PRESS RELEASE - January 3, 2020

The Oregon Occupation Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has cited the City of Warrenton
$10,800 for alleged workplace safety and health violations in its Fire Department. OSHA received an
anonymous complaint in early August 2019 and completed their inspection in early November. The Citation and Notification, dated December 23, 2019, outlines the alleged violations and applied penalties. The City of Warrenton is requesting a 90-day extension to the January 23, 2020 response date in order to ensure all appropriate operating guidelines are updated and adopted. The City plans to appeal the proposed penalty.

During the course of the inspection the City worked closely with the investigator and has taken swift action to address any deficiencies that were brought to the City's attention. City Manager Linda Engbretson stated, "Workplace safety and health standards are legal requirements to protect workers from hazards on the job and the City of Warrenton takes compliance seriously." She further noted that employees who do not follow required safety protocols or who do not meet response criteria will immediately be removed from the roster until such time that they meet all requirements. "We have gone over the citation with a fine-tooth comb and many of the issues have been addressed. We are confident the measures instituted will satisfy OSHA upon submission of our corrective action letter, and we look forward to working with OSHA moving forward."

Fire Chief Brian Alsbury is confident that all issues are being identified. Fire department Volunteer and Career staff has put in countless hours rectifying the issues outlined by OSHA and they all look forward to keeping Warrenton Fire Department's working atmosphere safe for all staff members and the community they serve.