Oregon Dept. of Consumer & Business Services

Emergency Messages as of 8:30 AM, Thu. Nov 5

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Oregon Dept. of Consumer & Business Services.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Oregon DFR Reminds Oregonians To Utilize ACA Open Enrollment Period, Be Careful Of ‘limited Partner’ And ‘sharing’ Plans - 11/03/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregonians who receive or want to apply for individual or family health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, called Explore Health, or directly with an insurance company, to use the open enrollment period from Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027.

 

The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year. Explore Health coverage can begin as soon as Jan. 1, 2027, if people enroll in or change plans by Dec. 31, 2026.

 

The last day to enroll in or change plans for the 2027 plan year is Jan. 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a special enrollment period. Coverage starts on Feb. 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2027, and pay their first premium.

 

For more information on Explore Health or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. You must go through Explore Health to receive financial assistance.

 

DFR also advises Oregonians to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. BridgeSpan, Kaiser, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon are the only insurance companies offering ACA-compliant individual and family plans in 2027.

 

The agency has identified plans that claim they are “self-funded” and refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” in order to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. There are also plans being sold that “share” health care expenses but are not insurance. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.

 

DFR encourages Oregonians to use local licensed insurance agents or Explore Health to obtain individual and family health insurance plans that comply with the ACA. Oregonians can find an expert in their area by going to ExploreHealthOR.gov/Help or by calling the Explore Health customer assistance center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome).​

 

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

 

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions before enrolling can contact our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email [email protected].

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon DFR Reminds Oregonians To Utilize ACA Open Enrollment Period, Be Careful Of ‘limited Partner’ And ‘sharing’ Plans - 11/03/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregonians who receive or want to apply for individual or family health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, called Explore Health, or directly with an insurance company, to use the open enrollment period from Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027.

 

The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year. Explore Health coverage can begin as soon as Jan. 1, 2027, if people enroll in or change plans by Dec. 31, 2026.

 

The last day to enroll in or change plans for the 2027 plan year is Jan. 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a special enrollment period. Coverage starts on Feb. 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2027, and pay their first premium.

 

For more information on Explore Health or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. You must go through Explore Health to receive financial assistance.

 

DFR also advises Oregonians to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. BridgeSpan, Kaiser, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon are the only insurance companies offering ACA-compliant individual and family plans in 2027.

 

The agency has identified plans that claim they are “self-funded” and refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” in order to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. There are also plans being sold that “share” health care expenses but are not insurance. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.

 

DFR encourages Oregonians to use local licensed insurance agents or Explore Health to obtain individual and family health insurance plans that comply with the ACA. Oregonians can find an expert in their area by going to ExploreHealthOR.gov/Help or by calling the Explore Health customer assistance center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome).​

 

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

 

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions before enrolling can contact our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email [email protected].

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek Proclaims Oct. 19-23 Community Bank Week (Photo) - 10/20/26

Salem – Gov. Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed Oct. 19-23, 2026 as Community Bank Week in Oregon, recognizing the vital role community banks play in supporting families, small businesses, and communities across the state.

 

“For well over a century, community banks doing business in Oregon have provided local financial services and have supported the prosperity and growth of our communities,” said Gov. Kotek in the proclamation. “Community banks are an integral part of Oregon’s overall economy through their community giving, dedication as good neighbors, and above all, their critical role in providing reliable financial services to Oregonians.”

 

Community banks serve Oregon through:

  • 113 branches and loan offices serving urban and rural communities
  • Employing 2,365 Oregonians in family-wage jobs with competitive pay and benefits
  • Over $1 billion in local small business lending that fuels entrepreneurship and job creation
  • Significant charitable contributions each year
  • Safeguarding over $9.2 billion in local deposits

“Community banks play a vital role in Oregon’s economy and in communities across the state,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “They provide essential financial services, support local businesses, and help strengthen the economic foundation of Oregon.”

 

Community banks are central to Oregon’s economic vitality, contributing to schools, infrastructure, and public services through taxes and serving the credit needs of all communities – including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods – under the federal Community Reinvestment Act. In many rural areas, they may be the only local financial institution, making this commitment especially important.

 

During Community Bank Week, banks across Oregon will celebrate with customer appreciation events, community service projects, food drives, free community shred events where residents can securely dispose of confidential documents, and other outreach efforts that highlight the positive impact of local banking. Discover more about community banks and connect with one in your area at www.oregonbankers.com/local.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek Proclaims Oct. 19-23 Community Bank Week (Photo) - 10/20/26

Salem – Gov. Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed Oct. 19-23, 2026 as Community Bank Week in Oregon, recognizing the vital role community banks play in supporting families, small businesses, and communities across the state.

