<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
		<title>Document</title>
		<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8"/>
		<style type="text/css">
 p.hiddenParagraph { visibility:hidden } 
 p { margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; margin-bottom:10.667px; color:WindowText; } 
 p { font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt;  }  p.style_Normal { } 
 span.style_DefaultParagraphFont { } 
 table.style_TableNormal { } 
 table.style_TableGrid { } 
 p.style_FootnoteText { margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; } 
.style_FootnoteText span { font-family:Times New Roman; } 
 span.style_FootnoteTextChar { font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; } 
.style_FootnoteTextChar span { font-family:Times New Roman; } 
 span.style_FootnoteReference { position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;} 
.style_FootnoteReference span { position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;} 
 span.style_CommentReference { font-size:8pt; } 
.style_CommentReference span { } 
 p.style_CommentText { line-height:1; font-size:10pt; } 
.style_CommentText span { } 
 span.style_CommentTextChar { font-size:10pt; } 
.style_CommentTextChar span { } 
 p.style_CommentSubject { font-weight:bold; } 
.style_CommentSubject span { font-weight:bold; } 
 span.style_CommentSubjectChar { font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; } 
.style_CommentSubjectChar span { font-weight:bold; } 
 p.style_BalloonText { margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; font-size:9pt; font-family:Segoe UI; } 
.style_BalloonText span { font-family:Segoe UI; } 
 span.style_BalloonTextChar { font-size:9pt; font-family:Segoe UI; } 
.style_BalloonTextChar span { font-family:Segoe UI; } 
 p.style_Header { margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; } 
 span.style_HeaderChar { } 
 p.style_Footer { margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; } 
 span.style_FooterChar { } 
 p.style_Revision { margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; } 
 span.style_Hyperlink { color:#0563C1; text-decoration:underline ;} 
.style_Hyperlink span { color:#0563C1; text-decoration:underline ;} 
 span.style_UnresolvedMention { color:#605E5C; background-color:#E1DFDD; } 
.style_UnresolvedMention span { color:#605E5C; background-color:#E1DFDD; } 
 span.style_FollowedHyperlink { color:#954F72; text-decoration:underline ;} 
.style_FollowedHyperlink span { color:#954F72; text-decoration:underline ;} 
 p.style_ListParagraph { margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; } 
.style_ListParagraph span { font-family:Times New Roman; } 
 span.X3AS7TOCHyperlink { color:#000000; text-decoration:none; } 
 p.X3AS7TABSTYLE { } 
 span.BulletSymbol { font-family:'Symbol'; } 
 body { margin-left:96px;margin-top:96px;margin-bottom:96px;margin-right:96px;} 
div.basic { width:16.51cm;height:22.86cm;} 
 p.hiddenParagraph { font-size:2pt; visibility:hidden; } 
</style>
		<script type="text/javascript">
							var useragent = navigator.userAgent;
							var navigatorname;
							if (useragent.indexOf('MSIE')!= -1)
							{
							navigatorname="MSIE";
							}
							else if (useragent.indexOf('Gecko')!= -1)
							{
							if (useragent.indexOf('Chrome')!= -1)
							navigatorname="Google Chrome";
							else
							navigatorname="Mozilla";
							}
							else if (useragent.indexOf('Mozilla')!= -1)
							{
							navigatorname="old Netscape or Mozilla";
							}
							else if (useragent.indexOf('Opera')!= -1)
							{
							navigatorname="Opera";
							}
							
							function symbol(code1,code2)
							{
							if (navigatorname == 'MSIE')
								document.write(code1);
							else
								document.write(code2);
							}
							</script>
	</head>
	<body xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div class="basic"><div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; page-break-before:column; margin-left:-18px; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">United States of America</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">1120 20</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">th<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Street, N.W., Ninth Floor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Washington, DC 20036-345</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">7</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; "> </p>
			</div>
			<table class="style_TableGrid" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:17.136cm; align:left; margin-left:-.191cm; margin-bottom:0cm">
				<tr style="margin:0;border:0;padding:0;visibility:hidden;">
					<th style="width:336px;"/>
					<th style="width:311.667px;"/>
				</tr>
				<tr style="height:4.713cm; ">
					<td class=" TableGrid_band1Vert" style="vertical-align:top;border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:dashed .018cm #000000; border-top:solid .018cm #000000; border-bottom:solid .018cm #000000; width:8.89cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:16px; margin-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR,</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:203px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Complainant,</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:center; margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">v.</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-bottom:0cm; "> </p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:0cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">WALMART, INC.,</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:203px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent.</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
					<td class=" TableGrid_band1Horz" style="vertical-align:middle; border-left:dashed .018cm #000000; border-right:none, 0, inherit; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.246cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-bottom:0cm; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHRC Docket No. 17-0949</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:center; margin-bottom:0cm; "> </p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
			</table>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ON BRIEFS:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Juan</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>C.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Lopez</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Appellate<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Attorney</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Heather R. Phillips</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Counsel for Appellate Litigation;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Edmund Baird</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Acting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Associate Solicitor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Kate S.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">O’Scannlain</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Solicitor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">; U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">For the Complainant</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ronald W. Taylor,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Esq.,</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Thomas H. Strong</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Esq.;</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Venable LLP, Baltimore, MD.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:13.333px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">For the Respondent</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DECISION</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Before: </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SULLIVAN</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Chairman; ATTWOOD and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">LAIHOW</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Commissioners.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">BY THE COMMISSION:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Occupational Safety and Health Administration</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>issued a citation to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>alleging<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that pallets of merchandise kept on racks at</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its Johnstown, New York,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">istribution center</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>were “stored in tiers” but not “blocked</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">so that they [were] stable and secure against sliding or collapse”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>as required by 29 C.F.R.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§ </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">19</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10.176(b</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Following a hearing,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Administrative Law<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Judge<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Keith E. Bell<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirmed the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citatio</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and assessed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the proposed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">$</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">10,864</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">penalty.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We conclude that the pallets of merchandis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ere</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>not “stored in tiers” within the meaning of § 1910.176(b)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Accordingly,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we find that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cited provision does not apply to the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleged violative<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">condition</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">therefore<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reverse the judge and vacate the citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">BACKGROUND</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Johnstown</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">istribution<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">c</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">enter<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">processes between 45,000 and 50,000 pallets of merchandise per week</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for distribution to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">approximately</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>120 Walmart and 25 Sam’s Club</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>stores</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">P</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">allets of merchandise at the distribution cente</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">r</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>are</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">stored on a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n industry-standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“selective racking” system,</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref1" href="#ftn1">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with one pallet per<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rack<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">level</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>racks positioned back-to-back, such that pallets are accessible</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by forklift<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">only from aisles at the fronts of the racks</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ach rack<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">level, a pallet rests on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a front and back rail<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that are</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>42</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inch</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">es</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">apart</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Each</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>pallet<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">an industry-standard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">48</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inches long and 40 inches<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">wide</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, so it</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>overhang</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">front and back rail by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">three inches. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A space of four to five inches separates pallet</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>back-to-back racks.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Photographs in the record show that t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he selective racking has<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">seven or eight levels. The lowest level (on the distribution center floor) is a “pick slot,” from which employees retrieve items necessary to complete merchandise orders from stores.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The level just above the pick slot is the “20-slot</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>which has an additional front-to-back rail to allow employees to manually remove empty pallets,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">each</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>weigh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in excess of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>60 pounds</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, without them falling into the space between the front and back rail</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">remaining</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>levels</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>above the pick slot and 20-slot,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>where pallets</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>containing excess merchandise</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>are placed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>are known as the “reserve” location</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> When<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>pick slot runs out of merchandise</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the pallet in the pick slot is removed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>forklift then re</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">places it with one<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>reserve<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">location</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>above.