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PP-2023-A7717-0088-ADOSH · Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health · 2024-09-18

IN THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH OF THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION OF ARIZONA,

Complainant

v

APC PALLETS, INC.,

Respondent Employer.

No. PP-2023-A7717-0088-ADOSH

FINDINGS & ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

On March 24, 2023, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health of the Industrial Commission of Arizona (“Complainant” or “Division”) inspected a worksite of APC Pallets Inc. (“Respondent” or “APC Pallets”) located at 3011 W Whitton Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85017, Inspection No. PP-2023-A7717-0088. This inspection resulted in the Complainant issuing a Citation and Notification of Penalty to the Respondent on June 16, 2023.

WHEREAS, Respondent timely filed a Notice of Contest with respect to the above-mentioned citation, and the Division and Respondent now desire to settle this matter without the necessity of a formal hearing, both parties agree that it is in their respective best interests to settle this matter without going through the procedures, time and expense associated with litigation and a formal hearing.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to settle this matter as follows:

On September 6, 2024, the parties filed a Settlement Agreement resolving all issues and disputes involved in this matter. The Settlement Agreement appears to be consistent with the provisions and objectives of the Arizona Occupational Safety and Health Act. Accordingly, pursuant to A.A.C. R20-5-827 of the Occupational Safety and Health Rules of Procedure Before the Industrial Commission of Arizona, the Settlement Agreement is incorporated by this reference, adopted, and made a part of this order.

The Settlement Agreement is in furtherance of the purpose of the Arizona Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1972 and represents a full and final determination of this matter.

ORDER

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

Citation 1 Item 1 will be reclassified as non-serious and the assessed penalty will be reduced to $1,250.

Citation 1 Item 2 will be reclassified as non-serious and the assessed penalty reduced to $1,250.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent:

Produce a heat illness prevention plan and provide proof of training for staff within sixty days of the effective date of the Settlement Agreement.

Produce new abatement photos for the hearing protection within thirty days of the effective date of the Settlement Agreement.

Complete purchase and have operational a new dust collection machine within six months from the effective date of the Settlement Agreement and provide evidence of its implementation and operation to ADOSH.

Shall pay the assessed penalties within thirty days of the effective date of the Settlement Agreement.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that each party is to bear its own attorney’s fees and costs.

NOTICE

Any party dissatisfied with this Decision may request review by the Review Board, filing a written request with the Administrative Law Judge Division of the Industrial Commission within fifteen (15) days after service of this Decision as provided by Arizona Revised Statutes, §§ 23-421(C) and 23-423(A) and (B). If no such request is made within the time provided, this Decision becomes final.

By: Tammy L. Eigenheer

The Honorable Tammy L. Eigenheer,

Administrative Law Judge

DATED IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA, THIS 18th day of September 2024.

BEFORE THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

The attached FINDINGS & ORDER APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT was placed in, and is now a part of, the Office of Administrative Hearings file and was served on the parties named below via mail/email/facsimile on 18th day of September 2024:

Brian Hudson

Division of Occupational Safety & Health

800 W. Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 86007

ADOSH Director

Sophia Cox

Legal Division

Industrial Commission of Arizona

800 W. Washington Street, Suite 303

Phoenix, AZ 85007

[email redacted]

Attorney for ADOSH

Rebecca Antillon

APC Pallets, Inc.

[email redacted]

Respondent

Arturo Carranza

APC Pallets General Manager

[email redacted]

Respondent

By: OAH Staff