FINAL BILL REPORT

EHB 2509

FULL VETO

Brief Description: Promoting workplace safety and health by enacting the blueprint for safety program.

Sponsors: Representatives Chandler, Bailey and Pearson.

House Committee on Labor & Workforce Development

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection

Background:

The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act. The Department, through the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), adopts safety and health standards, provides consultation and advice to employers, and conducts inspections and investigations.

Workers' compensation premiums paid by an employer are determined, in part, by the employer's experience rating, which is based on the costs of claims of the employer's workers.

The Department has created a Blueprint for Safety series within the DOSH to change the perspective of management and labor leaders in an organization and give them a vision of why their leadership in their safety and health program is an essential element for long-term success. About 12 employers in northwest Washington currently participate in the series.

Summary:

The Blueprint for Safety program is enacted. The goal of the program is to improve safety for employees and lower employer costs by assisting employers for which the traditional safety and health model has not been effective. The Department must design the program to promote management and labor leadership in safety and health as essential for long-term success. Criteria for participation may include, but are not limited to a:

• history with the Department indicating a less than optimal leadership commitment to safety and health;

• rising experience modification factor;

• recent catastrophic workplace injury;

• change in the employer's safety management; and

• request by the employer to participate.

The Department must expand the program to one additional Department region.

The Department must adopt rules establishing criteria for participation and post information on its webpage to inform employers about the program. Participation in the program is voluntary and employers must be approved by the Department to participate. The program does not replace the Department's existing compliance or consultation programs.

The program must be implemented within existing resources and funding for the program may not be appropriated from workers' compensation funds.

Votes on Final Passage: