Over the years, Sky Ridge Construction LLC has repeatedly violated Oregon's safety protocols. As a consequence, the corporation is now required to pay a fine of over $100,000.
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Sky Ridge Construction Violations
Sky Ridge Construction LLC was issued a violation notice by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) due to an inspection concentrating on a building location where construction was being carried out on new homes. Specifically, the inspection was carried out as part of the prevention-based emphasis program that Oregon OSHA has in place to address fall hazards across all industries.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that numerous workers were working on a roof without any form of fall protection, one of the most common reasons for fatalities in the construction business. Accordingly, they could fall to the ground from 18 feet. Inspection findings stated that it was determined that Sky Ridge Construction had broken a law that mandates employers to guarantee that fall protection devices are provided, constructed, and utilized when workers are exposed to a risk of falling six feet or more to a lower level.
Thus, the company made the necessary corrections to the violation that Oregon OSHA discovered during the inspection. However, Sky Ridge Construction's violation of fall protection regulations was the third time it had occurred since January 2022. As a result of the repeated violations, the penalty for the infraction was increased, and the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) imposed a penalty of $103,438. Sky Ridge Construction will be able to appeal the ruling for thirty days.
According to the organization's administrator, Renée Stapleton, the business has no valid justification for asking its employees to work at heights without confirming that fall protection measures are being utilized successfully. Employers can accomplish their tasks securely by guaranteeing that personnel working at heights are secured. It is an absolute necessity and not a choice. Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers can perform their jobs in a safe environment.
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Responsibilities of Oregon OSHA
Standards for workplace safety and health are enforced by Oregon OSHA compliance. This organization utilizes the Field Operations Manual (FOM) to instruct the enforcement program. When compliance inspectors find violations of occupational safety and health standards, they conduct inspections of workplaces to identify potentially hazardous circumstances and issue tickets. Several factors might lead to inspections, including regular scheduling, reports of impending danger, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Additional information regarding the enforcement of laws in Oregon can be obtained on the Oregon State Plan website.
On the other hand, as part of its enforcement activities, the Oregon OSHA provides employers with free tools to improve workplace health and safety. These resources include the division's A-to-Z topic page regarding fall safety and its Fall safety Suite, which consists of online video training classes. It is highly recommended that employers use these complementary resources, which comprise technical assistance and consultation services, to enhance safety protocols within their respective workplaces.
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