Oregon’s state Occupational Safety and Health Division has levied a six-figure fine against a Medford roofing company for repeatedly failing to safeguard workers from fall hazards that could seriously injure or kill them.

Oregon OSHA cited JAM Construction Inc. following an inspection of a jobsite in Central Point, just north of Medford, about 35 miles north of the California state line, where work was being done on the roof of a house, according to an August 22 news release. 

The inspection officials stated that JAM Construction failed to ensure that employees working on the roof installed and implemented fall protection, which resulted in their exposure to potential falls of up to 13 feet from the ground. 

JAM Construction violated a statute that requires employers to ensure that fall protection systems are provided, installed, and implemented when employees are exposed to a fall hazard of six feet or more to a lower level.

This was the third time since April 2022 that JAM Construction violated fall protection requirements. Oregon OSHA issued a penalty of $103,438 for the third repeat violation. The division also issued an “other-than-serious" citation to the company for failing to provide documentation showing employees had received fall protection training.

“Any employer who directs workers to do job tasks at heights must make sure those workers are protected against fall hazards. It is a requirement, not an option," said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “To repeatedly fail to put the safety of workers first only increases the risk of serious injury or even death."

The total penalty against JAM Construction included a standard penalty reduction based on the company's size; however, under Oregon OSHA's rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses.

Companies have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. A message left for JAM Construction seeking comment went unreturned.