SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — Oregon Occupational Safety and Health has fined a Springfield restaurant $9,215 for two COVID-19-related violations.
OSHA issued the fine to Along Came Trudy following weeks of the business remaining open against statewide rules, KEZI-TV reported.
Multiple complaints about the restaurant were reportedly made to the agency.
State officials say the fine was issued following an inspection in December. By allowing indoor dining, OSHA said the restaurant willfully disregarded the ban on indoor dining in extreme risk areas like Lane County. The second violation regards a failure to make sure customers inside the restaurant wear a face covering.
OSHA said armed people outside the business threatened regulatory agencies and their staff members.
“It is our expectation that employers comply with public health measures that we know are effective at decreasing the risks to workers and reducing the spread of this disease. And we have been able to resolve most concerns about COVID-19 and the workplace constructively and without formal enforcement visits,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “However, as this case demonstrates, we will continue to carry out enforcement actions where appropriate and particularly where employers knowingly disregard standards.”
Businesses have 30 days to appeal citations. The restaurant did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.
