SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 473

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Lux, Cole, Jacobsen, R. King, Todd and Allen)

Requiring security measures for franchise employees on duty between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

AS OF MARCH 19, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Many convenience stores and other businesses remain open twenty-four hours per day.  There are no regulations requiring special safety precautions for employees working night shifts.

SUMMARY:

Franchisees in the grocery store or gas station business whose franchisors require their franchisees to remain open between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. are required to provide one of the following at the work place during those hours:

(1)  Have more than one employee on duty;

(2)  Equip the workplace with (a) surveillance equipment; or (b) alarm equipment that signals law enforcement personnel;

(3)  Have security personnel that patrol the workplace at least every thirty minutes; or

(4)  Demonstrate that law enforcement personnel regularly patrol the workplace at least every thirty minutes.

Franchisors who require the business to remain open during 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. are required to pay any costs associated with safety compliance.  Franchisors who do not require the franchisee to remain open during these hours are not liable for the compliance costs.

The chapter will be implemented and enforced under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.  Franchisees are required to make and keep records regarding compliance activities.

Fiscal Note:      none requested