A Medford contractor has been hit with a hefty fine of over $128,000 by Oregon OSHA due to repeated safety violations, which could have potentially deadly consequences. The company, Shrader Homes Inc., was cited for five violations during an inspection at a White City jobsite, including a fourth repeat citation for failing to provide fall protection and a second repeat violation involving ladder safety. Falls are a leading cause of death in the construction industry, and penalties for repeat offenses are severe. The most severe citation, rated with the potential outcome of 'death', carried a penalty of $110,309 for not implementing fall-protection systems when workers were exposed to a drop of six feet or more. Additional violations included failing to extend ladder side rails above an upper landing, allowing the use of a ladder with a broken anti-slip device, lack of protection at a second-floor wall opening, and failing to ensure eye protection for a worker using a pneumatic nail gun. Shrader Homes has filed an appeal, but employers have 30 days from receiving a citation to contest it. This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in the construction industry, and it's crucial for employers to take action to ensure protective systems are in place before directing workers to do jobs at elevations. This is a stark reminder that workers have a right to safety and health under the law, and that repeat violations will not be tolerated.
