Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

The board meeting will address several key topics, including appeals for Epic Lights and Charles Elledge and a review of the KVA Electric order. The agenda covers a quarterly report on certification and CEUs, as well as an update from the exam provider. Rulemaking discussions will focus on a proposed 6.51% fee increase, amendments to the 2026 National Electric Code, and requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment and competency examinations. Additionally, the meeting will include a legislative update regarding behavioral health and wellness training, a report from the secretary, and updates from the Technical Advisory Committee.

The meeting featured several updates and discussions pertinent to construction safety and regulations under the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Key topics included a review of Violation, Fatality, and Hospitalization Data. Updates were provided on DOSH Rules regarding Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring, with an anticipated filing date for the Proposed Draft rule. Discussions also covered updates to Longshore/Waterfront Operations rules, including restroom access for drayage truck operators, and expedited rulemakings for defining a Qualified Evaluator, updating the term "Retaliation," and Hazard Communication. Further updates addressed Construction Cranes Rulemaking, requiring tower crane permits effective January 1, 2026, and a presentation on the SHARP program, including recent fatality and injury narratives. A detailed review of a trenching willful incident, involving a collapse resulting in severe injuries, highlighted multiple alleged violations such as lack of cave-in protection and inadequate training, as well as improper response from emergency personnel. Finally, an update on the SHIP Grant Proposal for Crane Safety Sensors, submitted by UW & Local Union No. 86, was presented for feedback.

The Construction Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting included discussions on the Safety Climate-Safety Management Information System (SCSMIS), violation, fatality, and hospitalization data, rules updates, the Unified Safety Standard for Fall Protection, and education and outreach initiatives. The committee reviewed data and testimonials from current users of the SCSMIS website, an overview of a construction fatality in 2022, DOSH interventions in construction, and COVID-related inspections. Updates were provided on rulemaking relative to CAC, including safety & health rulemaking stakeholder info, trenching rescue & excavation plan, ambient heat exposure rulemaking, wildfire smoke rulemaking, cranes, rigging, and personnel lifting, and worker protection standard (WPS) rulemaking. The committee also discussed proposed changes to the fall protection rule and ways to promote campaigns and recognize hazards and falls.

The WISHA Advisory Committee meeting included discussions on DOSH's plans for the next 5 years, focusing on fostering relationships with business and labor, enforcement, consultation programs, and expanding Spanish-speaking training. SHARP provided updates on ongoing projects, including those related to COVID-19, disparities in occupational health, and firefighter health and safety. Updates were given on education and outreach services, the Governor's Conference, the Voluntary Protection Program, and digital education initiatives. The committee also discussed rules updates, including those related to wildfire smoke, ambient heat stress, temporary workers housing, high hazards facilities, infectious disease, lead exposure, process safety management, temporary workers, cranes, trench rescue, and fall protection.

The Hazardous Drugs Advisory Committee meeting included updates from DOSH and Labor & Industries, including inspection data. The Pharmacy Commission provided an update on USP/USP 800 standards. Discussions covered topics such as hazardous drug rulemaking, workplace violence, compounding standards, and the disposal of hazardous waste. Clarification was sought regarding emergency responder definitions and training requirements for hazardous drug spills.