Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) has imposed a $135,407 fine on Newberg-based contractor View Top Construction LLC for repeatedly neglecting to protect employees from dangerous fall hazards. This significant penalty reflects Oregon OSHA’s strict enforcement of workplace safety standards and its zero-tolerance policy for recurring violations.
Details of the Violations of Oregon Contractor
The penalty followed an inspection at a Hillsboro job site where View Top Construction was working on the roof of a residential property. As part of Oregon OSHA’s prevention-focused emphasis program targeting fall hazards across all industries, inspectors observed an employee installing roofing materials without properly using the provided fall protection system. Although the employee wore a fall protection harness, it was not connected to a fall protection anchor, exposing the worker to a potential 17-foot fall.
Oregon OSHA cited the company for three distinct violations under the Oregon Safe Employment Act:
- Lack of Proper Fall Protection
- Employees were not protected from falls of 6 feet or more, a third repeat offense.
- Penalty: $84,996.
- Improper Use of Extension Ladders
- Side rails on an extension ladder used by workers did not extend at least 3 feet above the roofline, violating safety standards for the second time.
- Penalty: $38,883.
- Failure to Provide Eye Protection
- Employees operating pneumatic nail guns were not provided with proper eye protection, a first repeat offense.
- Penalty: $11,528.
Increased Penalties for Repeat Violations of Oregon Contractor
Under Oregon OSHA’s penalty structure, fines escalate significantly for repeated noncompliance. Despite earlier citations, View Top Construction continued to expose employees to preventable risks, prompting this substantial financial penalty.
Workplace Safety Emphasis
This case underscores the importance of adhering to workplace safety regulations. Preventable incidents not only jeopardize employees’ well-being but also lead to costly consequences for employers.
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