OSHA Fines Chester County Business $333K For Safety Violations

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — A Chester County business has been fined more than $333,000 by the U.S. Department of Labor for willfully failing to provide basic protections for its workers, according to an announcement Wednesday.

Downingtown's US Environmental Inc., an environmental and industrial services corporation, was first inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on May 31.

Investigators found that the company did not follow basic safety protocol on several counts, including failing to implement rescue procedures for employees working in confined spaces, and failing to provide employees with fall protection equipment and training.

“It is fortunate that workers did not suffer serious injuries or worse,” OSHA Area Office Director Theresa Downs said in a statement. “Employers must follow appropriate atmospheric testing procedures, and provide adequate training and safety equipment to protect workers from potential confined space hazards.”

All told, the company was cited with one "other than serious" violations, four "willful" violations, and seven "serious violations," according to OSHA.

The total fine was $333,756.

US Environmental is given 15 days to respond to the charges.

Image via Shutterstock