 

“For well over a century, community banks doing business in Oregon have provided local financial services and have supported the prosperity and growth of our communities,” said Gov. Kotek in the proclamation. “Community banks are an integral part of Oregon’s overall economy through their community giving, dedication as good neighbors, and above all, their critical role in providing reliable financial services to Oregonians.”

 

Community banks serve Oregon through:

  • 113 branches and loan offices serving urban and rural communities
  • Employing 2,365 Oregonians in family-wage jobs with competitive pay and benefits
  • Over $1 billion in local small business lending that fuels entrepreneurship and job creation
  • Significant charitable contributions each year
  • Safeguarding over $9.2 billion in local deposits

“Community banks play a vital role in Oregon’s economy and in communities across the state,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “They provide essential financial services, support local businesses, and help strengthen the economic foundation of Oregon.”

 

Community banks are central to Oregon’s economic vitality, contributing to schools, infrastructure, and public services through taxes and serving the credit needs of all communities – including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods – under the federal Community Reinvestment Act. In many rural areas, they may be the only local financial institution, making this commitment especially important.

 

During Community Bank Week, banks across Oregon will celebrate with customer appreciation events, community service projects, food drives, free community shred events where residents can securely dispose of confidential documents, and other outreach efforts that highlight the positive impact of local banking. Discover more about community banks and connect with one in your area at www.oregonbankers.com/local.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Media Contest Invites Oregon High School Students To Promote Heat Illness Prevention For Young Workers; Entries Due Feb. 12, 2027 (Photo) - 10/20/26

A media contest is now open to high school students across Oregon, encouraging them to showcase their video or graphic design skills for cash prizes and a good cause: raising awareness among young workers about how to stay safe and healthy while working in hot weather.
 

The 2027 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, invites participants to create an ad – through a compelling video or graphic design  – that catches the attention of teen workers and convinces them to take the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division’s (Oregon OSHA) heat-illness prevention online course. The idea is to show teen workers that the online course is an important tool they can use to help protect themselves from heat-related hazards while on the job – especially when they’re working during the summer months.
 

Participants in the media contest – now in its 19th year – get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will succeed in engaging their audience and prompting it to act. The audience is teen workers or teens who plan to be working soon. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.
 

Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.
 

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

As they work on their media projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.
 

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 2027.
 

Participants must submit entries online.
 

The contest rules, entry form, checklist, and more information and resources – including links to the videos and graphics designs of previous contest winners – are available on the O[yes] online contest page.
 

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the SHARP Alliance.
 

###
 

About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.


About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

 

 

Attached Media Files: Media contest image1, Media contest image2,

Media Contest Invites Oregon High School Students To Promote Heat Illness Prevention For Young Workers; Entries Due Feb. 12, 2027 (Photo) - 10/20/26

A media contest is now open to high school students across Oregon, encouraging them to showcase their video or graphic design skills for cash prizes and a good cause: raising awareness among young workers about how to stay safe and healthy while working in hot weather.
 

The 2027 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, invites participants to create an ad – through a compelling video or graphic design  – that catches the attention of teen workers and convinces them to take the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division’s (Oregon OSHA) heat-illness prevention online course. The idea is to show teen workers that the online course is an important tool they can use to help protect themselves from heat-related hazards while on the job – especially when they’re working during the summer months.
 

Participants in the media contest – now in its 19th year – get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will succeed in engaging their audience and prompting it to act. The audience is teen workers or teens who plan to be working soon. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.
 

Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.
 

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

As they work on their media projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.
 

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 2027.
 

Participants must submit entries online.
 

The contest rules, entry form, checklist, and more information and resources – including links to the videos and graphics designs of previous contest winners – are available on the O[yes] online contest page.
 

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the SHARP Alliance.
 

###
 

About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.


About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

 

 

Attached Media Files: Media contest image1, Media contest image2,

Portland Event Will Offer Educational Opportunities To Increase Worker Safety, Health In Pulp, Paper, Forest Products, And Other Industries (Photo) - 10/20/26

Improving worker safety and health in Oregon’s pulp, paper, and forest products industries will get the spotlight during a conference held Dec. 1-4 in Portland. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with each other, and to refresh their safety and health knowledge and skills. Topics include confined space safety, effective communication, safety leadership, electrical safety, control of hazardous energy, and fall protection.

 

Although the 34th annual Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference focuses on safety and health issues in the pulp, paper, and forest products industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace, tools for creating effective safety committees, and resources for improving driver safety.

 

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.

 

The conference will feature a keynote presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 1, that will highlight the history of the Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference as well as delve into the many reasons why working safely matters.

 

Conference sessions include:

 

  • Hazardous Line Breaking: Program Overview and Best Practices
  • Process Opening vs. Hazardous-Line Breaking: Definitions, Program Overview, and Best Practices Discussion
  • Distractions in the Workplace
  • American Heart Adult CPR/AED and First Aid
  • Steam Hammer and Water/Condensate-Induced Water Hammer Safety
  • Proven Strategies for Improving Interactions
  • Hand Safety
  • Mobile Equipment and Pedestrian Interaction Safety Improvement
  • Synthetic Ropes in the Forest Products Industry

 

 

The registration fee is $480 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $160. It is $60 for Friday. To register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/wppfp26.

 

If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email [email protected].

 

###

 

About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

Portland Event Will Offer Educational Opportunities To Increase Worker Safety, Health In Pulp, Paper, Forest Products, And Other Industries (Photo) - 10/20/26

Improving worker safety and health in Oregon’s pulp, paper, and forest products industries will get the spotlight during a conference held Dec. 1-4 in Portland. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with each other, and to refresh their safety and health knowledge and skills. Topics include confined space safety, effective communication, safety leadership, electrical safety, control of hazardous energy, and fall protection.

 

Although the 34th annual Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference focuses on safety and health issues in the pulp, paper, and forest products industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace, tools for creating effective safety committees, and resources for improving driver safety.

 

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.

 

The conference will feature a keynote presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 1, that will highlight the history of the Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference as well as delve into the many reasons why working safely matters.

 

Conference sessions include:

 

  • Hazardous Line Breaking: Program Overview and Best Practices
  • Process Opening vs. Hazardous-Line Breaking: Definitions, Program Overview, and Best Practices Discussion
  • Distractions in the Workplace
  • American Heart Adult CPR/AED and First Aid
  • Steam Hammer and Water/Condensate-Induced Water Hammer Safety
  • Proven Strategies for Improving Interactions
  • Hand Safety
  • Mobile Equipment and Pedestrian Interaction Safety Improvement
  • Synthetic Ropes in the Forest Products Industry

 

 

The registration fee is $480 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $160. It is $60 for Friday. To register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/wppfp26.

 

If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email [email protected].

 

###

 

About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

Oregon Joins $2.5 Million Settlement With Crypto Kiosk Operator (Photo) - 10/19/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and 33 other state financial regulatory agencies have reached a $2.5 million settlement with Coinme Inc., a Seattle-based cryptocurrency money transmitter and kiosk operator, for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) laws that safeguard the financial system from illicit use.

 

Under the terms of the settlement, Coinme has agreed to terminate its virtual currency kiosk operations by Jan. 1, 2027, or face an additional $4 million penalty. The settlement amount will be allocated among participating states based on transaction volume. Oregon will receive $101,425.34 as part of the settlement.

 

In addition, Coinme has agreed to hire an independent consultant to review the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its BSA/AML program and submit a report to the states within six months. Coinme will have 12 months to correct any deficiencies found in the review after the report is filed.

 

“State regulation of money services exists to protect consumers from scams and bad actors,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “DFR will continue to take action against companies that pose unfair risks to Oregon consumers.”

 

Cryptocurrency kiosks are frequently used in connection with fraud and other criminal activities, so DFR urges caution before consumers use kiosks.

 

“Nobody legitimate, be it the IRS, a utility, a bank, or a sweetheart you’ve never met, will tell you to feed money into a cryptocurrency kiosk,” Keen said. “If someone does, stop and call local law enforcement.”

 

Consumers can visit NMLS Consumer Access to verify that a company is licensed to do business in Oregon and can view if there are past enforcement actions against the company or individual.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or have questions, you can reach out to one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email [email protected].

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Oregon Joins $2.5 Million Settlement With Crypto Kiosk Operator (Photo) - 10/19/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and 33 other state financial regulatory agencies have reached a $2.5 million settlement with Coinme Inc., a Seattle-based cryptocurrency money transmitter and kiosk operator, for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) laws that safeguard the financial system from illicit use.

 

Under the terms of the settlement, Coinme has agreed to terminate its virtual currency kiosk operations by Jan. 1, 2027, or face an additional $4 million penalty. The settlement amount will be allocated among participating states based on transaction volume. Oregon will receive $101,425.34 as part of the settlement.