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On February 25, 2017,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">J.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, an order filler at the distribution center,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was struck</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>from above</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by an unknown number of crescent roll containers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">while retrieving items<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for an order<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">from a pick<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">slot</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">J</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.S</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>did not witness the container</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>fall</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>nor<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">did she<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">see what led to the incident</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">but<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fter</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ward</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>she noticed that there were crescent roll containers on the lower pallet as well as on the floor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Following the incident,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">investigat</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>found that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a forklift</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">while</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">remov</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">pallet of merchandise from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a reserve location of a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>rack immediately behind the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>one</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">from which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">J.S.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>filling orders</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">b</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">umped<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a pallet of crescent roll</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>container</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">stored</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a reserve location</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">above</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">J.S.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">caused</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>some of the containers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to spill out, with most</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">falling</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">into</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">area between the racks<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a few falling into the aisle</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>where J.S. was working</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">2</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DISCUSSION</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Secretary alleges a violation of § 1910.176(b), which provides as follows: </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Secure storage.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Storage of material shall not create a hazard. Bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers shall be stacked, blocked,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">interlocked</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To prove a violation, the Secretary must establish that: (1) the standard applies; (2) the terms of the standard were violated; (3) at least one employee had access to the violative condition; and (4) the employer knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the violative condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharm. Prods., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 2126, 2129 (No. 78-6247, 1981),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in relevant part</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 681 F.2d 69 (1st Cir. 1982).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The judge<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">found<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">each of these elements</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was proven</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and therefore affirmed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. On review, Walmart contests all four elements</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>challenges the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">abatement date</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>set</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in the citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">3</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">find that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">cited standard does not apply,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vacate the citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on that ground and do not reach Walmart’s other arguments on review.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To determine<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">whether the cited provision applies to the cited condition</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">first “consider the text and structure of the standard at issue</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Superior Masonry Builders, Inc</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC 1182, 1184 (No. 96-1043, 2003)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pettey</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Oil Fields Servs., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 1638, 1639 (No. 05-1039, 2006) (“[T]he judge’s order does address the </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">applicability</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> of the logging standard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">to the </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">cited</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">conditions</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”) (emphasis added).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The standard’s plain language will govern so long as the wording is unambiguous. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Superior Masonry<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Builders</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC at 1184</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also Diamond Roofing Co. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 528 F.2d 645, 649 (5th Cir. 1976)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ell-established principle that a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regulation should be construed to give effect to the natural and plain meaning of its words”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Here, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">relies on the first sentence of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§ 1910.176(b)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[s]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">torage</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of material shall not create a hazard”—and asserts that the standard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">applies to material</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>stor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in any manner</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We disagree. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Reading § 1910.176(b) as a whole,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it is clear that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>first sentence is merely a precatory or hortatory introduction to the second sentence, which contains the operative, specific requirements of the provision. <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cf. Dist.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">o</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">f Columbia v. Heller</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 554 U.S. 570, 578 (2008) (“[A]part from that clarifying function, a prefatory clause does not limit or expand the scope of the operative clause.”).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Indeed,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary’s reading of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§ 1910.176(b)’s first sentence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">effectively<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">render</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the second sentence<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a nullity</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—if “[b]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ags</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, containers, bundles, etc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” are not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">stable and secure against sliding or collapse</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” then they surely “create a hazard.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Gen. Motors Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">, Delco Chassis Div.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1217,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1220<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(No. 91-2973, 1995) (consolidated) (“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Regulations are to be read so as to give effect to all their terms, if possible.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">89 F.3d 313 (6</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1996).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Moreover,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sheer breadth</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and generality<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of the first sentence’s language, were it to be interpreted as<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">imposing a separate obligation,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">could raise serious vagueness concerns</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, particularly<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in light of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">present<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">citation’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bare-bones allegation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that Walmart’s use of industry</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standard racking posed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“struck-by hazards from unstable material storage</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ga. Pac. Corp. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 25 F.3d 999, 1005 (11</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 1994) (“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regulation is considered unconstitutionally vague</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">if it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">‘</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">forbids or requires the doing of an act in terms so vague that men of common intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and differ as to its application.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Connally v. Gen. Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 269 U.S. 385, 391 (1926)).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Accordingly, we decline to read § 1910.176(b) so broadly and find that it applies only if the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">material</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at issue<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“stored in tiers.”</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This means that the applicability inquiry here turns on whether the pallets in the distribution center were “stored in tiers,” as that term is used in 29 C.F.R § 1910.176(b).</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">4</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“Tier,” which the standard does not define, means “a row, rank, or layer of articles,” and “one of two or more rows<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">arranged one above another.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2391 (1971);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see Crawford v. Metro. Gov’t of Nashville & Davidson<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cty</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 555 U.S. 271, 276 (2009) (undefined term “carries its ordinary meaning”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">In re WorldCom, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 723 F.3d 346, 354 (2d Cir. 2013) (consulting “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">dictionaries contemporaneous to the enactment of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">relevant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">provision</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">5</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he definition’s reference to a “layer,” along with its example of “tier upon tier of huge casks,” plainly narrows the meaning of the term to articles stacked one on top of another with nothing in between. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Additionally, the 1971 dictionary defines “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tierable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” as “suitable for stacking,”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2391 (1971)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>which further supports</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the notion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that “tier</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” as used in this provision</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>applies<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">only<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to material stacked directly one upon another. Indeed, a “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tiered</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>wedding cake</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>consists of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>individual<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">layers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sit directly<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">upon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">layer below</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Here, there is simply no evidence that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>pallets</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at issue</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were ever</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>stacked one upon another</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. While<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">photograph</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ic evidence</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>show</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s that the industry</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standard selective racking levels in Walmart’s distribution center<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">themselves arranged one above another</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>there is no dispute that each rack level held one pallet, with s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">pace between the top of the merchandise</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on each pallet and the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">bottom of the next rack</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>level</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Moreover, the Secretary has never alleged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the racking w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">itself</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>unstable.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Accordingly, we find the cited standard does not apply and therefore reverse the judge’s decision and vacate the citation.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">6</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">SO</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ORDERED.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; margin-left:288px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">James J. Sullivan, Jr.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Chairman</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dated:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">December 31, 2020</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Amanda Wood Laihow</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; margin-left:288px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commissioner</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ATTWOOD, Commissioner, dissenting:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The applicability issue here is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">really quite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>simple, though my colleagues do their best to complicate it. “It is axiomatic that OSHA standards must be interpreted in accordance with the natural and plain meaning of their words.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bunge Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 12 BNA OSHC 1785, 1791 (No. 77-1622, 1986) (consolidated). The provision cited here, part of the general industry materials handling and storage standard, applies when “[b]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ags</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, containers, bundles, etc.” are “stored in tiers.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b). The pallets in Walmart’s distribution center hold assorted merchandise that is often wrapped or bound together; they are therefore “containers” or “bundles.” The rack levels on which the pallets rest are arranged one above another; they are therefore “tiers.” Accordingly, I would conclude that § 1910.176(b) applies.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>As for the remaining elements of the Secretary’s case, the cited provision requires that containers and bundles stored in tiers be “stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b). Walmart’s pallets were not blocked to prevent them from sliding off the racks. Indeed, the record shows they were regularly dislodged by forklifts, and our precedent holds that compliance with § 1910.176(b) includes ensuring that materials are secure against an outside force. As such, I would conclude that Walmart failed to comply. Actual employee exposure is established by J.S.’s injuries here, and employer knowledge of the violative condition is shown by testimony from the distribution center’s general manager that he was aware of stored pallets being tipped and merchandise falling a few times per month. I would therefore affirm the citation.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">I.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Applicability</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">My colleagues—echoing one of Walmart’s arguments on review—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conclude that the cited provision does not apply to the company’s pallets stored on racks, because § 1910.176(b) is limited to materials stacked directly on top of one another.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">8</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> This limitation, however, does not appear in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the standard, nor does it comport with the provision’s plain language. “It is well settled that the test for the applicability of any</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regulatory provision looks first to the text and structure of the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">regulations whose applicability is questioned.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Unarco</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Commercial Prods.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1499, 1502 (No. 89-1555, 1993). As noted, the cited provision applies to “[b]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ags</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b). The standard defines neither “container” nor “bundle.” Nevertheless, “container” means “one that contains” and “a receptacle (as a box or jar) or a formed or flexible covering for the packing or shipment of articles, goods or commodities.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>491 (1971);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see Crawford v. Metro. Gov’t of Nashville & Davidson<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cty</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 555 U.S. 271, 276 (2009) (undefined term “carries its ordinary meaning”). “Bundle” means “a number of things fastened together into a mass or bunch convenient for handling or conveyance,” “package,” and “a number or group of things considered as a unit.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 296. Walmart’s pallets fit these definitions, given that they are, as the judge found, “loaded with various merchandise,” with “some shrink wrapped” together. At the very least, the pallets are “of the same general kind” of items as containers and bundles, thereby fitting under the “etc.” portion of § 1910.176(b). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Kehm</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 1 BNA OSHC 1392, 1393 (No. 1209, 1973) (consolidated) (applying doctrine of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ejusdem generis</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">states</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that when general words follow words of a particular or specific meaning, the general words are construed to embrace only things of the same general kind as those listed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“Tier” is also undefined in the standard, but it means—as my colleagues note</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a row, rank, or layer of articles,” and “one of two or more rows arranged one above another.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>2391 (1971). While “layer” may support the majority’s idea of materials stacked directly on top of one another, this definition does not exclude Walmart’s use of racks, which themselves created the “tiers” at issue. Indeed, the definition broadly describes “rows” of items being “arranged”—not stacked or piled—“one above another,” and therefore accords with the pallets in the various slots of Walmart’s racking system.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">9</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Indeed, as described by the Secretary’s counsel in his opening<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">statement, the violative condition alleged here is unstable material storage in “pallets . . . rest[</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">] on two parallel beams [with]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nothing supporting the pallet in that space between the beams and nothing to prevent the pallets from sliding and falling through that open space.” In short, nothing in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standard’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">use of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">phrase “stored in tiers” excludes items stored on racks “arranged one above the other.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">10</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In fact, OSHA has given notice to employers that § 1910.176 is not so limited. Walmart selectively quotes from OSHA guidance in asserting that “the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[standard’s]<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">phrase refers to the stacking of material on the top of other material,” and “not to the placing of pallets on racking,” but the very guidance Walmart cites refers specifically to racks and shows that § 1910.176(b) contemplates their use for storage purposes. Walmart points to a portion of the guidance stating that “[d]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">uring</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>materials stacking activities, workers must</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[p]lace planks, sheets of plywood dunnage, or pallets between each tier of drums, barrels, and kegs</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. . . .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Materials Handling and Storage</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, OSHA Publication No. 2236, at 6 (2002 Revised). While this part of the guidance addresses how to safely stack materials on top of one another, it is not limited to that context. Rather, the guidance also states that “to avoid storage hazards,” workers “should consider placing bound material<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">on racks</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and secure it by stacking, blocking, or interlocking to prevent it from sliding, falling, or collapsing.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 5 (emphasis added). As such, contrary to Walmart’s contention, OSHA has both contemplated and communicated to employers that materials (and, more specifically, bound materials like the pallets of merchandise in this case) stored on racks are covered by the standard and therefore must be secured.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart also contends that § 1910.176(b) applies only where stored material creates a hazard “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as it sits</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,” and here there was no inherent instability to the pallets on the racks, given that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">they fell only when dislodged by a forklift. This argument is relevant, however, to whether the company complied with the cited provision—that is, whether the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">manner in which</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Walmart stored the pallets rendered them “stable and secure against sliding or collapse.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b). It has no bearing on whether the provision applies in the first place. As such, the cases Walmart cites are properly considered in analyzing the noncompliance element of the Secretary’s case, which I take up next. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Clement Food Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 11 BNA OSHC 2120, 2122 (No. 80-0607, 1984) (“The judge correctly found that the boxes were not stable and secure against sliding and collapse within the meaning of the standard [and the]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">item is therefore affirmed.”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pratt & Whitney Aircraft</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 1653, 1668 (No. 13401, 1981) (“The Commission agrees with the judge that the evidence referred to above is sufficient to find that [the employer] failed to comply with the cited standard.”).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">II.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Noncompliance</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Given its conclusion that the cited provision does not apply here, the majority does not reach the issue of whether Walmart failed to comply with § 1910.176(b). The judge found that noncompliance was proven by the Secretary, but Walmart contends that this was error because the company’s racking system is widely used in the warehousing industry, and the pallets stored on it become problematic only when dislodged.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The cited provision requires materials stored in tiers to be “stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b). Given that Walmart stored only one pallet per tier, the stacking, interlocking and height limitation requirements are not at issue. Indeed, the Secretary has asserted only that the pallets were not “blocked,” and that installation of a front-to-back rail in each reserve location would have prevented a bumped pallet from sliding and falling through the gap between the front and back beams.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">11</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The noncompliance question, then, is whether this lack of blocking made it such that the pallets were not “stable and secure against sliding or collapse.