WSR 97-10-071
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed May 6, 1997, 10:40 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-54 WAC, Safety standards for logging operations.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, and 49.17.050.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: At the request of the logging industry, the department will be developing proposed amendments to the logging standard. The amendments will reflect current industry needs, new technology, and information specific to logging in the state of Washington not addressed by existing federal or state standards.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Other regulating agencies are OSHA, United States Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Prior to adopting any proposed amendments, OSHA will have item-by-item input and evaluation and the other listed agencies will be participating members of the industry advisory committee.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department has formed an industry advisory committee representing a broad spectrum of affected stakeholders. Current membership includes three labor organizations, the State Labor Council, large and small employers, trade associations, equipment manufacturers, and other government agencies. Other industry experts will be invited to make presentations to the advisory council. Interested parties may submit comments concerning specific issues or the development process being used by contacting the project manager, Merle Larson, at the address listed below. The public may also participate by giving written and oral testimony on the developed proposal at a public hearing which will be announced at a future date.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Merle Larson, Project Manager, Department of Labor and Industries, Consultation and Compliance Division, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone (360) 902-5519, FAX (360) 902-5529.
May 6, 1997
Gary Moore
Director