OSHA cites framing contractor for fall hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited framing contractor Navy Contractors Inc. for willfully exposing employees to fall hazards at residential construction sites in Royersford, Collegeville, and Center Valley, Pennsylvania. The company, based in North Arlington, New Jersey, faces $603,850 in penalties.

OSHA initiated inspections at the three jobsites after inspectors saw employees performing framing work without fall protection. OSHA cited the company for failing to provide fall protection equipment and training, improper use of ladders, deficiencies in walking/working surfaces and inadequate fire protection.

At the Royersford site, Navy Contractors Inc. operated as a subcontractor under the supervision of a controlling general contractor, the New York City-based Blue Lion Ventures Inc., which was doing business as Storm Guard of Ches-Mont Inc. in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. OSHA also cited the general contractor for failing to provide fall protection. OSHA previously inspected Navy Contractors Inc.’s worksites and determined in two of the inspections that the company willfully disregarded their obligation to provide fall protection.

“Knowingly and repeatedly ignoring fall protection requirements places workers at risk for serious or fatal injuries,” says Jean Kulp, the Allentown, Pennsylvania area director for OSHA, in a news release. “All construction employers, regardless of their contracting status, are legally required to comply with regulations to protect workers’ safety and health.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Commission.