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Clement Food</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 11 BNA OSHC at 2122 (affirming § 1910.176(b) violation where “stack of boxes was not interlocked or blocked,”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“boxes were not stable and secure against sliding and collapse”).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To begin, the language of § 1910.176(b) requires stored materials to withstand outside forces. The standard defines none of the provision’s key terms as relevant here, but: (1) “secure” means “free from danger” and “affording safety”; (2) “slide” means “to change position or become dislocated”; and (3) “collapse” includes in its definition to “fall into a jumbled or flattened mass<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">through the force of external pressure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>443, 2053, 2142 (1971) (emphasis added). Putting these three terms together, § 1910.176(b) does not limit an employer’s obligation to simply ensuring that materials are stored such that they will not give way under their own weight.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In fact, the Commission has consistently held as much. In<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pratt & Whitney</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Commission affirmed a violation of § 1910.176(b) based on “three pallets of metal barrels” that could be toppled by “mechanical handling equipment used in the area.” 9 BNA OSHC at 1667. The Commission found that “the Secretary need not prove that the barrels could fall off by themselves”; rather, “[p]roof that the barrels were on pallets in areas used by mechanical handling equipment [was] sufficient.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>at 1668. Three years later in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Clement Food</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Commission specifically stated that § 1910.176(b) “is not limited by its words to stacks so unstable that they might collapse of their own weight,” and thus affirmed a § 1910.176(b) violation based on “a tiered stack of boxes fifteen feet high” that three separate witnesses testified could be knocked over by “any shock or vibrations from forklift trucks and machinery in the area.” 11 BNA OSHC at 2122. Walmart attempts to distinguish these cases by pointing out the instability of the materials there</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">some of the metal barrels had been removed from the bottom two pallets” in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pratt & Whitney</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, and the “top tier of the boxes was leaning” in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Clement Food</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 9 BNA OSHC at 1667; 11 BNA OSHC at 2122. While these materials were perhaps less inherently stable than Walmart’s pallets, the decisions in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pratt & Whitney<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Clement Food<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were nonetheless based on the hazard of materials being dislodged by an outside force. In other words, the Commission found that § 1910.176(b) requires materials to be stored such that they could withstand such a force.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref12" href="#ftn12">12</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Notably, the Commission in both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pratt & Whitney<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Clement Food</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>affirmed violations without direct evidence of an outside force<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually dislodging</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>stored materials. Here, by contrast, the record shows that forklifts regularly tipped pallets stored on racks, causing materials to spill as far as 30 feet down to the distribution center floor. J.S. testified that “[r]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">oughly</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, during my work week, which consists of three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” items would fall from racks after being dislodged “three to four times during that [time].” The OSHA compliance officer testified that a Walmart employee told him that “material falling through the rack . . . was a problem and something that needs to be fixed to avoid somebody getting hurt.” Thomas<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Rimmer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the asset protection manager for the distribution center, testified that “[w]e would have, probably, an incident in the racking, we call it a tipped pallet, because frequently it will tip, but not fall, maybe a couple of times a month.” And while the record shows that few employees at the distribution center have in fact been struck by falling merchandise, Paul Lund, the distribution center’s general manager, testified that items fall from pallets dislodged by forklifts “a few times a month.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref13" href="#ftn13">13</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> This evidence shows that the manner in which Walmart stored its pallets—overhanging the front and back rails of the racking by only 3 inches, with back-to-back racks only 4 to 5 inches from one another—was not “stable and secure against sliding and collapse” caused by a known and frequently occurring outside force. 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also Elliot Constr. Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2110, 2119 (No. 07-1578, 2012) (noting “the well-established principle that the purpose of the [OSH] Act is to prevent the first accident”) (internal citations omitted).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As to Walmart’s assertion that its racking is widely used in the industry, the Secretary responds that industry practice is relevant only when interpreting a performance standard, and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><br/>§ 1910.176(b) is a specification standard because it identifies the means of compliance. I agree with the Secretary that § 1910.176(b) is a specification standard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See, e.g., Cleveland Wrecking Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 24 BNA OSHC 1103, 1106 (No. 07-0437, 2013) (“Although § 1926.501(c) grants the employer the discretion to select a method to protect employees from falling objects, it is a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">specification standard because it requires that the employer choose from a list of specific enumerated methods.”). Nevertheless, industry practice is not entirely irrelevant—while §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">1910.176(b) specifies that materials stored in tiers must be “blocked,” it does not provide blocking specifications, so industry practice could shed light on what type of blocking might suffice. That being said, “[w]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hatever</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the practice of an industry,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">members of it are required to take into account all available, factual information relating to whether hazardous conditions exist, or reasonably could exist, where work is being performed.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bland Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1031, 1036 (No. 87-0992, 1991). As such, even if Walmart’s racks are configured and used in accordance with industry standards and manufacturer recommendations, and even if the front-to-back rails proposed by the Secretary are neither industry</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">standard nor manufacturer-recommended, the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">undisputed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>awareness of two managerial employees that pallets tip and spill merchandise at least a few times a month establishes a known hazard with regard to Walmart’s storage of pallets.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref14" href="#ftn14">14</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Wiley Organics, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1586, 1597 (No. 91-3275, 1996) (“An employer has a general obligation to inform itself of the hazards present at the worksite and cannot claim lack of knowledge resulting from its own failure to make use of the sources of information reasonably available to it.”),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 124 F.3d 201 (6th Cir. 1997). In all, I would find that the Secretary has established a failure to comply with § 1910.176(b).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">III.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Exposure</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To satisfy the employee exposure element of his prima facie case, the Secretary must show “that employees were actually exposed to the hazard, or that it was reasonably predictable that during the course of their normal work duties, employees might be in the ‘zone of danger’ posed by the condition.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Field & Assocs., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1379, 1383 (No. 97-1585, 2001). T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he judge found that evidence of J.S.’s injuries established actual exposure here. Walmart attempts to sidestep the incident involving J.S. by contending that the injured employee’s exposure to falling merchandise resulted from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">her</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>violation of the company’s twenty-foot work rule, pursuant to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">which employees<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to stay at least twenty feet from a forklift with its forks raised.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref15" href="#ftn15">15</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Walmart further argues that, in any event, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he citation here was not based upon J.S.’s exposure, but rather on that of employees generally, and that the existence of its work rule shows that such exposure was not reasonably predictable.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Walmart’s argument misapprehends our exposure jurisprudence. As noted, “[e]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">xposure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to a violative condition may be established either by showing actual exposure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that access to the hazard was reasonably predictable.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix Roofing, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1076, 1079 (No. 90-2148, 1995),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 79 F.3d 1146 (5th Cir. 1996). Indeed, the Commission in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Phoenix Roofing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>analyzed reasonable predictability as merely an alternative rationale. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(“Actual exposure to the fall hazard involved in this case is unquestioned,” but “even if we were to ignore this evidence of actual exposure, . . . the evidentiary record still establishes that access to the violative condition was reasonably predictable.”).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart does not dispute that J.S. was struck by falling merchandise at the company’s facility, so actual exposure has been established, regardless of whether the company’s twenty-foot rule was violated.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref16" href="#ftn16">16</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Am. Luggage Works, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 10 BNA OSHC 1678, 1682 (No. 77-0893, 1982) (finding actual exposure based on machine operators’ hands being one inch from point of operation and rejecting argument that “employees were not exposed . . . because they were instructed in safe operating procedures and were required to remove their hands from the point of operation during the operating cycle”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Wayne Farms, LLC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, No. 17-1174,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2020 WL 5815506, at *3</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>n.2 (OSHRC Sept. 22, 2020) (“[T]he injury sustained by Employee #1 here is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">relevant to assessing actual exposure and would likely satisfy that element of the case if we were to reach that issue . . . .”). To the extent that a citation alleges hazards affecting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">multiple employees, the “[e]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">xposure</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of only a single employee to a zone of danger has been universally accepted by the courts and the Commission to satisfy the element.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Hartford Roofing Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1361 (No. 92-3855, 1995). Given J.S.’s undisputed injuries caused by falling merchandise, I would find that the Secretary established employee exposure here.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">IV.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Knowledge</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“Knowledge of the violative condition, either actual or constructive, is an element of the Secretary’s burden of proving a violation:<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Secretary must prove either that the employer knew of the violative condition or that it could have known with the exercise of reasonable diligence.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ragnar Benson, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1937, 1939 (No. 97-1676, 1999). “[K]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">nowledge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>can be imputed to the cited employer through its supervisory employee.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Access Equip. Sys., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1718, 1726 (No. 95-1449, 1999). The judge found actual knowledge based on testimony from J.S., who personally informed managers of concerns regarding falling items, as well as testimony from the distribution center’s general manager that merchandise occasionally falls from racks when pallets<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">struck by a forklift, that he received reports regarding tipped pallets, and that he was aware that it happens at least a few times per month. Walmart contends that this evidence fails to satisfy the knowledge element because “[w]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hile</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the testimony demonstrated that [Walmart] was aware that pallets were partially displaced from racking a few times per month, there was no indication that the [company] had knowledge that this was a violative condition.”</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart misstates the test for proving knowledge. “The knowledge element of a violation does not require a showing that the employer was actually aware that it was in violation of an OSHA standard; rather it is established if the record shows that the employer knew</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">of the conditions constituting a violation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Peterson Bros. Steel Erection Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1196, 1199 (No. 90-2304, 1993) (emphasis added) (citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">ConAgra Flour Milling Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1817, 1823 (No. 88-2572, 1992)),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 26 F.3d 573 (5th Cir. 1994). Here, the evidence cited by the judge shows that Walmart was aware the pallets stored on the racks were not blocked and therefore were not “stable and secure against sliding or collapse.” 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="page-break-before:page; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Accordingly, I would find that the Secretary has established employer knowledge here, in addition to the other three elements of his prima facie case, and therefore I would affirm Citation 1, Item 1.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref17" href="#ftn17">17</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:8.89cm; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>
