Centimark Corporation

1
United States of America
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION
1120 20th Street, N.W., Ninth Floor
Washington, DC 20036-3457
SECRETARY OF LABOR,
Complainant,
v. OSHRC DOCKET NO. 20-0762
CENTIMARK CORPORATION,
Respondent.
Appearances:
For Complainant
Elena S. Goldstein, Acting Solicitor of Labor
Oscaar L. Hampton III, Regional Solicitor
M. del Pilar Castillo, Esq.
For Respondent
Mark J. Golen II
Justin M. Michitsch
Before: Chief Administrative Law Judge Covette Rooney
CentiMark Corporation (Respondent or CentiMark) engages in roofing work on a
contractual basis. On January 9, 2020, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
began an inspection of one of its worksites located at 870 Riversea Road in Pittsburgh, PA (the
“worksite”). As a result of the inspection, on April 24, 2020, the Secretary issued a two-item
Citation and Notification of Penalty (Citation) to CentiMark alleging a serious violation of 29
C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(11) and a repeat violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10). (Ex. J-1.)
A hearing was held on April 13 and 14th, 2021, on a video conference platform. After being
granted an extension, the parties filed post-hearing briefs on June 24, 2021, and reply briefs on July
8, 2021.

2
For the reasons below, the undersigned vacates Citation 1, Item 1 and affirms Citation 1,
Item 2 as repeat and assesses a penalty of $48,195.
I. Jurisdiction
The parties stipulated:
1. The Review Commission has jurisdiction in this proceeding pursuant to
§ 10(c) of the OSH Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
2. Respondent utilizes tools, equipment, machinery, materials, goods and
supplies which have originated in whole or in part from locations
outside the State of Pennsylvania.
3. Respondent is an employer engaged in a business affecting commerce
within the meaning of Sections 3(3) and 3(5) of the OSHA Act, 29
U.S.C. §§ 653(3), (5).
(Tr. 15.) Based upon the record, including the parties’ admission to jurisdiction, the undersigned
concludes the Commission has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this case.
I. Background
Respondent is a commercial roofing company. (Tr. 303.) It was retained to install a new
roof at WW Paterson’s (WW’s) facility at 870 Riversea Road in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.1 (Tr.
280; Exs. C-2, C-3.) Rather than a single surface, the facility's top was more akin to four “mini”
roofs, with some areas pitched and others having a low slope. (Tr. 44, 212; Exs. J-6, R-1; Stip. 1.)
OSHA Compliance Office Walter Visage (CO) observed a worker on WW’s roof who did
not appear to have any fall protection at approximately 8:00 am on January 9, 2020.2 (Tr. 34, 47.)
The CO was in his car at the time, so he pulled over to observe the worker and started to take
pictures. (Tr. 33, 38 43, 97; Ex. J-10.) In addition to the worker on the roof, he also saw several
1 The parties stipulated: “On or about November 2019, WW Paterson retained CentiMark to replace portion of four
interconnected roofs at 870 Riversea Road, Pittsburgh, A 15212.” (Stip. 1.)
2 The parties stipulated: “On January 9, 2020 CSHO Walter Visage arrived at CentiMark’s [worksite].” (Stip. 2.)

3
workers engaged in various activities at ground level. (Tr. 35-36, 49, 95.) One man was at the
control panel for a crane while others were around the base of the crane bed. (Tr. 35, 50.) Workers
were rigging the load for the crane to lift to the roof. (Tr. 50, 58-59, Ex. J-10.) To the CO, it
appeared that the worker on the roof was communicating with the employees at ground level. (Tr.
166-67; Ex. C-3.)
The CO noticed a second employee on a different section of the roof, also without fall
protection. (Tr. 38.) He was approximately 100 to 125 feet away from the workers during this
observation period. (Tr. 97.)
After watching and photographing the workers for about 10 to 15 minutes, the CO opened
an inspection and conducted an opening conference. (Tr. 37, 39.) He introduced himself and
requested that those working on the roof return to the ground. (Tr. 29.) The workers on the roof
were foremen.3 (Tr. 175; Exs. C-4, C-5; Stips. 3-4.) Mr. Kent had been on the steep pitched section
of the roof. (Ex. J-10.) He was placing cones for a planned flag line that would demarcate what he
considered a safe work area. (Tr. 59-60; Ex. J-10.) Mr. Harmon was on a low-slope roof. (Tr. 60;
Exs. J-10, C-3, C-4.) He had gone to the roof to assess locations where he could signal the crane
when hoisting materials onto the roof. (Tr. 76; Exs. C-3, C-4.)
The conference was brief, and the CO informed the workers that he would return later to
conduct further interviews.4 (Tr. 40.) When he returned later the same day, he interviewed three
employees and concluded the on-site portion of the inspection. (Tr. 40.) After the site visit, he had
a few conversations with CentiMark employees and reviewed further information. (Tr. 40.) A
closing conference was held on April 1, 2020.
3 The parties stipulated, “Greg Kent was a CentiMark employee and foreman on January 9, 2020 and arrived first at
6:30 a.m.,” and that “Stanley Harmon was a CentiMark employee and foreman on January 9, 2020 and arrived at the
[worksite] with CentiMark’s remaining crew members at approximately 7:00 a.m.” (Stips. 3-4.)
4 The parties stipulated: “On January 9, 2020 CSHO Visage spoke to Mr. Kent and Mr. Harmon at the [worksite].”
(Stip. 5.)

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II. Discussion
To establish a violation of a specific standard, the Secretary must show by a preponderance
of the evidence that: (1) the cited standard applies; (2) its terms were violated; (3) the employer
knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the violative condition;
and (4) one or more employees had access to the cited condition. Astra Pharm. Prods., 9 BNA
OSHC 2126, 2129 (No. 78-6247, 1981), aff’d in relevant part, 681 F.2d 69 (1st Cir. 1982).
A. Citation No. 1, Item 1
Citation 1, Item 1 alleges that Respondent violated 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(11), a
construction industry fall protection standard. (Ex. J-1.) This standard addresses the use of fall
protection on steep roofs:
Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or
more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with
toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(11). It requires guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems on all
steep roofs higher than six feet unless there are not unprotected edges. Id. A “steep roof” is a roof
with a slope greater than 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).” 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(b)(2). The term
“unprotected sides and edges” is defined as “any side or edge … of walking/working surface, e.g.,
floor, roof, ramp … where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high.” 29
C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(1).
1. Applicability & Violation
Respondent contends that the employees were not engaged in work.5 (Resp’t Br. 14.)
Alternatively, if they were, they argue that no employee was exposed to the cited hazard. The
Secretary disputes both points.
5 Respondent raises this argument primarily in connection Citation 2, Item 1.

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Respondent’s contention that the employees were not engaged in roofing work when the
CO arrived is rejected. Approximately two months before the CO arrived, Respondent completed
an inspection of the worksite. (Tr. 171.) It had already engaged in the pre-job inspection. Id.
Employees had been on site for well over an hour when the CO drove by. (Stips. 3-4; Tr. 180, 262.)
The employees were being paid at least from the time of their arrival.6 (Tr. 180-83.) They were not
sitting around; the employees were working. Before the CO arrived, employees had placed trucks
close to roofs, loaded materials onto the crane bed, and completed a “Fall Protection/Safety Work
Plan.” (Ex. J-7; Tr. 68, 176, 262-63.) An employee was at the controls for the crane. (Tr. 49-50.)
The crane riggers were out, and the boom was elevated. (Tr. 35, 236, 267-68; Ex. J-10.) An
employee was directing traffic near the worksite. (Tr. 265-66.) Two employees were also on the
roof itself at the time the CO observed the alleged violations. (Exs. J-10; C-4.) Approximately five
other employees were working on the ground. (Tr. 36, 49.) As the CO explained, none of the
people present were there for “leisure purposes,” they appeared to be “working.” (Tr. 49.)
Respondent acknowledges that its workers, including Mr. Kent, previously inspected the
worksite. Still, it contends that January 9, 2020, was designated as the loading day. (Resp’t Br. 20-
21.) It argues that employees were not expected to commence removing and replacing the roof.
Id.
Respondent ignores that the work being done on January 9th was integral to the project. The
employees were there to engage in tasks necessary to complete the roofing job for which
Respondent was retained. (Tr. 167.) As foreman Harmon succinctly explained to the CO on the
day of the inspection, “Today we are on site to load our roofing materials so we can roof the
6 One employee indicated that he had first gone to the company’s warehouse and was paid from the start of his day
rather than the arrival at the worksite. (Tr. 180.)

6
building.” (Ex. C-4.) Similarly, foreman Kent indicated he “was going to stage materials on [the
roof] and later we would be doing the roof.” (Ex. C-5 at 2.)
The employees were loading materials and setting up a crane. (Tr. 167.) By the time the
CO arrived at the worksite, employees had already completed various tasks that were not tangential
to the roofing work but required for the roofing work to be completed. (Tr. 170.) They were not
retained to do other types of work. Respondent had already completed a worksite inspection, and
the workers were present to address the roof. (Tr. 168, 198, 274-75.)
As for the cited standard’s limitation to steep roofs, Respondent acknowledges that Roof 1
falls within the standard’s definition of “steep roof.” (Resp’t Br. 27.) However, unlike many steep
roofs, Roof 1 at the worksite only had a single unprotected edge.7 (Exs. R-1, R-4; Tr. 66, 270-71,
287-90.) Still, there is no dispute that the pitch of the roof and the unprotected edge triggered the
requirements of the cited standard. The cited standard applies.
As for whether there was a violation, Mr. Kent was on Roof 1 when the CO arrived at the
worksite. (Tr. 44; Resp’t Br. 6.) The CO observed and photographed him without any type of fall
protection on the morning of January 9, 2020. (Tr. 38, 61; Exs. J-10, C-2.) Mr. Kent
acknowledged he was not wearing fall protection as he traversed the roof to place the base plates
and cones that would later serve as part of a warning line system. (Tr. 169, 270.) Respondent’s
Corporate Safety Manager, Michael Litzenberger, also acknowledged that there did not appear to
be any fall protection visible in the CO’s photograph of Mr. Kent. (Tr. 312.) The undersigned
finds that the cited standard applies and was violated.
7 Respondents note that the unprotected edge had a parapet wall “of at least a foot in height.” (Resp’t Br. 6.) Record
evidence suggests that the wall was 6-12 inches high. (Exs. C-4 at 1; C-3 at 4; C-2 at 4, C-5 at 2.) Neither
Respondent’s Corporate Safety Manager, Michael Litzenberger, nor anyone else asserted that the parapet wall
constituted fall protection. (Tr. 312.) Respondent does not allege it was sufficient to constitute a “guardrail” or
otherwise preclude finding that it was still an unprotected edge.

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2. Knowledge
The Secretary must prove the employer either knew or with the exercise of reasonable
diligence could have known of the violative condition. Revoli Constr. Co., 19 BNA OSHC 1682,
1684 (No. 00-0315, 2001). The employer's knowledge is directed to the physical condition that
constitutes a violation. Phoenix Roofing, Inc., 17 BNA OSHC 1076, 1079-1080 (No. 90-2148,
1995), aff’d without published opinion, 79 F.3d 1146 (5th Cir. 1996). It is not necessary to show
that the employer knew or understood the condition was hazardous. Id.
Knowledge is imputed to the employer “through its supervisory employee.” Am. Eng'g
& Dev. Corp., 23 BNA OSHC 2093, 2095 (No. 10-0359, 2012). The formal title of an employee
is not controlling. Id. The Commission has imputed the knowledge of crew leaders and
foremen. Kerns Bros. Tree Serv., 18 BNA OSHC 2064, 2069 (No. 96-1719, 2000); Penn.
Power & Light Co. v. Sec’y of Labor, 737 F.2d 350, 357-58 (3d Cir. 1984) (crew leader is a
supervisory employee).
Mr. Kent was a foreman at the worksite and indicated that he was “in charge” of the job.
(Stip. 4; Tr. 277, 279-80; Ex. C-5.) He knew he was not wearing fall protection and that there were
no guardrails. (Tr. 269-79.) He was aware of the unprotected edge. (Tr. 56, 269; Ex. C-5 at 3.)
One of Respondent’s safety managers was also on the job site. (Tr. 79; Ex. C-5 at 3.) Respondent
had actual knowledge of the violative condition. See Calpine Corp., No. 11-1734, 2018 WL
1778958 (O.S.H.R.C., Apr. 6, 2018) (imputing supervisor’s actual knowledge of hazardous
condition), aff’d, 774 F. App’x 879 (5th Cir. 2019) (unpublished); Kokosing Constr., 21 BNA
OSHC 1629, 1631 (No. 04-1665, 2006) (imputing foreman’s constructive knowledge to the
employer).

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3. Exposure to the Cited Condition
To satisfy this element, the Secretary can show actual exposure to the cited condition or that
such exposure was “reasonably predictable.” Nuprecon, LP, 23 BNA OSHC 1817 (No. 08-1037,
2012).) To assess whether exposure was reasonably predictable, the Commission looks at whether,
either by operational necessity or otherwise (including inadvertence), the employees would be in
the “zone of danger.” 23 BNA OSHC at 1818-19. What constitutes the “zone of danger” is
determined by the hazard presented by the violative condition. See KS Energy Servs., Inc., 22 BNA
OSHC 1261, 1265 (No. 06-1416, 2008) (indicating that the zone of danger is “the area surrounding
the violative condition that presents the danger to employees which the standard is intended to
prevent”); 23 BNA OSHC at 1919 (finding it reasonably predictable that employee would need to
move about his entire work area).
Respondent maintains that the only employee on Roof 1, Mr. Kent, never got close enough
to the unprotected edge to be considered having been exposed to the hazardous condition. (Resp’t
Br. 27-30.) In its view, Mr. Kent was always far enough away from the unprotected edge, and his
work activities could not reasonably be expected to bring him close enough to the unprotected edge
to expose him to the hazardous condition. Id. at 29-32.
The CO observed and photographed Mr. Kent from approximately 100 feet away. (Tr. 90,
98, 141-52.) A small parapet wall on the roof slightly obscured his view of Mr. Kent. (Tr. 147;
Exs. C-2, C-3 at 4.) “At times,” it appeared to the CO that Mr. Kent was less than six feet away
from the unprotected edge. (Tr. 62.) However, the Violation Worksheet indicates that Mr. Kent
was “6-7 feet from the edge of the roof” for one minute.8 (Ex. C-2 at 2.)
8 In discussed the proposed penalty for this Citation, the CO indicated that Mr. Kent was “six feet away from the edge.”
(Tr. 82.)

