The proposed update addresses what’s known as process safety management (PSM), which describes the way workplaces handle dangerous chemicals and ensures that processes, people, and equipment all work together to reduce risk. The proposal focuses specifically on petroleum refineries.

“Washington’s PSM rule has not been updated in almost 30 years. Processes and technology in the industry have advanced—the rules to protect workers should, too,” said Craig Blackwood, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). “The proposed rule will improve safety at the five refineries in our state by making sure they’re eliminating and reducing risk—not just reacting to it.”

The proposed new requirements include:

• Performing reviews to identify the most effective ways to control a hazard; 

• Incorporating consideration of human factors like staffing levels and turnover, training, fatigue, and task complexity;
  
  
• Conducting root cause analyses after significant accidents;
  
  
• Frequently analyzing hazards, safeguards and controls, mechanical factors, and process changes and updating safety programs accordingly; and
  
  
• Assessing workplace safety culture so workers and managers prioritize safety, not production.

Full details of the proposed rule are available on the L&I website.

L&I developed the proposed rule with input from refinery operators, worker advocates, community advocates, and other stakeholders. The proposed rule largely aligns with California’s refinery PSM rule, the most protective in the country.

The filing of the proposed rule officially kicks off the formal process for public input. Hearings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and 17 in Bellingham, near most of the state’s refineries, with a virtual hearing to be held on Aug.15.

L&I expects to have the updated PSM rule in place by the end of the year.