 

In addition, Coinme has agreed to hire an independent consultant to review the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its BSA/AML program and submit a report to the states within six months. Coinme will have 12 months to correct any deficiencies found in the review after the report is filed.

 

“State regulation of money services exists to protect consumers from scams and bad actors,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “DFR will continue to take action against companies that pose unfair risks to Oregon consumers.”

 

Cryptocurrency kiosks are frequently used in connection with fraud and other criminal activities, so DFR urges caution before consumers use kiosks.

 

“Nobody legitimate, be it the IRS, a utility, a bank, or a sweetheart you’ve never met, will tell you to feed money into a cryptocurrency kiosk,” Keen said. “If someone does, stop and call local law enforcement.”

 

Consumers can visit NMLS Consumer Access to verify that a company is licensed to do business in Oregon and can view if there are past enforcement actions against the company or individual.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or have questions, you can reach out to one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email [email protected].

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Beaverton Contractor Fined $317,587 For Repeated Job Safety Violations (Photo) - 10/15/26

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Beaverton construction company $317,587 for repeatedly violating job safety requirements, including failing to protect workers from fall hazards that could seriously injure or kill them.
 

The division cited Luka’s General Construction LLC after an inspection of a jobsite in Molalla where work was being done on the roof of a two-story house.
 

The company did not implement any fall protection system to protect employees from a potential fall hazard of as much as 19 feet, according to Oregon OSHA’s findings. The employees were working with their full-body fall protection harnesses on, but they had not connected them to any fall protection anchor. Luka’s General Construction violated an Oregon OSHA rule requiring employers to provide, install, and implement fall protection systems where employees are exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level.
 

In another violation, the company was cited for failing to ensure a ladder extended at least 3 feet above the roof level surface to allow workers to safely mount and dismount the ladder at the top. In yet another violation, the company did not have certification records verifying employees were trained in how to recognize fall hazards and the procedures to be followed to minimize those fall hazards.
 

The failure to implement any fall protection system and ladder violations were both fifth-repeat violations committed by the company. In this instance, the fifth-repeat violations mean the company was caught violating these safety requirements for the sixth time in less than two years. The violations carry penalties of $167,294 and $138,146, respectively. The certification violation was a first-repeat violation, carrying a penalty of $12,147.
 

Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses.


Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions, and to raise concerns free of retaliation. The law requires employers to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces.
 

In the construction industry, falls are one of the leading causes of death.
 

“Any employer who directs employees to work at heights must address potential fall hazards, with an emphasis on prevention,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “To repeatedly fail to do so only increases the risk that a worker will be seriously injured or killed.”


Oregon OSHA’s enforcement program is rooted in prevention. The division requires employers to correct violations. Luka's General Construction corrected the fall protection and ladder violations. It is under an order to correct the certification violation.


Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Luka’s General Construction filed an appeal.
 

Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help protecting their employees:
 

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training.

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites.

Oregon OSHA also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.
 

###
 

About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

Beaverton Contractor Fined $317,587 For Repeated Job Safety Violations (Photo) - 10/15/26

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Beaverton construction company $317,587 for repeatedly violating job safety requirements, including failing to protect workers from fall hazards that could seriously injure or kill them.
 

The division cited Luka’s General Construction LLC after an inspection of a jobsite in Molalla where work was being done on the roof of a two-story house.
 

The company did not implement any fall protection system to protect employees from a potential fall hazard of as much as 19 feet, according to Oregon OSHA’s findings. The employees were working with their full-body fall protection harnesses on, but they had not connected them to any fall protection anchor. Luka’s General Construction violated an Oregon OSHA rule requiring employers to provide, install, and implement fall protection systems where employees are exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level.
 

In another violation, the company was cited for failing to ensure a ladder extended at least 3 feet above the roof level surface to allow workers to safely mount and dismount the ladder at the top. In yet another violation, the company did not have certification records verifying employees were trained in how to recognize fall hazards and the procedures to be followed to minimize those fall hazards.
 

The failure to implement any fall protection system and ladder violations were both fifth-repeat violations committed by the company. In this instance, the fifth-repeat violations mean the company was caught violating these safety requirements for the sixth time in less than two years. The violations carry penalties of $167,294 and $138,146, respectively. The certification violation was a first-repeat violation, carrying a penalty of $12,147.
 

Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses.


Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions, and to raise concerns free of retaliation. The law requires employers to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces.
 

