White City Jobsite Violations Lead to $128K Fine for Medford Contractor

SALEM, Ore. (Dec 9, 2025) — Oregon’s workplace safety agency has fined a Medford contractor more than $128,000 after an inspection found workers were exposed to multiple hazards, including potentially deadly falls, at a construction site in White City.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division said it issued Shrader Homes Inc. five citations in November after investigating framing work at a two-story residence. Inspectors said the company failed to provide required fall protection and violated ladder safety rules, including some offenses repeatedly flagged in past inspections.

One of the violations — failing to provide fall protection for employees working 6 feet or more above ground — was classified as a fourth repeat infraction and carried a penalty of $110,309. Oregon OSHA said the violation was rated “death” because of the likelihood of fatal injury.

Another citation, a second repeat violation, involved failing to extend ladder side rails at least three feet above an upper landing. That violation resulted in a $13,800 fine.

The agency also cited the company for three additional serious violations: failing to protect workers from falls through a wall opening on the second-floor deck; allowing use of a ladder with a broken anti-slip device; and failing to require eye protection for a worker operating a pneumatic nail gun. Each of those violations carried a $1,412 penalty.

Oregon OSHA said the total penalty reflects a standard reduction based on the size of the company. Shrader Homes has filed an appeal, as allowed within 30 days of receiving the citation.

“Any employer that directs workers to do jobs at elevations must take action beforehand to make sure protective systems are in place,” Renée Stapleton, the division’s administrator, said in a statement. “Workers have a right to safety and health under the law. Employers are responsible for making that right a reality.”

The inspection was conducted under the agency’s prevention-focused program targeting fall hazards across industries.

Oregon OSHA noted that it provides employers with free, no-penalty resources to help improve workplace safety, including consultation services, technical assistance, and fall-protection training materials in English and Spanish. Employers can access those services online, by phone at 800-922-2689, or by email.