Contractor Fined $603K For Hazards In Royersford, Collegeville

ROYERSFORD, PA — A contractor was fined more than $600,000 for "willfully exposing" workers to hazards at construction sites in both Royersford and Collegeville, the U.S. Department of Labor announed this week.

Navy Contractors, Inc. must pay a total of $603,850 in penalties for a number of safety violations, including failure to provide fall protection and training, improper use of ladders, and inadequate fire protection.

Fines were also levied for a third site in Center Valley out in Lehigh County.

"Knowingly and repeatedly ignoring fall protection requirements places workers at risk for serious or fatal injuries,” OSHA Allentown Area Director Jean Kulp said in a statement. "All construction employers, regardless of their contracting status, are legally required to comply with regulations to protect workers’ safety and health."

Navy worked as a subcontractor at residential construction sites in Royersford and Collegeville. The supervising contractor was Blue Lion Ventures Inc., doing business as Storm Guard of Ches-Mont, based in Pottstown.

OSHA said that two inspections previous to these violations had revealed similar negligency.

The company has 15 days to either pay or contest the penalties.