9
During the inspection and at the hearing, Mr. Kent maintained that he was always at least
six feet away from the unprotected edge. (Tr. 62, 226, 273-74, 292-93; Exs. C-2, C-5.) He
explained that when the CO observed him, he was in the process of setting up a flag line to
demarcate a safe work area that was six to seven feet from the unprotected edge. (Tr. 226; Ex. C-5.)
Mr. Kent understood that the flags were not a form of fall protection. (Tr. 271.) Rather, they were
to form a warning line as an additional method of limiting exposure to the zone of danger. (Tr. 62,
152-53, 271.) For fall protection, Respondent’s fall protection plan required employees to be
attached to a motion-stopping system before their work tasks required entry into the zone of danger
by the one unprotected side. (Tr. 281-82, 297; Exs. C-5, R-9.)
To set up the flag warning line, Mr. Kent walked up along one side of the pitched valley on
Roof 1, at least six feet from the edge, placed the flag cone, and then walked back down the same
side to the bottom of the valley between Roofs 1 and 4. (Tr. 226, 269-70; Ex. C-5.) After
completing this task, which took approximately one minute, he moved further away from the
unprotected edge. (Tr. 62, 157-58, 227.) The CO acknowledged that he was generally walking
straight up and down the pitch to complete his task. (Tr. 153, 155.) He explained that Mr. Kent was
not walking on “other areas of the roof” or “going and doing other things.” (Tr. 153-54.) The
nature of Mr. Kent’s task did not require him to come closer than six feet to an unprotected edge.
(Tr. 271.) Nor was there any debris, cords, or tripping hazards. (Ex. J-10.) Another employee on
the roof, Mr. Harmon, corroborated Mr. Kent’s statement that he was always at least six feet from
the edge.9 (Tr. 226; Ex. C-4.)
9 Mr. Harmon indicated that he was acting as a “safety monitor” for Mr. Kent. (Exs. C-4, C-5 at 2.) Respondent does
not allege, nor does the record establish, that this satisfies the fall protection requirements.

10
The Secretary failed to establish that Mr. Kent got sufficiently close to the unprotected edge
or that his work activities could reasonably be expected to bring him within the zone of danger.10
See Shaw Areva Mox Servs., LLC, 23 BNA OSHC 1821, 1824 (No. 09-1284, 2012) (record did not
show that it was reasonably predictable that an adapter would be moved and used in another
location). Mr. Kent was to mark a distance sufficiently far enough from the unprotected edge. Cf.
Calpine Corp., 774 F. App’x 879, 884-85 (5th Cir. 2019) (unpublished) (assignment made it
predictable that worker would access zone of danger). Large other sections of the roof protected
the other three sides of Roof 1. (Exs. J-10; R-1.) Respondent’s fall protection plan addressed the
possibility that employees would go beyond the warning line system later in the project. (Ex. J-7.)
If such a situation arose, employees were to utilize the fall protection equipment that was on-site
and being loaded to the roof. Id. Mr. Kent’s activities did not bring him within the zone of danger,
nor were they reasonably expected to.
Citation 1, Item 1 is vacated, and no penalty for this item is assessed.
B. Citation 2, Item 1
As mentioned above, the worksite included a series of interconnected roofs. Citation 2
relates to a low sloped area, referred to as Roof 4. (Ex. J-1.) The Secretary alleges that Respondent
violated 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10), which requires fall protection for roofing work on roofs with
a low slope. “Roofing work” is defined at 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500 as “the hoisting, storage,
application, and removal of roofing materials and equipment, including related insulation, sheet
10 In support of its position, Respondent cites, without identifying the case as being unreviewed, Consol. Grain &
Barge Co., 23 BNA OSHC 2055 (No. 10-0756, 2011) (ALJ). (Resp’t Br. 29.) In that case the ALJ found that the
Secretary failed to establish that employees had been in, or were reasonably predicted to be in, the zone of danger. 23
BNA OSHC at 2065-66. The case is supportive of Respondent’s position but because it was not reviewed by the
Commission or an appellate court, the undersigned did not rely on the precedent as binding. See Leone Constr. Co., 3
BNA OSHC 1979 (No. 4090, 1976) (unreviewed part of judge's decision does not constitute binding
Commission precedent); Home Rubber Co., LP, No. 17-0138, 2021 WL 3929735, *39 (O.S.H.R.C., Aug. 26, 2021)
(unreviewed ALJ decisions have no precedential value).

11
metal, and vapor barrier work, but not including the construction of the roof deck.” The cited
standard requires that “each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with
unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8) or more above lower levels shall be protected ....” 29
C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10).
1. Applicability & Violation
After arriving at the worksite, the CO observed Mr. Harmon working or Roof 4. (Tr. 44.)
This roof has a low slope and an unprotected edge that is approximately 35 feet above ground level.
(Tr. 32, 34-35, 48, 309; Exs. J-10 at 1-8, C-3.) He was not wearing a personal fall arrest system.
(Tr. 38, 48; Ex. C-4 at 2.) Nor do the photographs depict another means of fall protection such as
guardrails or safety nets. (Exs. J-10, C-3.) Mr. Harmon acknowledges that he came within two to
three feet of an unprotected edge without fall protection. (Ex. C-4 at 2.)
Respondent does not dispute that the cited standard requires the use of fall protection on
low-sloped roofs such as Roof 4. Instead, it argues that an exception included within Subpart M
-Fall Protection (Subpart M) applies to the activities the CO observed.11 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500
addresses the overall scope and applicability of Subpart M. Generally, Subpart M applies to all
construction workplaces. 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(a)(1). However, its provisions do not apply “when
employees are making an inspection, investigation or assessment of workplace conditions prior to
the actual start of construction work ....” 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(a)(1). Respondent claims that Mr.
Harmon’s activities fall within the exception’s scope. (Resp’t Br. 17-18.)
The Secretary refutes the exception’s applicability, arguing that it applies only if the
“assessment” occurs before the actual start of construction work. (Sec’y Reply Br. 3-7.) He points
11 While the Secretary bears the burden of establishing applicability in general, the party asserting an exception applies
bears the burden on that issue. See e.g., Kaspar Wire Works, Inc., 18 BNA OSHC 2178, 2194 (No. 90-2775, 2000)
(“The Commission has repeatedly held … that ‘the party claiming the benefit of an exception to the requirements of a
standard has the burden of proof of its claim’”), aff’d, 268 F.3d 1123 (D.C. Cir. 2001).

12
to Subpart M’s preamble, which specifies that the exception applies only “two times,” before the
work commences and “after all work has been completed, and the workers have left the area.” 59
Fed. Reg. 40672, 40675, Safety Standards for Fall Protection in the Construction Industry, (Aug. 9,
1994) (to be codified at 29 C.F.R. pt. 1926). There is no third exception for when materials are
being gathered, i.e., there is no “load day” exception to the requirements for fall protection. Id.
The exception is narrow; limited to a specific subset of activities (inspection, assessment, or
investigation) and to specific points in time (before construction starts or after it concludes).
(Sec’y Reply Br. 3-7.)
Respondent argues that Seyforth Roofing Co., 16 BNA OSHC 2031 (No. 90-0086, 1994)
supports finding that Mr. Harmon was engaged in a pre-work inspection. (Resp’t Br. 17-18, 21.)
Its reliance on Seyforth is misplaced for two reasons. First, the exception the Commission relied
upon in Seyforth is materially different from the exception at issue in this case. Subpart M was
substantially amended in 1995, roughly six months after Seyforth was decided. See 59 Fed. Reg.
40,672 (discussing the effective date of amended Subpart M). Coincident with the amendment, the
exception, which was previously found only in subparagraph (g), was broadened to address fall
hazards in construction generally, as opposed to those found on low-pitched roofs during built-up
roofing operations. Compare 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(a)(1) (current) with 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(g)
(amended Feb. 6, 1995).
Second, though the exception was broadened in terms of whom it applied to, it was also
narrowed to the extent that it only applied at specific points in time: before the actual beginning of
construction and after construction has been completed. 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(a)(1). In Seyforth,
the application of the old exception was limited to certain activities. 16 BNA OSHC at 2033-34.
As amended, the exception applicable here added a restriction as to when those activities can occur.

13
29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(a)(1). Because the Commission in Seyforth did not have to address whether
the events occurred before or after construction, its precedential value on the issue of the
applicability and scope of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(a)(1) limited.12 See Capeway Roofing Sys., 20
BNA OSHC 1331, 1343 n. 14 (No. 00-1968, 2003) (noting that prior decisions did not govern the
outcome when there had been revisions to guidelines at issue), aff’d, 391 F.3d 56 (1st Cir. 2004).
Further, in the present matter, this was not his first time Respondent’s employees were at
the worksite. (Tr. 171, 191, 193-94, 230-31, 274-75.) Mr. Kent and his supervisor previously
visited the site for 30-60 minutes to conduct a pre-job inspection. (Tr. 274-75.) This work included
going onto all four of the mini-roofs that connected to make the whole roof. (Tr. 275.) Mr. Kent
acknowledged that he did not wear fall protection during this inspection. Id. He agreed that this
was because the inspection visit occurred before work began on the project. Id. The goal of the
inspection was to take some measurements and assess the roofs.13 (Tr. 275-76.)
12 Respondent also cites to Modern Building Solutions, LLC, 23 BNA OSHC 1787 (No. 10-2559, 2011) (ALJ), Ovation
Plumbing, Inc., No. 17-0196, 2018 WL 2407483 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Apr. 17, 2018), and George Weis Co., No. 19-
1738, 2021 WL 1590307 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Mar. 16, 2021), without indicating that any of the decisions are
unreviewed and therefore not binding. (Resp’t Br. 16-18.) In any event, none of these cases support a different
conclusion. Modern Building held that examining sheeting on a roof did not qualify for the exemption because work
had already begun and was not yet completed. 23 BNA OSHC at 1796. Nor is Ovation helpful. Respondent’s
quotation from the ALJ decision leaves out the important limitation on the exception’s scope. (Resp’t Br. 16 n. 18.)
The correct sentence is: “[t]hus, even if the cited standard applies in the most technical sense, the exception in
1926.500(a)(1) prohibits application of the subpart M standards when employees are conducting inspections,
investigations, or assessments prior to the beginning of construction or after it has been completed.” 2018 WL
2407483, at *6 (italics added to indicate portion of the sentence Respondent omitted). Although the worker’s activities
constituted an inspection, the exception did not apply because the inspection occurred after work had commenced but
before it was completed. Id. Like Ovation and Modern Building, George Weis, also held that the limited exemption set
out in 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(a)(1) did not apply because work was already underway. 2021 WL 1590307, at *4-5 and
n.1.
13 Mr. Harmon, along with a supervisor and another employee, also visited the worksite before the “load day” to
inspect the gutter system and to design the work Respondent’s employees would be doing. (Tr. 191, 201, 231.) He
acknowledged that this constituted a pre-work “inspection.” (Tr. 190-92, 194, 198.) He indicated it lasted
approximately 10-15 minutes. (Tr. 195, 207.) The Secretary does not allege that the failure to wear fall protection
during this inspection supports the Citation. (Sec’y Reply Br. 3-7.) Rather, he argues that this previous site visit was
the inspection or assessment that falls within the meaning of the exception. Id. Because the pre-work inspection or
assessment had already been completed, Mr. Harmon’s activities on January 9, 2020 should not also be considered pre-
work inspection or assessments. Id. Instead, they should be viewed as occurring after the start of work and therefore
fall protection should have been used. Id.

14
In addition, Mr. Harmon, a supervisor and another employee, visited the worksite to inspect
the gutter system and to design the work Respondent’s employees would be doing. (Tr. 191, 201,
230-31.) Mr. Harmon acknowledged that this constituted a pre-work “inspection.” (Tr. 190-92,
194, 198.) He indicated it lasted approximately 10-15 minutes and occurred about a week before
the “load day.” (Tr. 195, 207.) The Secretary does not allege that the failure to wear fall protection
during this inspection supports the Citation. (Sec’y Reply Br. 3-7.) Rather, he argues that this
previous site visit was the inspection or assessment that falls within the meaning of the exception.
Id. Because the pre-work inspection or assessment had already been completed, Mr. Harmon’s
activities on January 9, 2020 should not also be considered pre-work inspection or assessments.
Id. Instead, they should be viewed as occurring after the start of work, and therefore fall protection
should have been used. Id.
With this pre-job assessment of the roof complete, Respondent fully anticipated that
workers would be on the roof on the morning of January 9, 2020, to hoist materials. When the CO
arrived, at least two individuals were already on the roof and work at the site had started. (Ex. J-10;
Tr. 261-62.) As discussed above, the plan was to load the materials and then work on the roof itself.
(Ex. C-5 at 2; Tr. 198, 213.) Mr. Harmon’s activities on January 9, 2020, did not take place “prior
to the actual start of construction work,” as is required for the exception to apply. 29 C.F.R. §

