WSR 26-15-111
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Order 26-12—Filed July 21, 2026, 8:52 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L, Cranes, rigging, and personnel lifting. Also, a cross reference to chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L will be added to the scope of chapter 296-863 WAC, Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (WAC 296-863-100).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: On December 11, 2025, the department of labor and industries (L&I) received a petition requesting rule making regarding certification and qualification requirements for operators when using a forklift in construction to lift a suspended load. After reviewing the petition, L&I determined that rule making is appropriate to address potential confusion and improve consistency within the existing rules under chapter 296-155 WAC.
As part of this rule making, L&I will consider new or amended language that clarifies certification and qualification requirements for operators when using a forklift in construction to lift a suspended load, provide definitions for the purposes of clarity, and make other housekeeping changes. L&I is committed to conducting an open and transparent rule-making process that will provide opportunities for participation from interested stakeholders.
Other areas needing adjustment or clarity may include:
| |
| • | Clarify certification and qualification requirements for forklift operators lifting suspended loads. |
| • | Add or revise definitions for clarity and consistency. |
| • | Clarify responsibilities for lift director qualifications, rigger qualifications, and other personnel. |
| • | Update requirements relating to inspections and documentation for consistency and clarity. |
| • | Clarify proof load testing and certification. |
| • | Clarify requirements for critical lift plans and operational aids. |
| • | Add cross references and other housekeeping updates. |
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
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 Cynthia Ireland, Administrative Regulations Analyst, L&I, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone 360-791-5048, fax 360-902-5619, email Cynthia.Ireland@Lni.wa.gov.
Additional comments: For more information on L&I rule making, visit L&I's rule-making activity web page at https://www.Lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/.
July 21, 2026
Joel Sacks
Director