					<span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Cynthia L. Attwood</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dated:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">December 31, 2020</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Commissioner</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div style="border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:solid .026cm #000000; padding-bottom:.035cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:none, 0, inherit; ">
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="color:#00B050; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Some personal identifiers have been redacted for privacy purposes.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">United States of America</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:10pt; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; ">1120 20th Street, N.W., Ninth Floor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:10pt; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:10pt; ">Washington, DC 20036-3457</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "> </p>
			</div>
			<table style="border-collapse:collapse; width:auto; align:left; margin-left:0cm; margin-bottom:0cm">
				<tr style="margin:0;border:0;padding:0;visibility:hidden;">
					<th style="width:312px;"/>
					<th style="width:312px;"/>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:dashed .026cm #000000; border-top:solid .026cm #000000; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">SECRETARY OF LABOR,</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:none, 0, inherit; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "> </p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:dashed .026cm #000000; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Complainant,</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:none, 0, inherit; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "> </p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr style="height:.85cm; ">
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:dashed .026cm #000000; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">v.</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:none, 0, inherit; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-weight:bold; ">
								</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">OSHRC DOCKET N</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">o. 17-0949</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:dashed .026cm #000000; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:10.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">WALMART, INC.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">,</span></p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "> </p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "> Respondent.</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:none, 0, inherit; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "> </p>
						</div>
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">
								</span></p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr style="height:.841cm; ">
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:dashed .026cm #000000; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:solid .026cm #000000; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "> </p>
						</div>
					</td>
					<td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:.194cm; padding-right:.194cm; border-left:none, 0, inherit; border-right:none, 0, inherit; border-top:none, 0, inherit; border-bottom:none, 0, inherit; width:8.255cm;">
						<div>
							<p style="margin-top:7.667px; margin-bottom:3.467px; "> </p>
						</div>
					</td>
				</tr>
			</table>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Appearances:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Daniel Hennefeld</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, Esq.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Office of the Regional Solicitor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">United States Department of Labor</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">201 Varick Street, Rm. 983</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">New York, NY 10014</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">For the Complainant</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Ronald W. Taylor</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, Esq.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Venable LLP</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">750 E. Pratt Street</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Baltimore, MD 21202</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">For the Respondent</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Before: Keith E. Bell, Administrative Law Judge</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline ;">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>This proceeding is before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (the Commission) pursuant to section 10(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. § 659 (c) (the Act). On March 28, 2017, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an inspection of a worksite located at 300 Enterprise Road in Johnstown, New York. Following the inspection, OSHA issued a Citation and Notification of Penalty (Citation) to Walmart, Inc. (Respondent) alleging a violation of the Act. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Respondent filed a timely Notice of Contest (NOC), bringing this matter before the Commission.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Citation 1, Item 1 is classified as “Serious” and alleges that Respondent violated 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b), stating that “employees are exposed to struck-by hazards from unstable material storage.” A penalty of $10,864.00 is proposed for this item. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">A hearing in this case was held on December 19, 2017, in Albany, New York. The parties each filed a post-hearing brief. For the reasons that follow, the Citation is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-weight:bold; ">AFFIRMED<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">and the proposed penalty is assessed.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Jurisdiction</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The record establishes, and the parties stipulated, that at all times relevant to this case, Respondent was an “employer” engaged in a “business affecting commerce” within the meaning of section 3(5) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 625(5). JX-1.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><a name="ftnref18" href="#ftn18">18</a></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Factual Background</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">The Accident</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>[redacted] is an employee of Respondent, Walmart, at distribution center #6096 in Johnstown, NY (worksite). Tr. 22. On February 25, 2017, she was struck on her head, shoulders and back by items that fell from a pallet.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><a name="ftnref19" href="#ftn19">19</a></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "> As a result of her accident, she suffered injury to her spine. Tr. 23 – 27. At the time of her accident, [redacted] was filling orders which required her to go up and down the aisles to remove items from the rack. Although she did not see the items fall, she later learned that a pallet was tipped by another employee causing the items on the pallet to fall. Tr. 26.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Storage Racks</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Walmart uses a “selective racking” system which is the industry standard. The selective racking system has two orange beams (front and back) that are load beams where the stored merchandise rests. The selective racking system includes several slots used to store merchandise to fill orders. The slots on the floor are called “10” slots and just above are the “20” slots. The slots closer to the floor are more commonly referred to as “pick” slots. Tr. 33. The upper slots in the selective racking system are called “T” slots. Tr. 33. The tallest T-slot is approximately 40 to 50 feet high. Tr. 36. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">A hauler brings merchandise to storage racks on pallets and leaves them on the floor in the aisles. Then, a driver assigned to put the items away places them in the T-slots. Tr. 46. Merchandise placed in the T-slots eventually gets moved down to the “pick” slots which are used to fill orders. Tr. 46. Throughout the day, employees move through the aisles to place or move merchandise on the racks. Tr. 47. Occasionally, the driver putting the merchandise away hits the adjacent pallet while attempting to push the pallet into its designated slot. Sometimes, the pallet does not fall completely; but rather, items fall off the pallet. Due to the design of the selective racking system, there is nothing to stop a pallet from sliding when it is bumped. Tr. 49. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Once a pallet is empty, it is pulled and stored in with other empty pallets in a separate location. Tr. 122-23. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Inspection</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Walmart’s Distribution Center #6096 was inspected on March 28, 2017, by OSHA Compliance Officer (CO), Charles Harvey, based on a complaint concerning an employee injury and an unsafe condition. Tr. 70. CO Harvey began his inspection with an opening conference conducted with General Manager (GM) Paul Lund and other Walmart managers. As part of his inspection, CO Harvey walked through the worksite, conducted employee interviews, took photographs, and held a closeout conference before leaving. Tr. 75. Following his inspection, CO Harvey recommended that a citation be issued for a violation of 29 C.F.R. §1910.176(b). Tr. 91. Based on the information gathered during his inspection, CO Harvey determined that the citation should be characterized as “serious” with a proposed penalty in the amount of $10, 864.00. Tr. 92-93.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Stipulated Facts and Issues of Law (JX-1)</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; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Jurisdiction of this action is conferred upon the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission by section 10(c) of the Act.</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">2.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Respondent, Walmart, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, maintaining its principal office and place of business at 702 SW 8</span><span style="position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>Street, Bentonville, Arkansas, 72716, and doing business in the State of New York, is and at all times hereinafter mentioned was engaged in business operating department stores, distribution centers and related activities.</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">3.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Respondent operates a distribution center located at 300 Enterprise Road, Johnstown, New York (the worksite).</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">4.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Many of the materials and supplies used by Respondent at the worksite originated and/or<span>
					</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were shipped from outside the State of New York and Respondent was and is engaged in a business affecting commerce within the meaning of sections 3(3) and 3(5) of the Act and is an employer within the meaning of section 3(5) of the Act.</span></p>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">5.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA conducted an inspection at the worksite as a result of which OSHA issued the citation that is contested in this action.</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Secretary’s Burden of Proof</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The Secretary has the burden of establishing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">the employer violated the cited standard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">To prove a violation of an OSHA safety or health standard promulgated under § 5(a)(2) of the Act, the Secretary must establish</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by a preponderance of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">evidence</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">,</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">:</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(1) the cited standard applies, (2) there was a failure to comply with the cited standard, (3) employees had access to the violative condition, and (4) the employer knew or could have known of the condition with the exercise of reasonable diligence.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1981247015&pubNum=0003227&originatingDoc=I516ba57987d911e5a807ad48145ed9f1&refType=CA&fi=co_pp_sp_3227_2129&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Search)#co_pp_sp_3227_2129"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-style:italic; ">Astra Pharma. Prods.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">, 9 BNA OSHC 2126, 2129 (No. 78-6247</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 1981)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd in relevant part</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 681 F.2d 691 (D.C. Cir. 1980).</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">A preponderance of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">evidence</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is “that quantum of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">evidence</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>which is sufficient to convince the trier of fact that the facts asserted by a proponent are more probably true than false.”<span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1981247015&pubNum=0003227&originatingDoc=I516ba57987d911e5a807ad48145ed9f1&refType=CA&fi=co_pp_sp_3227_2131&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Search)#co_pp_sp_3227_2131"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
