Opinion ID: 390870
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the fixed ladder violations

Text: 23 The Company argues in regard to the fixed ladder violation that their ladder in question was not a fixed ladder within the meaning of the ANSI A14.3-1956, Safety Code for Fixed Ladders, as adopted by 29 C.F.R. § 1926.450(a)(5). Again, the standard on review is whether the finding of the ALJ is supported by substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole. We find that the ALJ did not err in deeming the ladder a fixed ladder within the meaning of the regulation. Although the Company offered as its witness the head of the ANSI Fixed Ladder Committee to testify as to the meaning of the provision, the ALJ refused to credit his testimony. Because an agency may decline to accept the testimony of an expert, his action was permissible. The standard pertains to ladders that are permanently attached, and the Secretary suggested that a ladder welded to the structure, even if temporarily welded, was such a ladder. The ALJ agreed with the interpretation of the Secretary, and where the Secretary and the Commission agree on a reasonable interpretation, the courts owe substantial deference to that interpretation. Floyd S. Pike Electrical Contractor, Inc. v. Occupational Safety & Health Review Comm'n, 576 F.2d 72, 75, n. 4 (5th Cir. 1978); Clarkson Const'n., Inc. v. Occupational Safety & Health Review Comm'n, 531 F.2d 451, 457 (10th Cir. 1976); Budd Co. v. Occupational Safety & Health Review Comm'n, 513 F.2d 201, 205 (3d Cir. 1975). Furthermore, the determination by the ALJ that the ladder was permanently affixed, i. e., welded to the structure, may be viewed as a factual finding supported by substantial evidence. 24 Based on the foregoing reasons, the decision of the ALJ and its adoption by law by the Commission is 25 AFFIRMED.