A fitness center in Salem has been fined for operating out of compliance and willfully exposing employees to COVID-19. It’s the largest penalty related to the pandemic issued to an Oregon employer.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health or OSHA has levied over $126,000 ($126,749 to be exact) in fines on Capitol Racquet Sports, Inc. It’s the fifth citation issued against the company for non-compliance of public health measures.
Aaron Corvin is with Oregon OSHA.
“Any employer is entitled to file an appeal,” said Corvin. “That process is there. However as evidenced by the citations we’ve issued to date, we believe they are valid citations and that we will prevail.”
The fines were imposed because the company remained open despite Red Warning notices at each of its four facilities. Marion County is designated in the Extreme Risk category for COVID-19 transmission.
An open letter from owner regarding the OSHA fines was posted on Facebook:
