Limerick Contractor Fined $119K By OSHA For Major Safety Violations

LIMERICK, PA -- A Limerick contractor is being fined $119,000 for violations related to a scaffold with major safety violations, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced.

Penn Stucco Systems Inc, based on 385 West Ridge Pike, was completing stucco work at a building on 3018 West Thompson Street in Philadelphia when the violations were discovered, OSHA spokespersons said.

“OSHA determined the general contractor shortened the schedule in the middle of the project. Both employers pushed to rush completion and bypassed safety,” Nicholas DeJesse, director of OSHA’s Philadelphia Area Office.

General contractor Westrum Development Co. hired Penn Stucco Systems Inc. to complete stucco work on a building at the site location. Penn then contracted BC Stucco and Stone, based in Upper Darby and who was also cited, to provide labor for the job, OSHA said.

OSHA opened its investigations after it received a complaint alleging employees from both companies were working approximately 20 feet on a scaffold with major safety deficiencies, such as lack of planking, bracing, safe access and stability.

“Penn Stucco Systems and BC Stucco and Stone jeopardized their workers’ safety knowingly by failing to provide basic scaffolding safeguards intended to prevent serious injuries and save lives," DeJesse added. "Both of these companies have a history of ignoring safety standards and putting their workers at risk. Such behavior is unacceptable and it must stop before someone is seriously hurt or worse.”

According to OSHA, repeat violations were found where Penn Stucco:

– Allowed workers on scaffolds approximately 39-feet high that were not fully planked or decked.

– Had employees doing stucco work on a fabricated frame scaffold not restrained from tipping.

– Used a scaffold without ladders, stair towers or other safe means of access.

– Failed to provide fall prevention or guardrails to address fall hazards.

OSHA previously cited the company for similar violations in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The total penalties were $119,790 for Penn Stucco Systems and $116,600 for BC Stucco and Stone.