Local News

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) has fined a Grants Pass roofing company more than $86,000 for workplace safety violations such as repeatedly failing to safeguard workers from fall hazards.

OSHA cited GB Roofing, LLC, following an inspection of a job site in Eugene where work was being done to replace the roof on a retirement home. The check was conducted under OSHA's prevention-based emphasis program addressing workers exposed to fall hazards that could seriously injure or kill them.

According to the inspection, employees were working on the roof without fall protection. They were exposed to a potential fall of about 20 feet to the ground. The company had violated a rule requiring employers to ensure that fall protection systems are provided, installed and implemented where employees are exposed to a hazard of falling six feet or more to a lower level.

It was the third time since May 2022 that GB Roofing violated fall protection requirements.

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace, and employers must maintain safe and healthy workplaces. In the construction industry, falls are one of the leading causes of death.

GB Roofing was also cited for failing to provide eye protection to employees who were exposed to flying particles from the use of pneumatic staplers. It was a serious violation carrying a penalty of $1,153.

During the inspection, the company corrected the violations identified by Oregon OSHA. The total penalty issued against GB Roofing included a standard penalty reduction based on the small size of the company. Under OSHA rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses.