Save Time & Travel: Attend 8 L&I Workshops in 2 Days!

Learn how to make your workplace safer and how to manage your claims by attending multiple workshops back-to-back on February 14 – 15, 2012. No-charge workshops are offered at the Tukwila L&I office and plenty of free parking is available! (February 1, 2012)

Seasonal Safety: Winter Hazards

Learn more about typical winter hazards including working outdoors, storms and flooding, carbon monoxide, and driving and pedestrian safety. (January 1, 2012)

Primary Metals Industry Resources Now Available

Foundries, Steel Mills and others in the Primary Metals industry can find training, videos & other health & safety materials on our new web page. L&I prepared these materials to respond to OSHA's National Emphasis Program (NEP) relating to Primary Metals. (January 1, 2012)

Respiratory Protection Topic Page Updated

You can find sample programs, training materials, rules, respirator manufacturers, and other essential information to help you comply with requirements that apply when respirators are used in your workplace. This webpage is available in English and Spanish. (December 21, 2011)

Sobre OSHA, WISHA y DOSH - About OSHA, WISHA & DOSH, Spanish Version

Spanish translation of our "About OSHA, WISHA, and DOSH" page is now available. (November 14, 2011)

New Hazard eBulletins available

Learn about hazards from produce-bagging machinery and smoke during laser surgery. (November 14, 2011)

Emergency Eyewashing - What You Need to Know

It takes just one accidental splash of a corrosive substance, even a common household chemical like bleach, to cause serious or even permanent damage to a worker’s eyes or skin. This is why emergency washing facilities are required to supplement use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in workplaces where contact with corrosive, toxic, or strongly irritating chemicals is possible. Learn more in our updated topic page. (November 7, 2011)

Corrosive Liquids Splash Investigation Story

Learn what happened in two incidents where workers were injured by corrosive chemical splashes, and how simple safety measures could have prevented these injuries. (November 7, 2011)

New DVD: Safety Showers and Eye Washes

Covers the various types and characteristics of safety showers and eye washes. Major training points: locations of eye wash stations, corrosives, what to do if splashed by a hazardous substance, and getting help in an emergency. (November 7, 2011)

New Training Kit for Instructors: Formaldehyde

Customize this sample presentation as described in the Instructor's Guide to your workplace conditions to comply with the training requirements of the DOSH Formaldehyde regulations (WAC 296-856). (November 7, 2011)

Fatal Explosions of Refrigerated Shipping Containers

Learn about the specific containers identified with this alert and find more information in this news article from Mango World Magazine. (November 1, 2011)

Forklifts & Powered Industrial Trucks

There is no such thing as a minor forklift accident. Forklifts and powered industrial trucks are dangerous. Learn how to keep forklift drivers and others who work around forklifts safe in our updated topic page. (October 31, 2011)

Workplace Violence Prevention

In 2010, workplace violence was the third leading cause of workplace deaths in Washington State. Learn about the risks and how to prevent workplace violence in our updated topic page. (October 24, 2011)

Study shows L&I inspections improve safety and save money

A workplace inspection from the state Department of Labor & Industries really does improve safety. L&I researchers examined 10 years worth of data on both safety inspections and workers’ compensation claims and found that when an inspection resulted in at least one citation, injured worker claims dropped by as much as 20 percent over similar worksites that were not inspected. A report on these findings was shared this week at a conference of leaders of workplace safety agencies from other states and will be submitted for peer review this month. Read more information and get the report in the press release. (October 10, 2011)

Two electrocutions in two weeks: a reminder of hazards posed by power lines

Most power line electricution deaths in Washington state do not involve electrical line workers, but rather people whose jobs place them near power lines, such as construction workers, roofers, tree trimmers, agriculture workers, truck drivers or mobile equipment operators. Learn more about working safe around power lines. (October 3, 2011)

Seasonal Hazards: Autumn Safety

Learn more about typical autumn hazards including working outdoors, fire/flood, and driving safety. (October 3, 2011)

DOSH? WISHA? OSHA? RCWs? WACs? What's up with all that?

Learn about occupational safety & health in Washington state, terminology and history. (October 1, 2011)

L&I offering grants for innovative safety and health projects

Have an innovative idea for training, equipment or some other way of improving workplace safety and health? There may be a grant waiting for you. The Department of Labor & Industries has announced a new round of grants available through the Safety and Health Investment Projects (SHIP) program. Applications are now being accepted with a deadline set for Oct. 31, 2011. (October 1, 2011)

OSHA News Release: "OSHA issues hazard alert on the dangers to workers of incorrectly rebuilt circuit breakers"

OSHA has issued a hazard alert warning workers and employers of the dangers of using certain circuit breakers that were incorrectly rebuilt. The third-party rebuilder may have altered the circuit breakers by using incorrect parts that can cause the breakers to malfunction. Learn more by reading the OSHA hazard alert. (September 29, 2011)

Injured Young Worker Hazard Alerts Now Available

Check out the SHARP publications on various workplace hazards, including the newest ones on Injured Young Workers (September 19, 2011)

New Hazard Bulletin: "Industrial Ice-Making Systems" (194 KB PDF)

Learn about hazards and how to prevent injuries when working around industrial ice-making systems. (September 13, 2011)

Just Released: National Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2010 Fatality Data Summaries

Find fatality statistics for the entire nation or for a specific state. (September 13, 2011)

Forklift Rodeo: Finals September 28th

The top 5 individual competitors from each regional event will proceed to the finals held at the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference. (September 26, 2011)

Abrasive Wheels (Grinders) Topic Page Updated

Abrasive wheels have countless applications such as manufacturing, maintenance, emergency response and construction. Learn how to work safely around them in our updated topic page. (September 19, 2011)

New policy: Fatality Memo Process (DOSH Directive 1.20) (394 KB PDF)

This directive provides guidance to Compliance Supervisors and Managers to ensure that all fatality memos are appropriately completed, edited, reviewed and approved prior to dissemination. (August 23, 2011)

Updated training: Injury/Illness Recording & Reporting - OSHA 300 Recordkeeping Requirements

Learn the basics about recordkeeping and reporting requirements, how to fill out the OSHA 300 form, and why it's important to keep track of injuries. (August 23, 2011)

Spanish Version of "A Guide to Workplace Safety & Health" Revised

Now available in both English and Spanish. Provides an overview of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), worker and employer rights and responsibilities, enforcement of WISHA rules, and consultation and education services L&I provides. Previously titled "A Guide to WISHA." (August 23, 2011)

New Hazard Bulletin: "Sodium Azide Explosion Hazard" (130 KB PDF)

Learn how to prevent sodium azide explosions that can seriously injure maintenance and other staff working in hospital and clinical laboratories. (August 17, 2011)

Water. Rest. Shade: The work can't get done without them (www.OSHA.gov).

OSHA's Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers (August 4, 2011)

Want to be a Pro? Pros wear their safety gear!

Download and print this poster from SHARP's Trucking Injury Reduction Emphasis (TIRES) Initiative that shows the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). (August 1, 2011)

Meat cutter hazards: Get tips on injury prevention

Meat cutters working in grocery store meat departments or independent meat markets (butcher shops) perform tasks that put them at risk for a wide range of injuries. Use the information on this updated topic page to help identify and address hazards in your workplace. (August 1, 2011)

Proposed Update to Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety Standards for Construction: Cranes/Derricks, Personnel Lifting and Rigging

This proposal was developed with the assistance of a stakeholder group from the industry, representative of both employers and employees. (July 28, 2011)

New policy: Personal Protective Equipment (DOSH Directive 5.15) (331 KB PDF)

This directive establishes DOSH policy and enforcement direction regarding the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). (July 28, 2011)

 New policy: Emergency Washing Facilities (DOSH Directive 13.00) (377 KB PDF)

This directive establishes DOSH policy and enforcement direction regarding the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). (July 20, 2011)

Fall Protection topic page updated

Fall hazards are a serious problem amongst the growing workforce and account for 8% of all occupational fatalities in the United States. Find updated training and other resources for proper use of fall protection. (July 1, 2011)

New video: "Be Safe in the Woods"

Covers all aspects of logging and harvesting timber in 5 parts: Driving & Transportation; PPE; Cutting; Rigging; and Landing. View the video online or borrow it from the L&I Safety & Health Resource Libray (in Washington State only) (July 1, 2011)

Three policies revised

Changes to "Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and Low-Profile Tractors" (DD 33.20), "Handling WISHA Complaints by L&I Employees" (DD 1.90), and "Employee Entry into Worksites Suffering Structural Damage" (DD 5.45). (June 27, 2011)