In the construction industry, falls are one of the leading causes of death.
 

“Any employer who directs employees to work at heights must address potential fall hazards, with an emphasis on prevention,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “To repeatedly fail to do so only increases the risk that a worker will be seriously injured or killed.”


Oregon OSHA’s enforcement program is rooted in prevention. The division requires employers to correct violations. Luka's General Construction corrected the fall protection and ladder violations. It is under an order to correct the certification violation.


Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Luka’s General Construction filed an appeal.
 

Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help protecting their employees:
 

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training.

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites.

Oregon OSHA also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.
 

###
 

About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

Wildfire-impacted Oregonians Facing Insurance Nonrenewals Invited To Attend Statewide Open Houses (Photo) - 10/14/26

Salem – Wildfires have affected communities across Oregon with increasing frequency, leaving many homeowners facing not only property damage but also challenges in securing or keeping homeowners insurance. Nonrenewals and limited market options have become real and growing concerns for Oregonians living in high-risk areas.

 

To support consumers navigating these difficulties, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is hosting a series of open houses in wildfire-impacted regions throughout the state. These events are designed to help homeowners understand their insurance options, learn how to shop for coverage, and receive one-on-one guidance from DFR.

 

Each open house will provide resources on how to find homeowners insurance, what to do if you’ve been nonrenewed, and how to work effectively with insurance agents and companies. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions specific to their situation.

 

Open house schedule

  • Medford
    Oct. 28, 2026 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    Medford Armory
    1701 S. Pacific Highway, Medford, OR 97501
  • Klamath Falls
    Oct. 29, 2026 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    Oregon Institute of Technology – Student Union Auditorium
    3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
  • Redmond
    Oct. 30, 2026 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
    Redmond Library – Community Room 2
    827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond, OR 97756
  • The Dalles
    Nov. 5, 2026 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    The Dalles Armory
    Fort Dalles Readiness Center
    402 E. Scenic Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058
  • La Pine
    Nov. 18, 2026 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
    La Pine Library – Community Room
    16425 First St., La Pine, OR 97739
  • Black Butte/Sisters
    Nov. 19, 2026 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
    Sisters Public Library – Community Room
    110 N. Cedar St., Sisters, OR 97759

DFR encourages all homeowners in wildfire-prone areas – whether they have questions, concerns, or have already experienced a nonrenewal – to attend an event near them.

 

For more information, visit DFR’s wildfire resources webpage. If you have questions or need help, please contact one of our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email [email protected]. A complaint can be filed online at dfr.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Wildfire-impacted Oregonians Facing Insurance Nonrenewals Invited To Attend Statewide Open Houses (Photo) - 10/14/26

Salem – Wildfires have affected communities across Oregon with increasing frequency, leaving many homeowners facing not only property damage but also challenges in securing or keeping homeowners insurance. Nonrenewals and limited market options have become real and growing concerns for Oregonians living in high-risk areas.

 

To support consumers navigating these difficulties, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is hosting a series of open houses in wildfire-impacted regions throughout the state. These events are designed to help homeowners understand their insurance options, learn how to shop for coverage, and receive one-on-one guidance from DFR.

 

Each open house will provide resources on how to find homeowners insurance, what to do if you’ve been nonrenewed, and how to work effectively with insurance agents and companies. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions specific to their situation.

 

Open house schedule

  • Medford
    Oct. 28, 2026 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    Medford Armory
    1701 S. Pacific Highway, Medford, OR 97501
  • Klamath Falls
    Oct. 29, 2026 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    Oregon Institute of Technology – Student Union Auditorium
    3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
  • Redmond
    Oct. 30, 2026 | 3:30 to 5 p.m.
    Redmond Library – Community Room 2
    827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond, OR 97756
  • The Dalles
    Nov. 5, 2026 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    The Dalles Armory
    Fort Dalles Readiness Center
    402 E. Scenic Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058
  • La Pine
    Nov. 18, 2026 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
    La Pine Library – Community Room
    16425 First St., La Pine, OR 97739
  • Black Butte/Sisters
    Nov. 19, 2026 | 4 to 5:30 p.m.
    Sisters Public Library – Community Room
    110 N. Cedar St., Sisters, OR 97759

DFR encourages all homeowners in wildfire-prone areas – whether they have questions, concerns, or have already experienced a nonrenewal – to attend an event near them.

 

For more information, visit DFR’s wildfire resources webpage. If you have questions or need help, please contact one of our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email [email protected]. A complaint can be filed online at dfr.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,