SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6556

As of January 30, 2002

Title:  An act relating to temporary services agencies.

Brief Description:  Protecting temporary workers.

Sponsors:  Senators Prentice, Winsley, Gardner, Rasmussen, Keiser, McAuliffe and Kohl‑Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  1/31/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Background:  One hundred thirty-five thousand workers in Washington work through temporary service agencies.  The state's industrial welfare statute does not address the obligations of temporary service agencies regarding the safety of their employees placed with other businesses.

Summary of Bill:  Temporary service agencies must give accurate information about any health or safety hazard they may face at a job assignment and ensure the provision of safety training and safety equipment appropriate to the job.  Employees of temporary services agencies have a right to refuse a job assignment if the job will expose them to dangerous conditions or hazardous materials.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.