Sanitary Conditions for Construction Workers: Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety Standards for Construction
Status
L&I filed a Proposed Rulemaking (CR-102) on February 18, 2025, to update requirements in chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work, Part B-1, Occupational Health and Environmental Control. L&I will conduct two public hearings in March.
See all the rulemaking activity for Sanitary Conditions for Construction Workers on our L&I Rulemaking page.
Learn more about our rulemaking process and terminology.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is conducting rulemaking for chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work.
DOSH is proposing these amendments to align chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work, Part B-1, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, with the requirements of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 49.17.530, – Construction workers – Accommodations – Menstruation and expression of milk, which became effective June 6, 2024.
The law establishes requirements for employers in the construction industry to provide workers who menstruate or express milk access to restrooms, an adequate and convenient supply of menstrual hygiene products at no cost, and reasonable accommodations to express milk after a child’s birth.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Filed CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry | September 17, 2024 |
| Stakeholder meetings | October & November, 2024 |
| Filed CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking | February 18, 2025 |
| Public Hearings | March, 2025 |
L&I will communicate rulemaking updates, including dates of upcoming meetings and draft language, on this web page. L&I will also communicate rulemaking next steps to stakeholders via email.
Upcoming Meetings
Public Hearings
A pre-hearing overview will occur one-half hour prior to the start of each public hearing. The pre-hearing overview will be an opportunity for L&I staff to provide a brief summary of the proposed amendments, and, answer questions from the public prior to the start of the formal hearing. The hearing will continue until all comments are received.
- March 25, 2025 - Tukwila
- Pre-hearing overview 9:30 a.m.
- Hearing 10:00 a.m.
- March 27, 2025 - Virtual/phone
- Pre-hearing overview 9:30 a.m.
- Hearing 10:00 a.m.
Previous Meeting Summaries
Previous Meeting Materials
Proposed rule language
- WAC 296-155-140 Proposed language February 18, 2025
- WAC 296-155-140 Texto de la norma propuesta (Spanish version)
- Sanitary Conditions for Construction Workers Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Preliminary rule language
- WAC 296-155-140 Preliminary language October, 2024
- Borrador Preliminar, 296-155-140 del WAC (Spanish version)
- Sanitary Conditions for Construction Workers Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Preproposal rule filing
- Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101) September 17, 2024
- Sanitary Conditions for Construction Workers Product card (F417-310-000). Available in English, Spanish & Russian.
- Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk (CDC)
- Almacenamiento y preparación de la leche maternal (Spanish version)
- How to Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean (CDC)
- Cómo mantener limpio el extractor de leche materna (Spanish version)
- Lactation breaks on outdoor job sites (Office of Women's Health)
- Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety Standards for Construction Work
- RCW 49.17.530 Construction workers—Accommodations—Menstruation and expression of milk.
- Engrossed House Bill 2266 (Effective June 6, 2024)
Staff Contacts
For rulemaking questions, please contact Cathy Coates
For technical questions about this rulemaking, please contact Steve Heist
Get updates via email
If you would like to receive email updates regarding this proposed rulemaking project and future stakeholder meetings, please sign up for our email updates.