FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6670

                                  C 180 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Lee, Owen, Warnke and Smith)

Revising provisions on public works projects involving certain trench excavations.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Public works projects which involve trench excavations of greater than four feet are required by Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards to provide for shoring, sloping or otherwise providing lateral support to avoid cave-ins.  However, the contracts for such projects do not have to include detailed provisions to meet the WISHA requirements nor are such safety systems included in the cost estimates as separate items.

SUMMARY:

On any public works project which includes a trench excavation exceeding four feet in depth, contracts are required to include provisions for adequate safety systems for the excavation, meeting the standards of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.  Such safety systems must be listed as a separate item on cost estimates.

Language is added to clarify that bidders on trench excavation contracts must include the cost of safety systems in the bid documents.  Any attempt to include the cost of safety systems as incidental to other contract items is prohibited.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    49     0

      House 95   0 (House amended)

      Senate    42     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988