Subject of Possible Rule Making: Heat-related illness prevention, chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards and chapter 296-800 WAC, Safety and health core rules.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is reviewing the rules relating to preventing heat-related illnesses. We are currently working with stakeholders to determine a permanent rule-making solution on heat-related illnesses. This rule making would help reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities by increasing worker protection from heat-related illnesses.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state or federal agencies are known to regulate exposure to workplace heat-related illness hazards in Washington state.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in the formulation of these rules for proposal may contact the individual listed below. The public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments or giving oral testimony during the public hearing process.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jamie Scibelli, Project Manager, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone (360) 902-4568, fax (360) 902-5529, e-mail scij235@lni.wa.gov.

December 19, 2006

Judy Schurke

Acting Director

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