Contractor hit with more penalties after repeat violations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Navy Contractors Inc. for exposing employees to fall hazards at a work site in Lakewood, New Jersey. The company, based in North Arlington, New Jersey, faces $84,183 in penalties for repeat and serious safety violations.

OSHA conducted an investigation in January 2019 after an inspector observed Navy Contractors’ employees performing roofing activities without fall protection. OSHA cited the company for failing to: provide fall protection; ensure employees wore hardhats; train employees on ladder safety; and prevent the use of damaged ladders.

This is the company’s third citation in the past two years. OSHA previously cited the employer for similar violations in 2018 at sites in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“Failure to comply with OSHA fall protection requirements jeopardizes the safety of workers,” says OSHA Marlton Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick. “Fall hazards are well known, but they can be eliminated when workers are trained and protective equipment is used properly.”

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 Review Commission.