Portland shipbuilder cited for workplace hazards, fines proposed

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Shipbuilder Vigor Marine Inc. has been cited for 16 health and safety violations after employee complaints at the company’s Portland location.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday it is proposing more than $370,000 in fines.

The company allowed employees to work on energized circuit boxes, didn’t do fitness testing before providing respirators and didn’t have an adequate program to protect workers’ hearing. It also did not ensure workers wore seatbelts while operating trucks.

Health and safety agencies in the states of Oregon and Alaska have also issued citations.

Vigor Marine has 15 business days to comply, request a conference with the agency or contest the findings.

Jill Mackie, Vigor spokeswoman, says the company has already fixed the issues and is committed to safety.