demonstrating that the employer failed to exercise reasonable diligence to uncover the condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ragnar Benson, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1937, 1939 (No. 97-1676, 1999). “Reasonable diligence involves the consideration of several factors, including the employer’s obligation to have adequate work rules and training programs, to adequately supervise employees, to anticipate hazards, and to take measures to prevent the occurrence of violations.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Danis Shook Joint Venture XXV</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1497, 1501 (No. 98-1192, 2001),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 319 F.3d 805 (6th Cir. 2003);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Burford’s Tree</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC at 1950 (involved general duty clause violation).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although the Secretary asserted that Respondent had constructive knowledge of the violations, it is unclear from its argument and the record what the alleged hazardous condition<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. (Sec’y Br. at 15-17). At the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, OSHA’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Assistant Area Director, Lisa Bennett, originally testified that OSHA had identified a fall hazard and a struck-by hazard as the hazardous conditions. (Tr. 231-32). However, after some questioning, she testified that the hazardous conditions were an employee “removing objects from above where he was working” and the employee was improperly tied off to the tree, with “two points of tie-off, and they were both connected to the same anchor,” which was a tree branch the employee was standing on. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The Secretary’s own expert conceded this theory of tie off location did not make sense. (Tr. 158-59, 179-80, 184). While the Secretary’s expert made a cursory remark about being “struck by tree parts” and identifying an improper face cut in his report as a hazardous condition, he subsequently changed his opinion to focus on an improper back cut as the main hazardous condition. (Tr. 62-63, 167, 190-91, 227; Ex. C-17 at 6-8). Later in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trial</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, when asked what condition represented the hazardous condition, the Secretary claimed it was concerned that Respondent’s safety “policies and practices are not being enforced.” (Tr. 360-61). The Secretary, in its post-trial brief, again alluded to improper training, supervision, and training enforcement as a hazardous condition. (Sec’y Br. at 12-14). However, the record is clear, there was no evidence of or citation for improper training, supervision, or lack of training enforcement. (Tr. 141-42, 154-55, 246-47; Ex. R-40 at 16-17). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s training materials<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and work rules<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">acknowledged the hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>associated with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming dead</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trees. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>86, 119-22, 137</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>352;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">However, here</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the actual violative condition arose<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">when<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was completing his back cut. (Tr. 332-34). The back cut, which became a bypass cut when it went too far, was not observed by Respondent’s employees. (Tr. 64, 168, 344; Ex. C-11<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2). The back cut had occurred approximately 35 feet in the air and on the opposite side of the tree where Respondent’s employees on the ground had been working. (Tr. 64, 168, 344; Ex. C-11<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2). The back cut happened<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">quickly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the employees were unable to impact the direction of the falling portion of tree once it began to move. (Tr. 168-69). The Secretary’s expert conceded as much when he testified</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, “[b]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ut</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>have I been in a situation of standing back 40 feet looking at somebody putting in a face cut 35 feet above the ground and was I able to judge, no.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 193).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s supervisors could not have known or corrected the incorrect back cut within the rapid manner it occurred. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has previously dismissed a 5(a)(1) citation, finding no employer knowledge when an accident occurs in such a rapid manner that a supervisor could not have corrected it.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">J.H. Traffic Control Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, LLC, 26<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1839, at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">18</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">45</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">No.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">15-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1987,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2017</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref16" href="#ftn16">15</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Judge Duncan notes that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Given that the condition in Citation 1, Item 1 of crossing a live lane of traffic to retrieve three barrels, could only have taken a few minutes, [the supervisor] had no way of knowing that it happened.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Therefore</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>there will be no finding of constructive knowledge of the violative condition.”).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was more than 35 feet in the air, on the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">opposite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>side of the tree from Respondent’s employees on the ground, when he made his back cut. (Tr. 152-54, 204-09, 332, 352; Ex. C-8). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The back cut performed by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>occurred quickly and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">his</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>error in making that back cut consisted of cutting too deeply by mere inches. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Tr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">63,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">209</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-12</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">346;</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>see</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Ex. 11<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2).</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref17" href="#ftn17">16</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary has not sufficiently met its burden of establishing that Respondent knew or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known of the errant bypass cut that was performed. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>failed to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>establish<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>actual<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">constructive knowledge of the violative condition.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-weight:bold; padding-right:20px;">V.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Affirmative Defenses</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent pled numerous defenses in its Answer. Those defenses were not raised further at trial, nor in Respondent’s Post-Trial Brief. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As previously noted in footnote 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">supra, a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ffirmative defenses not raised at the trial are generally deemed waived and abandoned. </span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Strong style_Strong " style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">Corbesco</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc. v. Dole,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>926 F.2d 422, 429 (5th Cir. 1991) (affirmative defenses not argued waived);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Ga.-Pac. Corp.,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>15 BNA OSHC 1127, 1130 (No. 89-2713, 1991) (“Commission declines to reach issues on which the aggrieved party indicates no interest.”). The Court finds all of Respondent’s pled affirmative defenses are rejected because they either lack merit, have been abandoned, or both. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although not specifically argued in Respondent’s Post-Trial Brief, Respondent did make a few cursory statements concerning<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>failure to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">properly complete his back cut. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 12-13</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). Therefore, the Court will briefly address the defensive concept of unpreventable employee misconduct. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In order to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>prevail on a claim of unpreventable employee misconduct, Respondent must show: (1) it established work rules designed to prevent the violation; (2) it adequately communicated those rules to its employees; (3) it took steps to discover violations of the rules; and (4) it effectively enforced the rules when violations were detected. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Am. Eng’g & Dev. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2093, 2096–97 (No. 10-0359, 2012). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Essentially,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">must<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“demonstrate that the actions of the employee were a departure from a uniformly and effectively communicated and enforced work rule [sic].”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Archer-W</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Contractors Ltd.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1013 (No. 87-1067, 1991). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">All of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>elements required for a showing of unpreventable employee misconduct were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">established in this case. There was no work rule<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">advising<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[Redacted]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at which angle to make his notch cut, which factored into the direction the top portion of the tree fell. (Tr. 62-63, 114-15, 264-66).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">O’Campo</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that he did not know of any work rules pertaining to notch cut<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">angle’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in Respondent’s LCQS. (Tr. 264-66).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent has not identified any specific rule de</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">signed to prevent the alleged violation at the worksite. The record reveals</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that prior to the accident<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">did</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>enforce</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">take steps to discover violations of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">specific<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">work rules designed to prevent the alleged violation.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 244-45</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 295-97, 318-19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. The record does show that after the accident and during the investigation, Mr. Varela, Mr. Haynes, and Mr. Martinez were suspended. (Tr. 297-98). Additionally, Respondent’s supervisors are now required to directly observe their employees’ cuts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to ensure they have been made correctly. (Tr. 315-16).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As Respondent has not met its burden in establishing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">all of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the elements of the above-mentioned affirmative defense, the Court finds Respondent’s employee misconduct defense fails. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Accordingly, even if Respondent’s comments in its Post-Trial Brief could be construed as pursuing an unpreventable employee misconduct defense for Citation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Item 1, it is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rejected</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Additionally, Respondent asserts that the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cannot cite a violation of the general duty clause when specific standards address the hazards associated with an alleged fall protection and struck by hazards. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br. at 6). Respondent argues that Subpart D of the Act’s standards specifically address the hazards at issue here. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Alternatively, Respondent argues subsections of 29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.269 are applicable. (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Resp’t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Br. at 7-8). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This case arose out of Colorado, so along with Commission precedent, precedent would also apply from the 10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Circuit Court of Appeals and from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Circuit<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">notes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the applicability of specific standards is an affirmative defense. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Safeway v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 328 F.3d 1189, 1194 (10th Cir. 2004). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“If an employer demonstrates that a specific standard permits the cited condition and compliance resolves any obvious hazard to employees, there is no general duty clause violation.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The D.C. Circuit views recognition of the hazard remaining as key, thus where an employer recognizes a hazard remains after compliance with all applicable standards, the employer has a duty under section 5(a)(1) to safeguard his employees. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Brock v. Gen. Dynamics Land Sys. Div.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">815 F.2d 1570, 1575-76 (D.C. Cir. 1987).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 29 C.F.R. § 1910.5(f) states:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">An employer who<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is in compliance with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>any standard in this part shall be deemed to be in compliance with the requirement of section 5(a)(1) of the Act, but only to the extent of the condition, practice, means, method, operation, or process covered by the standard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commission precedent dictates<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">proving<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the application of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the cited standard pertains to the cited<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">work<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conditions, not the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">particular cited</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employer. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ryder Transp. Servs.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 24 BNA OSHC 2061, 2064 (No. 10-0551, 2014) (concluding “that the Secretary has failed to establish that the cited general industry standard applie</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to the working conditions here”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Active Oil Serv., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 1092, 1094 (No. 00-0482, 2005)(finding “that the confined space standard applies to the cited conditions” because “the vault was a confined space”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Arcon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC 1760, 1763 (No. 99-1707, 2004)(“In order to establish a violation, the Secretary must show that the standards applied to the cited conditions.”).<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tree</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trimming company that contracted with Xcel Energy to prune and manage vegetation affecting Xcel Energy’s power infrastructure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 220;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. J-1, C-10).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Respondent’s management of vegetation affecting Xcel’s power infrastructure falls under the purview of Part 1910, Subpart R, § 1910.269 - Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. The scope of the aforementioned “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">section covers operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.269(a)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">). The standard continues by stating that it applies to the, “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">[p]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ower</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>generation, transmission, and distribution installations, including related equipment for the purpose of communication or metering that are accessible only to qualified employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref18" href="#ftn18">17</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 29 C.F.R. § 1910.269(a)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)(A). 29 C.F.R. § 1910.269(a)(1)(E) states the provisions apply to:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Line-clearance tree trimming performed for the purpose of clearing space around electric power generation, transmission, or distribution lines or equipment and on behalf of an organization that operates, or that controls the operating procedures for, those lines or equipment, as follows:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:67.2px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(1) Entire § 1910.269, except paragraph (r)(1) of this section, applies to line-clearance tree trimming covered by the introductory text to paragraph (a)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)(E) of the section when performed by qualified employees (those who are knowledgeable in the construction and operation of the electric power generation, transmission, or distribution equipment involved, along with the associated hazards).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:67.2px; margin-right:48px; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(2) Paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (b), (c), (g), (k), (p), and (r) of this section apply to line-clearance tree trimming covered by the introductory text to paragraph (a)(1)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)(E) of this section when performed by line-clearance tree trimmers who are not qualified employees.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; margin-left:67.2px; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because Respondent’s work falls under the purview of Part 1910, Subpart R, § 1910.269,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ection 1910.28 would not apply as it states: “This section does not apply [t]o electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work covered by § 1910.269(g)(2)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).” 29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.28(a)(2)(vii).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent was hired by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Xcel to trim and prune several dead cottonwood trees that were interfering with Xcel’s powerlines and could threaten Xcel’s power infrastructure. (Tr. 220;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-11, C-19). However, it is unclear from the record whether Respondent’s employees would be considered “qualified” or “unqualified” for purposes of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.269 applicability. Assuming,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">arguendo</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.269 applies in this specific case, Respondent’s argument would fail in both the 10</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Circuit Court of Appeals and D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Respondent has not met its affirmative defense in establishing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the applicability of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§ </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.269 to its employees. Even assuming<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the applicable of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">29 C.F.R. § 1910.269, as discussed in further detail in Section IV(A)(1)(b)(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) above, Respondent recognized hazards remained as evidenced through the trainings it provided its employees. (Tr. 154, 246-48;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-16, R-40 at 85-89). Respondent provided training on these hazards<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>discussed the dangers of dead tree hazards, such as falling and portions of trees striking employees in their Job Safety Briefings and Job Hazard Assessments.</span><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref19" href="#ftn19">18</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> (Tr. 154, 246;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, C-16, R-40 at 143-45). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Thus,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as Respondent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>recognized hazards remain, even<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">if</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>allegedly complying with 29 C.F.R. § 1910.269, Respondent still has a duty under section 5(a)(1) to safeguard its employees. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Brock v. Gen. Dynamics Land Sys. Div.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">815 F.2d 1570, 1575-76 (D.C. Cir. 1987). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">O</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">RDER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The foregoing Decision constitutes the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclus</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ions of Law, it is ORDERED that:</span></p>
			</div>
			<p style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:2; orphans:2; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="font-size:12pt; padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Citation 1, Item<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">VACATED</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>and no penalty is ASSESSED.</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="page-break-before:page; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SO</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ORDERED</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">____________________________</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Christopher D. Helms</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Judge, OSHRC</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Date:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Denver, Colorado</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:2; orphans:2; "> </p>
			</div>
			<hr/>"
      <div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p>
