Enforcement OR-OSHA's comprehensive enforcement program ensures that Oregon's occupational safety and health rules are carried out in the workplace. Enforcement conducts unannounced safety and health inspections of worksites as part of OR-OSHA's scheduled inspection program. Enforcement may also conduct inspections upon receiving referrals from other agencies or complaints. Compliance officers also investigate workplace accidents that result in fatalities or serious disabling injuries. Inspections result in citations being issued to employers when there are violations of Oregon occupational safety and health rules.
Some citations carry monetary penalties.
The Health Enforcement Program's primary focus is preventing occupational diseases and illnesses that can result from exposure to chemical substances or physical agents in the workplace. All enforcement staff provide pre-job, compliance, and abatement assistance to the public. Field staff also help the division's Public Education and Conferences Section develop and present occupational safety and health training and educational programs. These programs are presented to trade and labor groups, and other organizations. This program, mandated by law, ensures that workers' compensation insurance companies provide policyholders with occupational safety and health loss-prevention services at no charge.