PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The State of Oregon has fined Portland’s Creative Woodworking Northwest Inc. for what the state considers “willful” violations of regulations meant to protect workers from COVID-19.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health administration has issued 159 citations to employers for violating COVID-19 safety requirements since the pandemic began, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

Creative Woodworking Northwest Inc. was issued a $8,900 fine for willfully failing to ensure that face coverings were worn, according to the state. It has hired a lawyer and appealed the fine.

Hope Redmond, executive administrator for Creative Woodworking Northwest, said some employees cited health concerns related to masks and the business opted to respect those concerns.

Oregon OSHA said Monday that it will lift face covering and distancing rules for businesses and other institutions when 70 percent of Oregon adults are at least partially vaccinated.

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