Subject of Possible Rule Making: Penalties, inspections and citations, appeals and reassumptions of jurisdiction, abatement extension codification in chapter 296-350 WAC with changes to chapter 296-27 WAC.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050, [49.17.]100, [49.17.]120, [49.17.]140, chapters 34.05, 43.22 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department proposes to codify into WAC, requirements dealing with penalties, inspections and citations, appeals and reassumptions of jurisdiction, and abatement extension. This proposal is in response to the Governor's Executive Order 97-02, Regulatory Reform, that requires code contents to be readily available and understandable to the employer community. It is expected that clear explanations of penalty calculation, in accord with the executive order, will increase understanding of the process, and lessen confusion surrounding penalty assessments.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state or federal agencies (other than OSHA) are known that regulate this subject.

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 Michael McCauley, phone (360) 902-5779, fax (360) 902-5529, Department of Labor and Industries, WISHA Services Division, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620.

April 5, 1999

Gary Moore

Director

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office