Workplace safety conference seeks nominations for lifesaving awards

Know someone who saved a life this past year? The Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Governor’s Lifesaving awards, presented to Washington state residents who saved a life these past 12 months. Read the news release for more details. (June 13, 2011)

SHARP evaluates the effect of DOSH enforcement and consultation activities on compensable claims rates over ten-year period

The results indicate that DOSH activity, especially when accompanied by the threat of penalty, is followed by a reduction in claims and their associated costs. The relationship between DOSH activity and decreasing claims rates confirm the results found in the annual SHARP studies, while allowing for both greater statistical precision and for more detailed breakouts by type of visit and injury type. (June 7, 2011)

Revised Law Enforcement Policy, DOSH Directive 32.00, Now available. (155 KB PDF)

DOSH has revised Directive 32.00, Law Enforcement, effective June 1, 2011. Paragraph VI.D.2. was revised to remove any restrictive guidance pertaining to Uniformed Law Enforcement Personnel engaged in traffic control. (June 6, 2011)

Outdoor Heat Exposure rule in effect from May 1 through Sept. 30

Find resources to address outdoor heat exposure in our updated topic page. (June 1, 2011)

Seasonal safety: summer hazards

Learn more about typical summer hazards including working outdoors, sun and heat exposure, and driving and pedestrian safety. (June 1, 2011)

A Commercial Cleaning Company Worker Dies of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning at a Warehouse in Washington State

This report provides and in depth analysis of the fatal incident and provides hazard assessment tools and recommendations to prevent future incidents. (May 31, 2011)

'Chain Shot' Can Kill! (321 KB PDF)

Chain shot are pieces of a saw chain released when a chain breaks while in use. Operators of harvester heads, stroke delimbers, or dangle-head processors are most at risk for serious injury or death. Learn how to prevent injuries and deaths in this new hazard alert. (May 31, 2011)

L&I has updated Directive 12.80, Chromium (VI) (650 KB PDF)

The primary purpose of this update was to: Ensure the guidance in the current directive is consistent with the changes adopted on 1/1/2011 for WAC 296-62-08003 through 08029, of the Hexavalent Chromium standard; Remove unnecessary duplicative paragraphs; Remove extraneous material that was outside of the scope of the standard and directive. (May 24, 2011)

Revised training presentations now available

"Supported Scaffold Training" and "Latex Allergies" have been updated. (May 24, 2011)

New Forklifts Training Kit

Use this slide presentation to comply with some of the training requirements of the DOSH Forklifts regulations found in the Core Rules. (WAC 296-863). (May 10, 2011)

Hazards to Truck Drivers and other Workers while Loading and Unloading Trucks and Trailers (172 KB PDF).

Loading and unloading trucks and trailers continues to be a significant source of fatalities and injuries among truck drivers and other workers in Washington State. To help identify and prevent these hazards, the Washington Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program recently updated this Fatal Facts publication. (May 9, 2011)

Slips, Trips and Falls topic page added

Learn prevention measures and rules for one of the main causes of workplace injuries. (May 10, 2011)

Warmer weather brings out the traffic flaggers for road construction projects

Learn about keeping flaggers safe on the job in our updated topic page. (May. 2, 2011)

Ionizing Radiation topic page added

Several regulations are in place to protect workers from this ionizing radiation, with some protections specific to particular industries. Learn more in our new topic page. (May. 2, 2011)

Businesses appealing L&I citation must now fix hazards during an appeal

A new bill signed by Governor Chris Gregoire will require businesses in Washington state to fix workplace hazards even when they appeal a citation from the state Department of Labor & Industries. Under existing rules, a business appealing a citation has no obligation to correct hazards during the appeals process. This left hundreds of workplace hazards uncorrected each year. L&I will now put together a group of stakeholders to develop the rules to implement this new bill. The process could take as long as nine months or more. (Apr. 25, 2011)

Governor signs bill giving health-care workers more protection on the job

 Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law a bill that makes Washington the first state in the nation to protect health-care workers who handle hazardous drugs used in chemotherapy for cancer patients. The drugs have been known to cause everything from allergic reactions to cancer when workers are exposed without the proper precautions. The bill the Governor signed requires the Department of Labor and Industries to adopt requirements for the handling of these hazardous drugs. (Apr. 25, 2011)

Seasonal Safety: Spring Hazards

Learn about common hazards during spring and find resources for keeping a safe workplace. (Apr. 19, 2011)

