OSHA has cited Pennsylvania framing company Navy Contractors for willfully exposing employees to fall hazards at three residential construction sites across the state, according to a news release from the agency. The contracting company faces $603,850 in proposed penalties for the alleged violations.
OSHA investigated the three jobsites after inspectors observed employees of the contractor performing framing work without fall protection. The agency cited Navy Contractors for failing to provide fall protection equipment and training, for improper use of ladders, for deficiencies in walking and working surfaces, and for inadequate fire protection.
At one of the three jobsites, Navy Contractors operated as a subcontractor under the supervision of general contractor Blue Lion Ventures, doing business as Storm Guard of Ches-Mont. OSHA also cited the general contractor for failing to provide fall protection. The citation of the general contractor is consistent with a December court ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that OSHA has the ability to issue citations to general contractors who fail to control hazardous conditions at multi-employer worksites, even if those conditions do not directly affect their own employees.
“Knowingly and repeatedly ignoring fall protection requirements places workers at risk for serious or fatal injuries,” said OSHA Allentown, Pa., area director Jean Kulp. “All construction employers, regardless of their contracting status, are legally required to comply with regulations to protect workers’ safety and health.”
Navy Contractors has 15 business days from the receipt of the OSHA citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with their OSHA area director, or contest the findings.
