September 16, 2021 3:45 a.m. 

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating complaints against the Winston-Dillard School District.

Public Information Officer Aaron Corvin said the complaints include allegations that the district is not enforcing the use of face masks and having outdoor meetings in small areas, that a training exercise was given to employees with no social distancing and with many staff members not wearing masks, and that administration said they would not enforce masks during a Facebook Live video.

Corvin told News Radio 1240 KQEN that the investigation is open and ongoing. Corvin said department staff does not discuss the status or details of ongoing inspections. He said the only way citations are issued is if violations of workplace health and safety standards are identified during the course of an inspection. Under penalty rules, a serious violation that is not willful or repeated carries a minimum penalty of $100 and a maximum penalty of $12,675. A willful violation carries a minimum penalty of $8,900 and a maximum fine of $129,749.

Corvin said there is also an open and ongoing on-site inspection with the Adrian School District, in Malheur County. At least 18 school related complaints are being evaluated around the state. Corvin said the department does not give advance notice of inspections.