					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">1 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>At the trial, Mr. Blair testified as an expert arborist. (Tr. 21-23). He has been an arborist for over 50 years. (Tr. 22). He founded and led various businesses relating to arborist work, consulting, and education, including the M.F. Blair Institute of Arboriculture, Sierra Moreno Mercantile Company, and Blair’s Arborist Equipment. (Tr. 24-27). Mr. Blair also assisted in authoring various industry standards, publications, and books relating to the arborist industry. (Tr. 23-24, 34-39; Ex. C-17<span>
					</span>at<span><span></span>
					</span>3). He specifically helped draft the ANSI Z-133 standards. (Tr. 35-37; Ex. C-17<span>
					</span>at<span><span></span>
					</span>3). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">2 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Affirmative<span>
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">defenses not raised at the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">trial</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>are deemed waived and abandoned by Respondent.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">Any affirmative defenses not raised at the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">trial are deemed waived by Respondent. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Corbesco, Inc. v. Dole,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">926 F.2d 422, 428–29 (5th Cir. 1991);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">Ga.-Pac. Corp.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">15 BNA OSHC 1127, 1130 (No. 89-2713, 1991).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">3 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Joint Stipulations were received and admitted as a Joint Exhibit into the record.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">4 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The factual background is based on the credible record evidence, as discussed below, and consideration of the record as a whole. Contrary evidence is not credited.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">5 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>A 60/70 bucket truck refers to the 60-to-70-foot height the bucket on the truck, carrying a tree trimmer, can reach. (Tr. 47).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">6 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary’s expert witness admitted the 60/70 truck would have been preferred if Respondent had permission. However, Mr. O’Campo testified that Respondent did not have permission to use the 60/70 truck on the worksite. (Tr. 271). The Secretary’s expert witness conceded that a qualified climber could do the work with the equipment provided, that a bucket truck or other aerial lift are not required to do the work, that dead cottonwood trees can be climbed, that the specific cottonwood tree in this case was actually safe to climb, that nothing in the ANSI standards required a 60/70 truck, and that there was nothing in the instance here that required a bucket truck. (Tr. 155-59,<span><span></span>
					</span>165, 198).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">7 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>A squirt boom truck can lift a tree trimmer in the air up to a 42-foot working height. (Tr. 77-78, 320-21, 330; Ex. C-15).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">8 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary’s expert admitted he had erroneously labeled<span>
					</span>[Redacted]<span><span></span>
					</span>as an inexperienced climber. (Tr. 152-153).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn10" href="#ftnref10"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">9 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary’s expert conceded that tie-in locations on trees are tree specific, that tying to the main stem is not referenced in the ANSI standards, that he did not actually know where the lanyard was tied off to, and that his original theory that they lanyard was tied around the branch<span>
					</span>[Redacted]<span><span></span>
					</span>was standing on did not make sense. (Tr. 158-59, 179-80, 184).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn11" href="#ftnref11"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">10 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary’s expert admitted that the notch cut was adequate. (Tr.<span>
					</span>62-63, 167, 190-91).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn12" href="#ftnref12"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">11 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary’s expert admitted that Respondent’s employees on the ground would not be able to gauge the exact angle of the cut made by<span>
					</span>[Redacted]. (Tr. 78, 193).<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn13" href="#ftnref13"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">12 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent attempts to argue that an existing standard, under 29 C.F.R. § 1910.28, precludes citing<span>
					</span>section 5(a)(1). (Resp’t Br.<span>
					</span>at<span>
					</span>6-9). This Court finds that<span>
					</span>section 5(a)(1) is not precluded<span><span></span>
					</span>and further discusses its reasoning,<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">infra</span>, at section V. Affirmative Defenses.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn14" href="#ftnref14"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">13 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The training materials and manual included specific lessons on felling trees safely. (Ex. C-16). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn15" href="#ftnref15"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">14 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Although the Secretary now argues there were deficiencies in supervision and rule enforcement, the Secretary did not cite Respondent for any failure in training or supervision or specify enforcement or supervision of work rules as a feasible means of abatement. (Tr. 154, 246; Ex. C-1). The Secretary also admitted that the citation was not issued as a result<span>
					</span>of a failure in training, supervision, equipment, or fall protection. (Tr. 246-47; Ex. R-40<span><span></span>
					</span>at 16-17). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn16" href="#ftnref16"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">15 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; ">J.H. Traffic Control Co.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">, LLC, 26<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">BNA OSHC</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1839</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(No. 15-1987, 2017) became a final order of the Commission on 7/12/2017.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn17" href="#ftnref17"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">16 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary’s expert originally identified an improper face cut as a causal factor of the accident in his report. (Tr. 62-63, 167, 190-91; Ex. C-17 at 6-8). However, he changed his opinion later on to reflect an improper back cut as a main causal factor. (Tr. 62-63).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn18" href="#ftnref18"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">17 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The standard further states:</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; ">“Note to paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A): The types of installations covered by this paragraph include the generation, transmission, and distribution installations of electric utilities, as well as equivalent installations of industrial establishments. Subpart S of this part covers supplementary electric generating equipment that is used to supply a workplace for emergency, standby, or similar purposes only. (See paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this section.)” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.269(a)(1)(i)(A). </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn19" href="#ftnref19"><span class="style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Times New Roman; ">18 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>As discussed herein, while the evidence demonstrates hazard recognition generally by Respondent and the industry, the evidence does not support a finding that Respondent had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous conditions at the worksite.</p>
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