							</span>Astra Pharma</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-style:italic; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span><span></span>
							</span>at 2131, n. 17</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Discussion</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>29 C.F.R. §1910.176(b) states: “Handling materials-general. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Secure storage. </span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Storage of materials shall not create a hazard. Bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers shall be stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse.” In this case, the Secretary alleges that on March 28, 2017, and at all times prior, employees were exposed to “struck by” hazards from unstable material storage.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Applicability</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The language of 29 C.F.R. §1910.176(b) plainly states that it applies to “storage of materials” and requires them to be maintained secure and stable to prevent sliding or collapsing. The violation at issue in this case resulted from an accident at the worksite, Walmart Distribution Center #6069, where pallets of inventory were stored on racks until used to fill orders. Tr. 26, 75-78, 138-39. Specifically, a pallet slid, when bumped, causing its contents (cans of crescent rolls) to fall through the racking system and strike [redacted]. Respondent argues that the “material” that fell on [redacted] is not covered by this standard because it was in the process of being placed into storage. Resp’t Br. 8-9. However, this contention is not supported by the evidence. On the contrary, the evidence reveals that [redacted] was in the process of removing materials from the racks to fill an order when a pallet of crescent rolls, already in place, was dislodged by another pallet being placed on (or removed from) an adjacent rack. Tr. 26-27, 77-78, 138-39. Respondents argument is unconvincing given its concession that the crescent rolls fell through the rack before striking [redacted] which is a clear indication that they were on the rack prior to the accident. Tr. 139. The cited standard applies. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Standard Violated</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">That the pallet holding the crescent rolls that struck [redacted] was tipped or pushed by another pallet being placed or removed by a lift driver on an adjacent aisle is undisputed. Instead, the dispute centers on what caused the rolls to fall. CO Harvey testified that the pallet of crescent rolls was stacked/racked in an unstable manner because it was resting only on a front and back beam with no other support. Tr. 96. By contrast, Respondent contends that the pallet was stable in the racking system and would have remained so but for being displaced by another pallet which was being moved on an adjacent rack.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><a name="ftnref20" href="#ftn20">20</a></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "> Tr. 139. Previously, the Commission has held that stacked material must be stable and secure even<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">when struck by forklifts. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Clement Food Co.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 11 BNA OSHC 2120, 2122 (No. 80-607, 1984) (holding that §1910.176(b) is not limited by its own words to stacks so unstable that they might collapse under their own weight). Here, Walmart uses 46” pallets on a 42” (measured from front beam to back beam) span selective racking system. Tr. 124. That means that a perfectly placed pallet only has 2” of overhang on each beam to keep it in place. The General Manager (GM) of Walmart Distribution Center #6096, Paul Lund, testified that merchandise occasionally falls from the racking system due to “operator error” that pushes a pallet on an adjacent rack and causes it to fall. Tr. 133-34. Given the dynamic atmosphere of this distribution center where pallets and their contents are constantly being placed and pulled from the racks, it is clear to see why these 46” pallets resting on 42” span racks become unstable when struck by moving equipment. The evidence supports a finding that Respondent violated 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Employee Access</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The Commission has recognized that exposure may be established by showing “that it is reasonably predictable either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), that employees have been, are, or will be in the zone of danger.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Nuprecon LP</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1817, 1819 (No. 08-1307, 2012).<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The zone of danger is “that area surrounding the violative condition that presents the danger to employees which the standard is intended to prevent.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">KS Energy Servs., Inc</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">., 22 BNA OSHC 1261, 1265 (No. 06-1416, 2008)</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">citing</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">RGM Constr. Co</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">17<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">BNA OSHC</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">229, 1234 (No. 91</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">-</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">2107,</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">1995)</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">)</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>At the time of her accident, [redacted] was filling orders which required her to go up and down the aisles to remove items from the rack. Tr. 26. Walmart’s own investigation into the accident revealed that she entered the 20-foot zone while a lift driver was retrieving a pallet from the top level. Tr. 138. </span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The pallet was bumped and caused merchandise to fall inside the racking system where it ultimately struck [redacted]. Tr. 139. GM Paul Lund testified that [redacted] should not have been within 20 feet of the area where the accident occurred because there was a forklift operating on the adjacent aisle. Further, Mr. Lund testified that [redacted] should have recognized that a forklift was in the area by sight and by sound. Tr. 139. According to [redacted], she<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">didn’t</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hear the driver shout “20 feet”. Tr. 55-56. She also testified that the 20-foot rule is not always followed. Tr. 53-54. [redacted]’s contention is supported by the testimony of CO Harvey that, during his inspection, he observed that employees were not adhering to the 20-foot rule. In fact, while CO Harvey was walking around the distribution center with GM Lund, there was a moving piece of equipment in the adjacent aisle and no one invoked the 20-foot rule. Tr. 90-91. In sum, the facts clearly show that [redacted], and possibly others, was exposed to the “zone of danger” which, in this case, was an aisle between the racks where a piece of equipment was operating within 20 feet. The evidence supports a finding that [redacted] had access to the hazard and was within the zone of danger to perform her assigned task at the time of the accident.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-style:italic; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Employer Knowledge</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The knowledge requirement</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>may be satisfied by proof either that the employer actually knew, or</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>had constructive knowledge and</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>“with the exercise of reasonable diligence, could have known of the presence of the violative condition.”<span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1992453695&pubNum=0003227&originatingDoc=I6cb985e3931e11d9bdd1cfdd544ca3a4&refType=CA&fi=co_pp_sp_3227_1814&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.DocLink)#co_pp_sp_3227_1814"><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
							</span>Pride Oil Well Serv.,</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
							</span>15<span>
							</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">BNA OSHC</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
							</span>1809, 1814 (</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">No. 87-692,<span>
							</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">1992)</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "> Alt</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">hough the Secretary has the burden to establish employer knowledge of the violative conditions, when a supervisory employee has actual or constructive knowledge of the violative conditions, that knowledge is imputed to the employer, and the Secretary satisfies his burden of proof without having to demonstrate any inadequacy or defect in the employer's safety program.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Dover Elevator Co. Inc.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 16<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">BNA<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">OSHC 1286-87 (No. 91-862, 1993) quoting<span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1992453650&pubNum=0003227&originatingDoc=I563bd60cfa2b11d983e7e9deff98dc6f&refType=CA&fi=co_pp_sp_3227_1710&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)#co_pp_sp_3227_1710"><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Baytown Constr. Co</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">., 15 BNA OSHC 1705, 1710</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">(No. 88–2912S, 1992),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-style:italic; color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">aff'd</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 983 F.2d 282 (5th Cir.</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">1993)</span><span style="color:#212121; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(unpublished). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">According to [redacted], prior to her accident, items would fall 3-4 times during her work week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tr. 28. [redacted] testified that she personally informed a couple of managers of her concerns regarding items falling off the T-slots. In particular, [redacted] recalled telling a manager named Dean who no longer works at the distribution center. However, [redacted] testified that her concerns were “brushed off”. Tr. 30. CO Harvey interviewed an unnamed male employee who told him that material falls through the racks frequently. Tr. 85. CO Harvey testified that GM Lund stated he was aware of material falling through the racks but had not received funding from the corporation to put “fixes” in place such as intermediate/perpendicular bars as seen in CX-4a.</span><span style="position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><a name="ftnref21" href="#ftn21">21</a></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Tr. 86-87. Thomas Rimmer who is an Asset Protection Manager at this worksite testified that material falls off the reserve level of the selective racking system when hit by an associate thereby causing a pallet to tip. Tr. 161. He further testified that pallets frequently tip but only fall a couple of times a month. Tr. 162. GM Lund testified that merchandise occasionally falls from the racking when struck by a lift driver. Tr. 133-34. Although he never saw a pallet fall, Mr. Lund stated that he received reports regarding tipped pallets and is aware that it happens at least a few times per month. Tr. 134, 136-37. The evidence supports a finding that Respondent’s managers had actual knowledge of the hazard and that knowledge may be imputed to Respondent. </span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">However, Respondent is still entitled to rebut a</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>prima facie showing of supervisor knowledge</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>avoid imputation of that knowledge by coming forward to show that it had work rules addressing the cited hazard that were adequately communicated to supervisors and effectively enforced</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Pride Oil Well Serv</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">at</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>1815</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">. The work rule referenced repeatedly in relation to this violation is Respondent’s “20-foot” rule. However, the record reveals that the 20-foot rule was not always followed, nor was it effectively enforced. Employer knowledge is established.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">Penalty Determination</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The Commission, as the final arbiter of penalties, must give due consideration to the gravity of the violation and to the employer's size, history and good faith</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">. J.A. Jones Constr. Co</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">., 15 BNA OSHC 2201, 2213-14 (No. 87-2059, 1993). These factors are not necessarily accorded equal weight, and gravity is generally the most important factor. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Trinity Indus., Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC 1481, 1483 (No. 88-2691, 1992). The gravity of a violation depends upon such matters as the number of employees exposed, duration of exposure, precautions taken against injury, and the likelihood that an injury would result</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">. J.A. Jones</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 15 BNA OSHC at 2213-14.