Cranes pages updated

New page added on general industry cranes and information on the construction cranes and maritime cranes topic pages has been updated. (Apr. 19, 2011)

New Commercial Diving Topic Page

Find resources for being safe while working in commercial diving operations. (Apr. 19, 2011)

New Safety Tips added to "Five minutes for Safety" page

Find tips and short safety messages for daily meetings in your workplace. (Apr. 11, 2011)

New and updated Policies available

L&I has issued Directive 33.80, Field Sanitation for Agriculture Workers, which establishes enforcement guidance related to WAC 296-307-095, Field Sanitation, and clarifies the application and use of waterless hand washing products for agriculture workers. This Directive replaces "Field Sanitation and Transportation" (WRD 33.05) and "Waterless Hand Washing During Cold Weather" (WRD 33.10). Also, L&I has updated Directive 30.20, Scaffolds and the Fall Protection Work Plan. The primary purpose of this update is to bring references current, and to clarify enforcement policies regarding the appropriate application of the fall protection work plan requirements, in relation to scaffolds. (Apr. 11, 2011)

"A Guide to Workplace Safety and Health in Washington State: What Every Employer and Worker Should Know" - Publication update

Provides an overview of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), worker and employer rights and responsibilities, enforcement of WISHA rules, and consultation and education services L&I provides. Previously titled "A Guide to WISHA." (Apr. 1, 2011)

Means of Egress rules in Agriculture and the Core Rules updated

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) directed a change to the existing means of egress language in chapter 296-307 WAC, Safety Standards for Agriculture, and Chapter 296-800 WAC, Safety and Health Core Rules. L&I updated the means of egress rule language to make it clear that the minimum ceiling height is 7 feet 6 inches for an exit route. The language also made it clear that no projection from the ceiling can be less than 6 feet 8 inches from the floor. (Apr. 1, 2011)

Proposed Fire Fighter rule updates suspended

An Executive Order from the Governor halts all non-essential rulemaking for 2011 that create costs to Washington businesses. L&I will continue to refine the rule, look at the associated costs to business, and when the moratorium is lifted, will schedule new public hearings and proceed with the rule adoption. (Apr. 1, 2011)

Lead

Materials containing lead are often encountered during construction, maintenance, and manufacturing activities. Learn more in our updated topic page. (Mar. 22, 2011)

Updated Enforcement Policy for Construction Cranes (60 KB PDF)

DOSH has updated the Enforcement Policy for Construction Crane Certification and Crane Operator Qualifications and Certification Directive (DD 8.60).  This directive provides direction to all DOSH staff regarding compliance with construction crane certification and construction crane operator qualifications and certification requirements under WAC 296-155-529 through 533. (Mar. 15, 2011)

Process safety management (PSM)

The unexpected release of highly hazardous chemicals can be deadly, leaving profound and lasting impacts on families, businesses, and communities. Even if your processes are not covered by the standard, this management system is still a valuable tool for preventing disaster. Learn more in our updated topic page. (Mar. 14, 2011)

Workplace deaths rise across the state, agriculture tops the list

Workplace deaths in Washington state climbed in 2010, with 86 men and women killed due to job-related trauma. The deaths are the most reported since 2006 and a steep climb from the 65 fatalities reported in 2009. Learn more about these fatalities in the news release. (Feb. 17, 2011)

Tractor Safety: Seven deaths in 2010 were preventable

Find a new hazard alert, online videos, updated training courses and other prevention resources on the updated topic page. (Feb. 17, 2011)

Safety & Health in Confined Spaces

Every year workers die in confined spaces due to a variety of hazards that can suffocate, engulf, electrocute, or harm entrants in other ways. Find resources to prevent these tragedies. (Feb. 15, 2011)

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) topic page updated

Find new and updated resources to prevent injuries from uncontrolled energy release. (Feb. 1, 2011)

New training available: History of Workplace Safety & Health

Covers the history of occupational health and safety in the U.S. and in Washington State and how workplace safety and health regulations came into existence. It also covers briefly the duties of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). (Jan. 10, 2011)

DOSH monthly rule updates summary (58 KB PDF)

Governor Christine Gregoire suspended non-critical rule development activity in an executive order she signed Nov. 17, 2010. The executive order directs state agencies to suspend non-critical rule development until Jan. 1, 2012. Our updated DOSH Rules Update Monthly Summary shows which rules have been affected by this executive order. (Jan. 10, 2011)