FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1992

                         C 224 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Implementing workplace safety rules.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by  Representatives McMorris, Honeyford, Clements and Thompson).

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  The Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) is administered and enforced by the Department of Labor and Industries, and applies to most private and public workplaces in Washington.  Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the state is authorized to assume responsibility for occupational safety and health standards.  The state's standards must be at least as effective as those adopted under the OSHA.

The department is authorized to adopt rules governing safety and health standards for workplaces covered under the WISHA.  When adopting a rule, the department must provide for (1) employment safety and health standards of general and specific application in all workplaces; (2) occupational health and safety standards which are as effective as those adopted under the OSHA; (3) methods to encourage employers and employees to institute accident prevention programs; (4) employer reporting procedures relating to safe conditions of employment; (5) inspections of workplaces; and (6) publication and distribution of information to help employers and employees achieve a safe work place. Under the Administrative Procedure Act, the department must make specific determinations when adopting a significant legislative rule.

Summary:  The director of the Department of Labor and Industries must convene a meeting of persons who will be impacted by the department's adoption of significant legislative rules.  The meeting must be held no later than twenty business days before the rules take effect.  The meeting must address problem areas and ambiguities in the rule, education, public relations, training, enforcement, and appropriate mechanisms for evaluating the rule's effectiveness.

Votes on Final Passage:

House950

Senate490

Effective:June 11, 1998