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Serious Characterization</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The penalty proposed in this case was based on a violation characterized as “serious”. </span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">To demonstrate that a violation was “serious” under section 17(d) of the Act,</span><span style="font-size:14pt; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:14pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">t</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">he Secretary must show that there is a substantial probability of death or serious physical harm that could result from the cited condition and<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">the employer knew or shou</span><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">ld have known of the violation. </span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Secretary need not show the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">likelihood of an accident<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">occurring</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><a href="http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?mt=Westlaw&db=0003227&tc=-1&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&findtype=Y&ordoc=2026579713&serialnum=1991434457&vr=2.0&fn=_top&sv=Split&tf=-1&referencepositiontype=S&pbc=99658F2F&referenceposition=1024&rs=WLW12.04"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-style:italic; ">Spancrete N</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-style:italic; ">e.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-style:italic; ">, Inc.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">, 15 BNA OSHC 1020, 1024 (No. 86-521, 1991)</span></a><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "> Knowledge has already been established. So, the only determination left to make is whether death or serious physical harm could result from the cited condition. In this case, [redacted] was struck by cans of crescent rolls that fell from a pallet. 27. CO Harvey testified that the resulting injury was “bruising”. Tr. 105. Respondent argues that this violation should be characterized as “other-than-serious” because “bruising” does not constitute serious physical harm. Resp’t Br. 16. If bruising had been the extent of [redacted]’s injuries from the accident, Respondent would be correct that this violation should be characterized as “other-than-serious”. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See Lisbon Contractors, Inc.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">5 BNA OSHC 1741 (No. 11097, 1977) (holding that the violation at issue was “non-serious” because bruises or contusions could have resulted from the hazard). However, the evidence reveals that “bruises” were not the extent of [redacted]’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">injuries. [redacted] gave uncontroverted testimony that, according to her doctor and chiropractor, she has spacing between her T3 and T4 spinal vertebrae and has lost curvature of the spine. Tr. 27. In weighing the difference between CO Harvey’s description and that of [redacted] regarding her injuries, the undersigned finds that the two are not inconsistent, but [redacted] offers a more detailed explanation of her condition after the accident. [redacted] further testified that, because of her injuries from the accident, she had to transfer to a different department. Interestingly, CO Harvey’s testimony regarding the nature of [redacted]’s injuries seems to belie OSHA’s characterization of this violation as “serious”. However, [redacted] is clearly in the better position to know the true nature and extent of her injuries. Since the Secretary is not required to show that an accident did occur, an analysis of whether this violation is properly characterized as “serious” requires a look at not just the physical harm that occurred in this case, but also the physical harm that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-weight:bold; ">could</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>occur. The evidence reflects that the T-slots where the pallets are stored are up to 40 or 50 feet high. Tr. 36, 79. The testimonial evidence and photographs show that the pallets at this worksite are loaded with various merchandise consisting of cans, jars, and boxes --- some shrink wrapped and others not. CX-1, 3 & 4. Given the height of the T-slots on Respondent’s racking system, the size of the pallets, and the bulk items stored on each pallet, it is reasonable to infer that death or serious injury would likely occur to an employee working in the adjacent aisle when a pallet is dislodged. </span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">See A.G. Mazzocchi, Inc.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">, 22 BNA OSHC 1377, 1387 (No. 98-1696, 2008) (Commission held that reasonable inferences may be drawn from circumstantial evidence) (citing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">1 Clifford S. Fishman,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Jones on Evidence</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>§§ 1.5, 4.2 (7th ed. 1972)</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">). The violation is properly characterized as “serious”.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-style:italic; ">Penalty Calculation</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Regarding the proposed penalty for this violation, CO Harvey testified that the gravity was rated as “medium to high” because there was an injury that wasn’t disabling. He further testified that probability was rated as “greater” because of the likelihood that this could happen again. Tr. 91-92. No good faith adjustment was given because CO Harvey never received a full safety and health plan to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">evaluate. Tr. 94. Also, Counsel for Respondent stipulated that the company is not entitled to a good-faith adjustment. Tr. 93. No evidence was adduced regarding the size; however, it is well-known that Walmart is a large company. In any case, Respondent only disputes the characterization of the violation not the penalty calculation. The evidence supports a finding that the proposed penalty is appropriate. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:center; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>The foregoing constitutes the findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">ORDER</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><a name="ftnref22" href="#ftn22">22</a></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:2; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is ORDERED that:</span></p>
			</div>
			<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_ListParagraph style_ListParagraph " style="margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:72px; text-indent:-.635cm; widows:0; orphans:0; line-height:2; text-align:justify; ">
				<span style="padding-right:20px;">1.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
					</span>Item 1 of Serious Citation 1, alleging a violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b), is AFFIRMED, and a penalty of $10,864.00 is assessed.</span></p>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">DATED: </span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;"> June 18, 2018 </span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/Keith E. Bell</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:1.15; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "> Washington, D.C.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>KEITH E. BELL</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="line-height:1.15; text-align:justify; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">Judge, OSHRC</span><span style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "> </p>
			</div>
			<hr/>"
      <div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_Footer style_Footer ">
					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; ">
					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">1 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The distribution center’s general manager testified that Walmart’s racking system is standard in the warehousing industry, and this testimony was unrebutted.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">2 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">record does not show</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the total number of crescent roll</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>containers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that fell from the pallet, the number that struck<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">J.S.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, or how many fell in the aisle<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">as opposed to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the middle of the racks.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> J.S., who testified that the pallet would not have fallen unless it was pushed by the forklift, is the only employee known to Walmart to have been struck by falling merchandise and to have suffered an injury due to a pallet tipping in the selective racking system at the distribution center.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">3 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The judge did not address the abatement date issue because he found that it was “not litigat</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ed.”</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">4 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We note that the judge did not address this issue, focusing instead on Walmart’s argument that the items that fell on J.S. were “not covered by this standard because [they were] in the process of being placed into storage.”  In fairness, Walmart did not raise the issue of the definition of “tier” not encompassing the pallets themselves before the judge—indeed, the company explicitly argued this point only in its reply brief on review.  Nevertheless, the Secretary did not move for leave to file an additional brief to directly address this line of argument or move to strike<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>brief as raising an issue not properly before us. <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Commission Rule 93(b)(3), 29 C.F.R. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">2200.93(b)(3) (“The party that filed the first brief may file a reply brief, or, if briefs are to be filed simultaneously, both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">parties may file a reply brief.  Additional briefs are otherwise not allowed except by leave of the Commission.”).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">5 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The cited provision was originally promulgated<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">in May 1969 under the Walsh-Healey<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Public Contracts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Act</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of 1936</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. <span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Part 50-204—Safety and Health Standards for Federal Supply Contracts, 34 Fed. Reg. 7946, 7947 (May 20, 1969)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(codified at 41 C.F.R. § 50-204.3(b))</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> It was then adopted as an OSHA standard in May 1971 under § 6(a) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which permitted the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">to “promulgate as an occupational safety or health standard any</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">established Federal standard,” without notice-and-comment rulemaking, “during the period beginning with the effective date of this Act and ending two years” later.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">29 U.S.C. § 655(a)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>National Consensus Standards and Established Federal Standards, 36 Fed. Reg. 10,465, 10,612 (May 29, 1971).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">6 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">This is not to say that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the standard would<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">apply if the pallets themselves had been stored in tiers. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">A<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">tower of used pallets</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, for example, would presumably be covered by the cited provision, a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">nd<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">would therefore need to be “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>so that they<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">would not fall over</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> 29 C.F.R. § 1910.176(b).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> In such a scenario, pallets may be stacked so high as to become unstable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>resulting in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">“sliding or colla</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">pse.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">7 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>I<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">am inclined</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to agree with my colleagues that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the first sentence of § 1910.176(b), providing that “[s]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">torage</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of material shall not create a hazard,” is simply an introduction to the substantive requirements in the second sentence, and does not stand alone as its own obligation. That said, given my conclusion that the second sentence applies, I decline to analyze this issue.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">8 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>As the majority notes, Walmart did not make this argument until its reply brief<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">to the Commission—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">its argument before the judge was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, as articulated in the company’s post-hearing brief,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the alleged hazard “involves the method by which pallets were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">placed into</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>storage,” not materials<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">that were<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">already<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">stored</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> (Emphasis added.) I therefore question my colleagues’ willingness to address the “stored in tiers” question when the judge “did not have the opportunity to pass upon” the issue first. Commission Rule 92(c), 29 C.F.R. § 2200.92(c). Nonetheless, given their treatment of the issue, I do likewise.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">9 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">J.S.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the “upper slots” on the storage racks were referred to as “T1, T2, T3.” She did not explain what the “T” stands for,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">but one wonders</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn10" href="#ftnref10"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">10 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The majority attempts to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">draw a distinction<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">between<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart’s racks</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the tiers of a wedding cake.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> To my knowledge, however, the tiers of any cake—wedding or otherwise—rarely have, as the majority asserts, “nothing in between” them. Cake tiers are usually separated by a layer of frosting, and wedding cakes often have decorative pillars between each layer or use dowels to create height and lend support for what might otherwise be an unstable stack. Under the majority’s reasoning, it would be a misnomer for any baker to use the term “tier” to refer to the layers of such cakes.</span>
					<span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">And if I were inclined to resort to such analogies, I might point out that the tiers of a sports stadium are structures built at varying levels to hold seats and spectators, much like the levels of Walmart’s racking system are designed to hold pallets and merchandise. Similarly, the levels of the Kennedy Center Opera House are denoted “Box Tier,” “1st Tier,” and “2nd Tier.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Opera House Seating Chart,<span>
						</span></span><a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/visit/exploring-our-spaces/opera-house"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_Hyperlink style_Hyperlink " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; text-decoration:underline ;font-size:12pt; ">http://www.kennedy-center.org/visit/exploring-our-spaces/opera-house</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(last visited Nov. 19, 2020).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn11" href="#ftnref11"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">11 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">While<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the “limited in height” requirement<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">may apply<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">to the tiers themselves</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">in this case, how many levels are in the racking</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">focuses<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the lack of blocking, so<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">my</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>analysis<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">likewise focuses<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">on that requirement.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn12" href="#ftnref12"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">12 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart also attempts to distinguish two<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">judges’ decisions</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on the ground that both cases involved inherently unstable storage. Unreviewed decisions by Commission judges are not binding precedent. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Leone Constr. Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 3 BNA OSHC 1979, 1981 (No. 4090, 1976) (“[A] Judge’s opinion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">lacking full Commission review does not constitute precedent binding upon us.”).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> In any event, one judge simply followed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Clement Food</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in finding that “stacked material must be stable and secure<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">even when struck by forklifts</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Sanderson Farms, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">No. 07-1623, 2008 WL 5203149, at *5 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J. Aug. 12, 2008),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 348 F.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">App’x</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>53 (5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2009) (unpublished) (emphasis added)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> The other followed both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Clement Food</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Fifth Circuit’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>decision in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Sanderson Farms</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in declaring that “[</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">]t is enough . . . [that] the record establishes the stack [of stored materials] was capable of sliding or collapsing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">when struck or disturbed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Gen. Dynamics Land Sys., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, No. 17-0637, 2018 WL 3046401, at *5 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J. May 4, 2018) (emphasis added). I therefore find Walmart’s argument unpersuasive.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn13" href="#ftnref13"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">13 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">he majority<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">note</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">s that J.S. is the only employee known to Walmart</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">to have been struck by falling merchandise</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in the distribution center. Nevertheless, J.S. testified that she “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">heard from other employees that there was an incident where a gentleman was hit with what I believe was barbecue sauce.”</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn14" href="#ftnref14"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">14 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary asserts that Walmart offers no evidence on this issue other than its general manager’s testimony that the company’s pallets and racking system were “standard in the industry” and that front-to-back rails are not “standard” parts for the racks. Walmart appears to concede that its general manager’s testimony stands alone in this regard, responding only that the testimony was uncontradicted and unimpeached at the hearing. Given Walmart’s own experience with tipping pallets,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">which the company does not dispute,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>I find no need to resolve<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">what industry practice<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">in this regard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn15" href="#ftnref15"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">15 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The distribution center’s general manager testified that this work rule shows that Walmart “take[s] safety very seriously.” A more discerning observer might note that such a rule is a sign of the company’s awareness that falling merchandise is a serious safety problem.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn16" href="#ftnref16"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">16 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Walmart’s argument<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">resembles a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">n unpreventable employee misconduct defense</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, but it is not, nor can it be one. Such a “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">defense is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">predicated on the notion that an employer should not be held responsible when<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">the cited violative condition</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">caused by an employee</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">s misconduct if that misconduct was not reasonably foreseeable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Calpine Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 27 BNA OSHC 1014, 1020 (No. 11-1734, 2018),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 774 F.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">App’x</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>879 (5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2019) (unpublished). The violative condition here is the company’s failure to block materials to keep them from falling, not a failure to keep employees away from forklifts. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See id.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(rejecting UEM claim because “t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">he violative condition</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">was the absence of either railings or an attendant at a temporary floor opening on the platform</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">,” and so employer’s “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">rule requiring employees to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">use personal fall protection</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">is not equivalent to the cited standard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">”).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn17" href="#ftnref17"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">17 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">The abatement period set by the citation is 19 days. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">On review,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Walmart contends th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">e abatement period</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>is unreasonable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>because the installation of front-to-back rails on the racking would take up to six months.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> The judge<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">declined to address this issue, finding that it was not litigated. I would find this was error. Walmart contested the “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">abatement requirements associated with the citation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">” in its notice of contest, and counsel for the company questioned the distribution center’s general manager at the hearing regarding how long it would take to install front-to-back rails. The general manager’s testimony that it would take six months is unrebutted. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Druth</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Packaging Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 8 BNA OSHC 1999, 2003 (No. 77-3266, 1980)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">When an employer contests a citation, it may place in issue the reasonableness of the abatement date specified in the citation,” and when the employer does so, “the burden of proving reasonableness lies with the Secretary.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> Accordingly, I would extend the abatement period to six months</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<a name="ftn18" href="#ftnref18"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">18 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>JX denotes Joint Exhibit; CX denotes Complainant’s Exhibit; and RX denotes Respondent’s Exhibit.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<a name="ftn19" href="#ftnref19"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">19 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Although [redacted] testified that her accident occurred sometime in April 2017, she also stated that she couldn’t exactly remember the date. The record reflects that the accident occurred on February 25, 2017. Tr. 138.</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="ftn20" href="#ftnref20"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">20 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent also argues that [redacted] violated the company’s “20-foot” rule when she entered the aisle while a lift was moving pallets on an adjacent aisle thereby placing herself in harm’s way. Tr. 139. Respondent’s “20-foot rule” requires order fillers to stay 20 feet back when a driver honks their horn and yells “20 feet” while placing items in or removing them from a pick-slot or T-slot. Tr. 52. This argument fails for two reasons: (1) it attempts to place blame on [redacted] which goes to an “unpreventable employee misconduct” defense not properly raised prior to the hearing; and (2) it has no bearing on whether the pallet of crescent rolls was stored in compliance with the cited standard. Respondent’s 20-foot rule is referenced in RX-5; however, it states “[p]edestrians must maintain a safe distance around operating forklifts and/or power equipment...”. </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:6.667px; ">
					<a name="ftn21" href="#ftnref21"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">21 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>According to CO Harvey, the perpendicular beams<span><span></span>
					</span>would prevent pallets from falling through if dislodged. Tr. 87. In fact, Mr. Lund stated the perpendicular beams were placed in this area because smaller items are kept there. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">Id</span>.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn22" href="#ftnref22"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">22 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Respondent requested six months to abate the cited condition in its post-hearing brief. Resp’t Br. at 16. However, this issue was not litigated. Therefore, the undersigned has no basis for determining a reasonable abatement time. </p>
			</div></div></body>
</html>