L&I oversees Washington state workplace safety requirements, workers’ compensation insurance, wage and hour laws, and other key programs. 

In his press release, Governor-elect Ferguson announced the reappointment of four agency heads.

Of the four leaders, Ferguson said, “With our challenges ahead, proven and thoughtful leadership is more important than ever. Washingtonians deserve committed leadership that will make government work better for the people. I am proud that these four individuals will continue their service to our state.”

The new administration will be building on a strong foundation for worker rights and safety. Washington state has the nation’s highest state-level minimum wage, the most protective overtime standards in the country, and a requirement for employers to provide paid sick leave.

Workers have extensive new or expanded protections addressing heat exposure, wildfire smoke, warehouse quotas, preventing catastrophes at petroleum refineries, adult entertainer safety, ride share driver rights, and labor protections for healthcare workers in hospitals.

“I’m passionate about worker safety, and proud of what we’ve accomplished. As long as there are people hurt and killed on the job, we have a lot more to do,” Sacks said. “I’m honored to work with Governor-elect Ferguson and continue to serve Washington.”

Sacks has served as L&I director since 2013. During that time:

• Washington business and workers reduced the rate of hospitalization for serious worker injuries more than 30%, with one of the lowest rates of worker fatalities in the nation;
• L&I helped more than 1.4 million people injured or sickened at work get medical care, wage replacement, or both;
• The agency responded to nearly 70,000 worker wage complaints, recovering more than $53 million in wages for wronged workers;
• More than 26,000 apprentices are participating in state registered programs—enough to form the third-largest school in the state; and,
• 203,000 employers saw their workers’ compensation rates reduced to 2016 levels while the agency rebuilt the system reserve fund.

Sacks noted L&I’s wide range of services, saying, “Whether you’re a worker hurt on the job, an employer that needs a safety consultation, an individual in search of an apprenticeship, a homeowner who needs an electrical inspection, or a contractor who needs to get registered to start their own business, L&I is here for you.”

“We are dedicated to keeping Washington safe and working, and our team of more than 3,000 employees, in every corner of the state, will partner with Governor-elect Ferguson to deliver on that mission.”

Before becoming L&I director, Sacks served eight years at the state Employment Security Department as deputy commissioner and as assistant commissioner for the Budget, Policy, and Communication Division. He spent four years at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor.