December 28, 2024 | JacobiJournal.com — Oregon OSHA fine: Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) has imposed a $135,407 penalty 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.
The Oregon OSHA fine also sends a clear warning to other contractors in the state. Regulators emphasized that fall hazards remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and deaths in construction, making strict compliance non-negotiable. By holding companies accountable with steep financial penalties, Oregon OSHA aims to deter repeat violations and encourage safer practices on job sites across the industry.
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.
The repeated nature of these violations factored heavily into the Oregon OSHA fine. Officials noted that when companies fail to correct safety hazards after being cited, it signals a disregard for worker protection and undermines the purpose of regulatory enforcement. As a result, penalties are structured to increase in severity, not only to punish but also to push contractors toward lasting compliance.
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.
Beyond the immediate Oregon OSHA fine, the broader message is clear: employers who fail to prioritize safety risk not only face financial penalties but also reputational damage and potential legal liability. Consistent investment in training, equipment, and oversight is essential to create a culture of accountability that reduces workplace accidents and safeguards employees long-term.
For the full official release, visit Oregon OSHA’s Newsroom, a trusted source for workplace safety enforcement updates.
FAQs: About the Oregon OSHA Fine
What led to the $135K Oregon OSHA fine against View Top Construction?
Inspectors observed repeated fall protection violations and other safety lapses, prompting the penalty.
How does Oregon OSHA fine repeat offenders differently?
Repeat violations result in steeper fines under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, as seen in this case.
What industries are most impacted by an Oregon OSHA fine?
Construction, roofing, and manufacturing are among the sectors most often penalized for safety failures.
Can contractors appeal an Oregon OSHA fine?
Yes. Employers have the right to contest penalties through Oregon OSHA’s formal appeals process.
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