PDFWAC 296-360-020

General requirements of RCW 49.17.160 of WISHA.

RCW 49.17.160 provides that no person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because the employee has filed any complaint under or related to WISHA, instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to WISHA, testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or related to WISHA, or exercised on his or her own behalf or on behalf of others any right afforded by WISHA. Any employee who believes that he/she has been discriminated against in violation of section 16 of WISHA may, within thirty days after the violation occurs, file a complaint with the assistant director alleging the violation. The division shall investigate the complaint and, if the assistant director determines that section 16 of WISHA has been violated, the division may bring a civil action against the violator in superior court. The suit may ask the court to restrain violations of RCW 49.17.160 and to grant other appropriate relief, including rehiring or reinstating the employee to his or her former position with back pay.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. WSR 80-17-015 (Order 80-21), § 296-360-020, filed 11/13/80.]