15
1926.500(a)(1). Work at the site had been ongoing for over an hour before he went to the roof to
assist with the loading and hoisting of materials.14 (Tr. 76, 175, 178-79, 185, 233, 261-62.)
Preparatory work is “work” within the meaning of the construction standard. See Capeway,
20 BNA OSHC at 1343-44; Phoenix, 17 BNA OSHC at 1079 (employees had access to the fall
hazard when delivering materials). Preparatory work includes staging materials, traveling to the
worksite, and walking through roof areas to other work areas. 20 BNA OSHC at 1343 n.17.
Placing materials on the roof constitutes “roofing work.”15 Id. at 1344 n. 19.
Multiple employees were engaged in preparatory work on January 9, 2020. Roofing
materials and other equipment were already at the worksite and ready to be moved when Mr.
Harmon traveled from the ground to the roof to assist with the hoisting process.16 (Tr. 50, 58-59,
233; Ex. J-10.) See 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500 (including “hoisting” and “storage” of materials as part
of roofing work); Capeway Roofing Sys. Inc., 391 F.3d 56, 61 (1st Cir. 2004) (finding roofing work
14 “Shortly” after Mr. Harmon decided where he would signal the crane from another employee finished rigging the
materials that were already on the crane bed so that they could be hoisted to the roof. (Tr. 187.) The preamble to
Subpart M expressly states that “if inspections are made while construction operations are underway, all employees
who are exposed to fall hazards while performing these inspections must be protected as required by subpart M.” As
operations were already underway, even if Mr. Harmon’s activities could be construed as an inspection, rather than the
start of the hoisting of the materials, fall protection was still required. Respondent’s assertion that applicability was
only supported by speculation is rejected. (Resp’t Reply 18, citing without noting it is an ALJ decision , Bethlehem
Steel, No. 77-3191, 1978 WL 6798 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Aug. 2, 1978).) The Secretary presented testimony and
photographic evidence of the ongoing work at the site. (Tr. 34-38, 47, 49-50, 53-54, 103-5, 167-68, 170, 236, 261-63,
266-71; Ex. J-10.) Besides being non-binding, Bethlehem also is inapposite. That case concerned whether there was
employee exposure, not the applicability of various standards. 1978 WL 6798, at *3.
15 Again, Respondent points to an ALJ decision, Bergelectric Corp., 26 BNA OSHC 2030 (No. 16-0728, 2017) (ALJ)
without noting it is not binding precedent. (Resp’t Br. 14-15; Resp’t Reply 13-15.) Nevertheless, Respondent’s
argument does not persuade. First, unlike the present matter, Bergelectric, did not involve a roofing contractor retained
to engage in roofing work. 26 BNA OSHC at 2030. Second, Bergelectric concerned a violation of a different
provision than the one at issue here. 26 BNA OSHC at 2033-35 (finding that 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10), the
provision CentiMark allegedly violated, was not applicable). Third, the decision does not hold that fall protection was
not required because of the type of work. Id. at 2033-36. The ALJ found that because of the nature of its work, the
employer had to provide fall protection that met the requirements of a more restrictive provision of Subpart M. Id.
16 Field & Associates, Inc., 19 BNA OSHC 1379 (No. 97-1585, 2001) concerns violations related to employees
working at ground level and the placement of materials on a roof. The Commission found that the cited standards
applied regardless of whether the employees were engaged in roofing work during the inspection. 19 BNA OSHC at
1380. The Commission also concluded that the exception for preliminary or post work inspections contained in 29
C.F.R. § 19126.500(a)(1) was not applicable. Id. at 1380 n. 6.

16
was being performed). It is not the actual application of roofing material that triggers the
requirements of the cited standard; it is the start of work.17 20 BNA OSHC at 1343-44.
Mr. Harmon was not engaged in a pre-work assessment. His task was a necessary part of
the hoisting process. (Tr. 231-33.) The exception set out in 29 C.F.R. § 1926.500(a)(1) does not
cover his activities. The Secretary established that the cited standard applies and was violated.
2. Exposure
Unlike Mr. Harmon on Roof 4, Mr. Kent acknowledges coming within two feet of an
unprotected edge. (Tr. 187; Ex. C-4 at 2.) The CO observed and photographed him doing so. (Tr.
57; Exs. J-10, C-3.) Mr. Harmon explained that his work necessitated him getting that close to the
edge. (Tr. 187, 232; Exs. C-4, J-10.) He needed to be able to see the crane and could not do so
further away. (Tr. 187; Ex. C-4.) The CO also indicated that unlike the relatively straight up and
17 In Staz-On Roofing, Inc., No. 02-2229, 2003 WL 22071252, at *3 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Sept. 5, 2003), the ALJ found
that the requirement for fall protection applies for employees performing activities leading up to the roof installation.
Many other ALJ decisions cited by Respondent but not identified as unreviewed also concluded that the workers were
engaged in roofing work and so fall protection was required. See Chambers Constr. Co., No. 18-1913, 2019 WL
6709450 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Nov. 1, 2019) (although employer was retained for interior work, when employees went
to the roof to address leaks, they were engaged in roofing work and should have had fall protection as required by 29
C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10)); Elmer Cook Constr. Inc., No. 16-0817, 2017 WL 8220398 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Dec. 29,
2017) (applying waterproofing was roofing work), Kirtley Roofing, 25 BNA OSHC 2250 (No. 15-0613, 2015) (ALJ)
(finding employees who were moving materials to set up a lifeline and applying sealant were not engaged in
inspection, investigation, or assessment of workplace conditions); Peck Bros., LLC, 25 BNA OSHC 1005 (No. 12-
2299, 2014) (roofing company was engaged in roofing work); R&S Roofing, LLC, 24 BNA OSHC 2151 (No. 12-2427,
2014) (ALJ) (finding employees engaged in seam work were engaged in “an essential part of the roofing work itself,
and not part of ‘an inspection, investigation, or assessment of workplace conditions”’); Prime Roofing Corp., 22 BNA
OSHC 1307 (No. 07-1829, 2008) (safety monitor’s activities fell within the scope of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10)
because they were integral to roofing work) ; M.D. Roofing & Siding, L.L.C., 21 BNA OSHC 1496, 1497-8 (No. 05-
1070, 2006) (ALJ) (29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(10) applies before the actual application of roofing material); Cleveland
Constr., Inc., 18 BNA OSHC 1648 (No. 97-1356, 1998) (ALJ) (finding inspection conducted by employee was
integral to his primary activity of cutting the mezzanine floor edge, which occurred while construction was ongoing,
and, thus, exception did not apply), aff’d, 201 F.3d 440 (6th Cir. 1999) (unpublished) (upholding the finding that the
exception did not apply). Respondent also inappropriately cites Bechtel Corp. 2 BNA OSHC 1336 (No. 1038, 1974).
(Resp’t Reply 17.) While that is a Commission decision, Respondent quotes the ALJ decision, not the Commission
decision. Id. Bechtel concerned a multi-employer worksite. 2 BNA OSHC at 1337. The Commission found that the
cited employer was not responsible for the creation of the hazards and that its workers were not exposed to them. Id.
The Commission did not conclude that workers were not engaged in construction work. Id. Nor is Respondent, a
roofing contractor engaged to perform roofing work, akin to a supplier as was the case in another ALJ case Respondent
cites without proper indication of it being unreviewed, A.A. Will Sand & Gravel Co., No. 5139, 1974 WL 20941
(O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Dec. 18, 1974). More importantly when the Commission reviewed A.A. Will, it rejected the ALJ’s
finding that the employer was not engaged in construction work. A.A. Will Sand & Gravel Corp., 4 BNA OSHC 1442
(No. 5139, 1976) (“We disagree with Judge Gold’s finding that Respondent was not engaged in construction work”).

17
down path Mr. Kent took, Mr. Harmon was walking around the roof, “standing, moving around,
doing different things” when he observed him. (Tr. 56-57, 98.)
Although the CO only saw him close to the unprotected edge for two to three minutes, the
brevity “does not negate the violation or its seriousness.” See A.J. McNulty & Co., Inc. v. Sec’y of
Labor, 283 F.3d 328, 335 (D.C. Cir. 2002) (employers do not have any reasonable time for
exposing employees to the risk of harm; whatever compliance method a standard requires must be
implemented before putting employees to work); Flint Eng’g & Constr. Co., 15 BNA OSHC 2052,
2056 (No. 90-2837, 1992) (brief exposure does not preclude finding a violation or its seriousness).
It only takes a moment for someone to lose their footing and move beyond the unprotected edge.
15 BNA OSHC at 2056; Gate Precast Co., No. 15-1347, 2020 WL 2141954 (No. 15-1347, Apr. 28,
2020) (affirming a violation of the fall protection requirements when it was “reasonably
predictable that this employee could have fallen off the roof after being knocked off-balance …, or
by inadvertently straying toward the unprotected edge …”). The Secretary established exposure to
the violative condition.
3. Knowledge
As for knowledge, Mr. Harmon and Mr. Kent were both supervisors, and both were on the
roof without fall protection.18 (Tr. 85; Exs. C-2, C-4.) A supervisor’s awareness of a hazardous
condition is sufficient to attribute that knowledge to his or her employer. Globe Contractors v.
Herman, 132 F.3d 367, 373 (7th Cir. 1997) (foreman’s awareness of violations properly attributed
to the employer). In addition, the safety manager (Mr. George) was on the ground observing Mr.
Harmon when he was on the roof. (Exs. J-10A; C-5 at 3; Tr. 179.)
18 Mr. Harmon went to the roof before Mr. Kent. (Ex. C-4.) He was alone on the roof when he walked to the edge to see
if he could signal the crane operator. (Exs. C-4; C-5 at 1.)

18
Mr. Harmon went to the roof without any tools or fall protection equipment. (Ex. C-4.) His
lack of fall protection was readily observable. (Exs. J-10, C-3.) While he and others had fall
protection equipment and tools at the worksite, Mr. Harmon brought nothing with him to the roof.
(Tr. 177.) Instead, he placed his safety materials on the crane bed rather than carry them to the roof.
(Tr. 177-78.)
The Secretary made out a prima facie case, establishing the cited standard’s applicability,
its violation, employee exposure to the hazardous condition, and Respondent’s knowledge of the
hazardous condition.
4. CentiMark’s Affirmative Defenses
CentiMark raises two affirmative defenses: feasibility and greater hazard.19 (Resp’t Br. 21-
24.) The Secretary argues that it failed to establish either one. (Sec’y Reply 7-11.) The
undersigned agrees.
a) Infeasibility Defense
To establish this defense, the proponent must prove: (1) means of compliance prescribed by
the standard are technologically or economically infeasible, and (2) there are no feasible alternative
means of protection. V.I.P. Structures, Inc., 16 BNA OSHC 1873, 1874 (No. 91-1167, 1994).
Respondent failed to establish either element.
Mr. Harmon acknowledged that he could have, and previously had, carried a fall protection
harness to a roof, i.e., it was not necessary to have the crane lift such materials. (Tr. 237.) As for
installing an anchor point to connect the harness to, Mr. Harmon argued that this would require a
power generator. Id. Neither he, nor anyone else explained why a manual screwdriver could not
have been used.20
19 Respondent raised these affirmative defenses in its Answer.

19
Critically, Mr. Kent was able to install an anchor point later during the project (albeit in a
different area of the roof) without a power source. (Tr. 272.) Doing so did not require him to make
any modifications to the roof. Id. He acknowledged that it was possible to install an anchor point
on January 20, 2020, when the CO observed him (i.e., before the crane had loaded anything onto
the roof). Id. His testimony shows that it was possible to “screw a plate into the roof” when Mr.
Harmon came to the edge of the roof to view the crane. Id. Compliance with the standard was
neither technologically nor economically infeasible.
Respondent simply states, without support, that the other methods were not “practical” or
technologically possible. (Resp’t Br. 22.) This is not enough to satisfy the requirements of the
affirmative defense.21 A.J. McNulty & Co., Inc. v. Sec’y of Labor, 283 F.3d 328, 334 (D.C. Cir.
2002) (impracticality is not the test; the employer must show that it either “used alternative means
20 When asked to confirm whether his testimony was that he was only able to “screw on an anchor plate with a
generator,” Mr. Harmon clarified that a generator was “the only option we would have had at that point.” (Tr. 238.)
The fact that other equipment which would have permitted compliance was not at the worksite does not make
compliance infeasible. Williams Enters., Inc., 13 BNA OSHC 1249, 1253 (No. 85-355, 1987) (“It is the duty of an
employer to use equipment that permits him to comply with the Secretary’s standard”).
21 Respondent cites Southern Pan Servs. Co., No. 99-0933, 2005 WL 2697266 (O.S.H.R.C., Sept. 30, 2005) as support
of its defense. (Resp’t Br. 23.) That case concerned a violation of a different standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(2)(i),
which has a limited exception not applicable in this matter. The cited standard does not permit use of a fall protection
plan as an adequate alternative, unlike the situation in Southern Pan. Nor has Respondent shown that such an approach
could have provided adequate protection. Respondent also cites two unreviewed ALJ decisions without noting that
they are not binding precedent in support of its defense. (Resp’t Br. n.23.) Regardless, neither case involved fall
protection and neither supports Respondent’s argument. B.B. Riverboats, Inc., No. 92-3815, 1987 WL 89169
(O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., June 27, 1987) concerned a violation of a maritime standard. The cited provision required
guardrails. 1987 WL 89169, at *6. The employer, relying in part on the testimony of the OSHA compliance officer,
showed that guardrails were infeasible. Id. The employer was not cited for failing to provide other types of fall
protection, unlike the present matter. Id. at n. 3. Further, Riverboats found that employees should have been protected
by personal flotation devices when working near the unguarded edge. 1987 WL 89169, at *7. Thus, Riverboats does
not hold that the workers should have had no protection. Id. The other case, Thomas Lindstrom Co., Inc., No. 92-3815,
1994 WL 27754 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Dec. 14, 1993), concerned a violation of the steel erection standard. In that case,
the employer showed that the only specified method of compliance was infeasible and that using the single method (tag
lines) would have created a greater hazard. 1994 WL 27754, at *3. Here, the cited standard permits multiple methods
of compliance and Respondent did not show that compliance with the available options was infeasible or that it would
create a greater hazard. The undersigned notes that the complete decisions for these two cases was not published by
BNA, see 16 BNA OSHC at 1657 and 13 BNA OSHC at 1351, indicating that the text only represents a digest. Both
decisions are available on Westlaw and Thomas Lindstrom Co., Inc., No. 92-3815 is also available on the
Commission’s website (https://www.oshrc.gov/assets/1/6/92-3815.pdf?2582). The undersigned cautions parties to be
wary of citing digests of opinions and to note when a case is unreviewed by the Commission.

20
of protection or that such means were infeasible”). Respondent failed to show it was infeasible for
Mr. Harmon to have carried up screws and installed an anchor point. Nor did it show that any of the
other methods permitted by the cited standard were technologically or economically infeasible.
See R.G. Friday Masonry, Inc., 17 BNA OSHC 1070, 1072 (No. 91-2027, 1995) (rejecting
employer's infeasibility claim because it failed to prove that it could not have used safer
alternatives). “Before an employer will be excused from ignoring a standard’s requirement and
leaving its employees unprotected, it must show that it has explored all alternate forms of
protection.” State Sheet Metal Co., 16 BNA OSHC 1155 (No. 90-1260, 1993) (finding defense
was not met.)
b) Greater Hazard
Respondent also argues that complying with the cited standard would have created a greater
hazard. (Resp’t Br. 23-24.) The greater hazard defense has three core elements. The proponent of
the defense must show: (1) compliance with the standard would create greater hazards than non-
compliance; (2) alternative protective measures were taken or were not available; and (3) a
variance application is inappropriate. E & R Erectors, Inc. v. Sec’y of Labor, 107 F.3d 157, 163-64
(3d Cir. 1997). Respondent failed to carry its burden.
As discussed, Mr. Harmon claimed he could not have installed an anchor plate or otherwise
tied off when he went to the roof. His colleague, fellow foreman, Mr. Kent indicated that it was
possible to screw an anchor plate into the roof at that time. (Tr. 272.) Further, at best, Mr.
Harmon’s statement goes to feasibility, not whether using fall protection would create a greater
hazard than non-compliance or the practicality of a variance application.22 Respondent failed to
establish the first element of the defense.
22 As addressed above, Respondent did not show that use of at least one of the methods of fall protection was infeasible.
(Tr. 272.)

21
Nor did Respondent show that alternative protective measures were taken or were not
available. State Sheet, 16 BNA OSHC at 1159-60. Respondent claims, without record support,
that compliance would have involved longer periods of time working at the edge. (Resp’t Br. 24.)
However, it does not explain why an anchor point would have to be installed at the edge or why its
use would have necessitated coming within six feet of the edge.
In terms of alternative protection, Respondent alleges another employee, Mr. Glass, was on
the roof and argues he was acting as a safety monitor. Id. Respondent did not call Mr. Glass to
testify.23 He did not sign Respondent’s fall protection plan. (Ex. J-7.) OSHA’s violation
worksheet indicates that Mr. Harmon was alone, and Mr. Glass does not appear in any of the CO’s
photographs. (Exs. J-10, C-3 at 2; Tr. 244.) Only Mr. Harmon testified as to his presence at the
worksite.24 (Tr. 214.)
Importantly, on January 20, 2020, neither Mr. Kent nor Mr. Harmon referred to his
presence, let alone his alleged role as a safety monitor. (Exs. C-4, C-5; Tr. 243.) At that time, Mr.
Harmon told the CO he was alone on the roof.25 (Tr. 77; Exs. C-3, C-4.) This statement was given
closer to the actual events and is supported by photographic evidence. (Exs. C-4; J-10.) The
undersigned gives it greater weight than Mr. Harmon’s self-serving statement at the hearing that
Mr. Glass was acting as a safety monitor. (Tr. 214, 216, 239.) Further, as Mr. Harmon
acknowledged, he was not using a “safety monitor” as fall protection.26 (Tr. 242.)
23 “When one party has it peculiarly within its power to produce witnesses whose testimony would elucidate the
situation and fails to do so, it gives rise to the presumption that the testimony would be unfavorable to that party.”
Capeway, 20 BNA OSHC at 1342-43 (concluding that failing to present testimony from supervisory employees
present suggested that the witnesses would not “have been able to contradict” the Secretary’s evidence).
24 Respondent did not ask the CO, Mr. Kent, or its other witness, Mr. Litzenburger, any questions about Mr. Glass.
25 Mr. Harmon told the CO he had been alone on the roof and included the same fact in his signed written statement.
(Tr. 77; Ex. C-4 at 2.)
26 Nor did Respondent’s Fall Protection Safety Work Plan specify that the use of individuals acting as “safety
monitors” was part of the plan. (Ex. J-7; Tr. 242-43.) Even if Mr. Glass was present on the roof, the Respondent failed
to show that this was a sufficient alternative protection method.

22
Finally, Respondent has not shown that a variance was unavailable or inappropriate.27 See
Altor, Inc., 23 BNA OSHC 1458, 1470 (No. 99-0958, 2011) (rejecting greater hazard defense to a
fall protection violation because the employer did not provide an explanation for not seeking a
variance), aff’d, 498 F. App’x 145 (3d Cir. 2012) (unpublished).
5. Characterization
The Secretary alleges that Citation 2, Item 1, should be characterized as serious and repeat,
within the meaning of 29 U.S.C. § 666(k). (Ex. C-3.) Respondent challenges only the repeat
characterization.
The CO explained that the hazard involved a 30–40-foot fall from the roof to the concrete
surface below. (Tr. 84-85.) Such an occurrence would likely result in permanent disability or
possibly death. (Tr. 85; Ex. C-3.) See Sec’y of Labor v. Trinity Indus., 504 F.3d 397, 401 (3d Cir.
2007) (a violation is serious if, were an accident to occur, death or serious injury could result);
Merchant’s Masonry, Inc., 17 BNA OSHC 1005, 1007 (No. 92-424, 1994) (finding that a fall from
18 feet was likely to cause serious injuries). The undersigned agrees that the violation was serious.
Turning to the repeat characterization, a violation is considered repeat “if, at the time of the
alleged violation, there was a Commission final order against the same employer for a substantially
similar violation.” Reich v. D.M. Sabia, Co., 90 F.3d 854, 856 (3d Cir. 1996). The Secretary may
establish substantial similarity by showing that the violations are of the same standard.28 Monitor
Constr. Co., 16 BNA OSHC 1589, 1594 (No. 91-1807, 1994). The burden then shifts to the other
party to rebut the Secretary’s prima facie showing of similarity. Potlach Corp., 7 BNA OSHC
27 In its Reply Brief, the Secretary’s counsel appears to inaccurately attribute a quote to Caterpillar Inc. v. Herman, 131
F.3d 666 (7th Cir. 1997). (Sec’y Reply Br. 9.) Caterpillar holds that an employer “should seek a variance when it can”
and that an “unjustified failure to do so defeats a greater hazard defense.” 131 F.3d at 669. Here, Respondent does not
explain why it failed to seek a variance if it believed after its initial assessment that the signaling work could not be
done with fall protection. So, it failed to satisfy this element of the defense. See True Drilling Co. v. Donovan, 703
F.2d 1087, 1091 (9th Cir. 1983) (greater hazard defense failed when employer did not show unavailability or
inappropriateness of obtaining a variance).

23
1061, 1063 (No. 16183, 1979). “[T]he principle factor in determining whether a violation is
repeated is whether the two violations resulted in substantially similar hazards.” Id. at 1065. The
seriousness of the hazard involved in the two violations need not be the same. John R. Jurgensen
Co., 12 BNA OSHC 1889 (No. 83-1224, 1986), aff’d, 872 F.2d 1026 (6th Cir. 1989).
To support his classification, the Secretary points to a citation issued to Respondent on
January 19, 2018, concerning a violation of the same standard at issue here, 29 C.F.R.
§ 1926.501(b)(10).29 (Tr. 308-9.) The violation concerned a failure to provide fall protection to
employees working on a low-sloped roof. Id. Like the present matter, the prior citation also had
the same means of abatement (use of guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems). (Tr.
87.) This prior citation became a final order on February 8, 2018, when Respondent executed a
settlement agreement on that date. (Stip. 4; Ex. C-3.)
Respondent argues that even though the same standard was cited, the “scenario” was
different such that the violation should not be characterized as repeat. As the Secretary points out,
the focus is on the similarity of the hazards, not the factual situation that led to the hazard’s
creation. See Amerisig Se., Inc., 17 BNA OSHC 1659, 1661, 1995-97 (No. 93-1429, 1996)
(violation repeat because it involved the same standard and the hazard of being caught in
unguarded machinery), aff'd, 117 F.3d 1433 (11th Cir. 1997). Geographic differences,
commonality of supervisory control, or the employer’s attitude are not relevant to the
characterization assessment. Midwest Masonry, Inc., 19 BNA OSHC 1540, 1542 (No. 00-322,
28 Citing Continental Electronics Manufacturing. Co., No. 79-4558, 1980 WL 10195 (O.S.H.R.C.A.L.J., Apr. 30,
1980), Affordable Roofing & Exteriors, Inc., 25 BNA OSHC 1682 (No. 13-1689, 2015) (ALJ), SJ Louis Construction
of Texas LTD, No. 16-1220, 2019 WL 1571588 (O.S.H.R.A.L.J., Jan. 3, 2019), and Kirtley, 25 BNA OSHC at 2260,
without noting they are all unreviewed ALJ decisions, Respondent implies that a repeat characterization requires an
almost identical set of facts. (Resp’t Br. 25; Resp’t Reply 19-20.) While such a situation supports characterizing a
violation as repeat, it is not a requirement. See e.g., Potlach Corp., 7 BNA OSHC 1061, 1063 (No. 16183, 1979)
(establishing the “substantial similarity” test).
29 This violation was issued after inspection number 1271285. (Ex. C-3.) It occurred at the worksite located at 428
Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT. Id.

24
2001); J.L. Foti Constr. Co. v. Sec’y of Labor, 687 F.2d 853, 857 (6th Cir. 1982) (“substantial
similarity” is determined “with reference to the similarity of the ‘violative elements’ of the
infractions”).
Both matters concerned employees working on low sloped roofs without fall protection.
(Tr. 308-9.) Respondent attempts to differentiate the two matters by arguing that employees
involved in the prior citation had been working at the site for several weeks, while the present
matter concerned an employee conducting an inspection. (Tr. 307.)
At best, this distinction goes to the applicability of the cited standard, not whether the
violation is appropriately characterized as repeat. Further, as discussed, the undersigned finds that
this distinction is without merit. Employees at both sites were engaged in construction work on
low-sloped roofs. See Midwest, 19 BNA OSHC at 1542 (language of successor standard was
substantially similar, and the hazard was the same).
Respondent’s reliance on Wynnewood Refining, Inc., No. 13-0644, 2019 WL 1466257
(O.S.H.R.C. Mar. 28, 2019), aff’d, 978 F.3d 1175 (10th Cir. 2020) is misplaced. (Resp’t Br. 25.)
Wynnewood concerned a successor corporation, not the same corporation being cited for violating
the same standard. 2019 WL 1466257, at *2-3, 8-9 (predicate violations were committed by a
different entity when it was a subsidiary of a different parent company). Nor do the unreviewed
ALJ cases Respondent cites merit a different outcome. (Resp’t Br. 26-27.) In both Nabors
Drilling USA, LP, 25 BNA OSHC 1104 (No. 11-2026, 2014) (ALJ) and Mondo Constr. Co., LLC,
25 BNA OSHC 1285 (No. 13-1322, 2014) (ALJ), the ALJs were confronted with citations based
on different standards and different hazards. In contrast, the present matter concerns the same
hazard and the same standard.

25
The lack of fall protection while in such a work environment is the “violative element,”
supporting a finding of substantial similarity between the prior citation for violating 29 C.F.R.
§1926.501(b)(10) and the present Citation for violating the same standard. See J.L. Foti, 687 F.2d
at 856-57; Lake Erie Constr. Co., Inc., 21 BNA OSHC 1285, 1289 (No. 02-0520, 2005) (affirming
a repeat classification because they involved the same standard and fall hazard); Monitor Constr.
Co., 16 BNA OSHC 1589, 1598 (No. 91-1807, 1994) (holding that the Secretary can establish
substantial similarly to support a repeat classification by showing similar hazard and means of
abatement). The violation is appropriately characterized as repeat.
6. Penalty Amount
While it challenged whether there was a violation and the characterization of any violation,
Respondent did not raise any specific challenges to the proposed penalty amount itself. To
determine the appropriate penalty, the Commission considers: (1) the size of the business, (2) the
violation’s gravity; (3) the employer’s good faith, and (4) the employer’s violation history. 29
U.S.C. § 666(j). Gravity is generally the primary factor to be considered. Orion Constr., Inc., 18
BNA OSHC 1867 (No. 98-2014, 1999).
Respondent is a large employer with approximately 3,500 employees. (Tr. 303.) The
parties agree that a reduction for size is not appropriate, and the undersigned agrees. See S&G
Packaging Co., LLC, 19 BNA OSHC 1503, 1508 (No. 98-1107, 2001) (no reduction given for
large employer with 279 employees).
Turning to the violation’s gravity, the Secretary argues that one person was exposed but
acknowledges that the exposure was approximately two minutes.30 (Ex. C-3.) Mr. Harmon was
30 In a summary section, the violation worksheet suggests two people were exposed. (Ex. C-3 at 1.) However, in the
section focused on employee exposure, it indicates that only Mr. Harmon was exposed. Id. at 3. The undersigned finds
that there is insufficient support in the record for finding that more than one worker was exposed to this hazard. Thus,
in assessing the violation’s gravity, the undersigned assumed only one person was exposed.

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moving about the roof and sometimes was further away from the exposed edge. (Tr. 57; Ex. C-3.)
Despite the brevity of the exposure, a slip or fall could result in severe injury or death because of
the building’s height. (Tr. 81-83; Ex. C-3.) See Sec’y of Labor v. Trinity Indus., 504 F.3d 397, 401
(3d Cir. 2007); Merchant’s, 17 BNA OSHC at 1007 (finding that a fall from 18 feet was likely to
cause serious injuries).
Looking next at history and good faith, the Secretary argues that the evidence does not
support a reduction for either of these factors. As discussed, Respondent had previously been cited
for violating the same standard less than two years before the inspection that led to the present
Citation. (Ex. C-3 at 1.) Respondent had a safety program and safety equipment on site. (Tr. 222,
267, 279, 302; Ex. J-7.)
Upon due consideration of section 17(j) of the Act, with due regard given to the enumerated
penalty calculation factors, the undersigned finds a penalty of $48,185 is appropriate.
ORDER
The foregoing Decision constitutes the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in
accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Based upon the foregoing
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is Ordered that:

27
1. Citation 1, Item 1, alleging a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(11) is
VACATED and no penalty is assessed.
2. Citation 2, Item 1 alleging a serious and repeat violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1936.501(b)(10) is
AFFIRMED and a penalty of $48,195 is ASSESSED.
SO ORDERED.
/s/Covette Rooney
Dated: September 27, 2021 COVETTE ROONEY
Washington, D.C. Chief Judge, OSHRC