What's New in Safety & Health

Outdoor Heat Exposure

The outdoor heat exposure rules are effective May 1 through Sept. 30 every year, when exposures are at or above a specific temperature. Find information and resources for keeping workers safe and working outdoors when the temperature rises on our Outdoor Heat Exposure topic page. (May. 1, 2018)

Communication Tower Operations Publication (F417-281-000)

This new guidance document is a collection of DOSH policies, applicable Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), best practices, and knowledge gathered from the FCC, OSHA and industry experts. It focuses on the ways in which each level in the contracting chain can build a positive culture of safety and accountability. You can get a pocket-sized version, known as the "Red Book," as well. (Feb. 22, 2018)

First Responders Exposure: Fentanyl - New Hazard Bulletin (320 KB PDF)

If you respond to overdose calls, traffic stops, arrests, and searches, you are increasingly likely to encounter the dangerous drug, fentanyl. Learn about this hazard and how to prevent being affected by coming in contact with it in our new Hazard Bulletin. (Feb. 22, 2018)

New and Updated Topic Pages

We've added and updated several topic pages, including Telecommunications and Law Enforcement. Find out more about the hazards associated with these topics and how to keep workers safe and working by viewing these resources. (Jan. 11, 2018)

National Safe + Sound Week August 13-19, 2018

Join businesses around the country in events and activities that help initiate or energize safety and health programs during this national campaign. Learn more on our new National Safe + Sound Week Campaign page. (August 1, 2018)

Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls at Washington State's Construction Sites May 7 – 11, 2018

Falls cost. Safety pays. Choose to promote fall prevention on your job site during Safety Stand-Down week activities. (April 21, 2018)

2018 Construction Safety Day, May 11, 2018 in Puyallup

Registration is now open for this annual event in Puyallup. (April 21, 2018)

Reminder: OSHA 300 Summary must be posted from Feb. 1 through April 30.

Learn more about the requirements and view our Recordkeeping & Reporting webcast on our updated topic page. (February 1, 2018)

WISHA 10 for Agriculture Workers training (presented in Spanish)

Attend this no-cost 2-day training, February 20-21, 2018, for 10 hours of presentations, videos, handouts, and interactive exercises suitable for all agriculture workers. Successful participants will receive a WISHA 10 for Agriculture Certification Card and Certificate of Completion. This class will be presented in Spanish. (February 1, 2018)

Retail Holiday Safety

Is your workplace ready for holidays and the hazards that go along with big storewide sales events? Include worker safety in your preparations for holiday crowds and storewide events, such as "Black Friday" sales. (December 1, 2017)

2018 Workplace Safety and Health Calendar – Working Together to Keep Washington Safe and Working

The Department of Labor & Industries' 2018 workplace calendar is now available. This calendar features the diverse workplaces and partnerships that are so vital in making our state one of the safest in the country. Get a free calendar at your local L&I office. (Dec. 1, 2017)

New publication and form for safety meetings, committees and crew meetings

Read our newest publication and learn about the requirements for holding safety meetings, safety committees, and crew meetings, get help with conducting an effective meeting, and find an optional Safety Meeting Notes form (also available in Spanish) that can be customized to your company’s needs. (September 11, 2017)

Wildfire Smoke and Dust Masks at Work (254 KB PDF)

When smoke from wildfires enters your work environment you may have concerns about your comfort or health. Read about selecting the right kind of dust mask, and find tips for using it properly. (September 11, 2017)

60 Seconds for Safety & Health -- Store Shooting

Watch the story of a convenience store worker who was fatally shot, and learn how it could have been prevented. (September 11, 2017)

60 Seconds for Safety & Health -- Fall Through Skylight

Watch the story of how a worker's first job of the day became his last, and learn how it could have been prevented. (September 11, 2017)

60 Seconds for Safety & Health -- Fall from Roof

Watch the story of a worker's life-changing fall from a roof and learn how it could have been prevented. (July 24, 2017)

New Hazard Alerts

Read House Flipping And Asbestos (410 KB PDF) and Exploding Tanks During Metal Recycling (350 KB PDF) to learn about specific hazards and how to keep workers safe. (June 22, 2017)

Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls May 8-12, 2017

Join us May 8 – 12, 2017 for the Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls at Washington state's construction sites. Resources are available on our updated page to help you start planning now. (April 1, 2017)

New Safety Forms Available

The new forms include: Fall Protection Work Plan, Competent Person Evaluation - Fall Restraint & Fall Arrest, Logging Emergency Medical Plan, and Window Cleaning Service and Recovery Plan. (March 30, 2017)

WISHA 10 for Agriculture Train-the-Trainer Program schedule updated

The WISHA 10 for Agriculture is a no-cost Train-the-Trainer (TOT) Program within the agriculture industry. The next scheduled class runs from October 24-27, 2017 in Yakima. The participants that successfully complete this course will receive a WISHA 10 Certified Trainer Card and be authorized to conduct the WISHA 10 for Agriculture in the agriculture industry. (March 30, 2017)

Focus on FACTS

The FACTS represents the five main categories of hazards that are the most frequent causes of workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and death -- hazards such as: falls, struck by objects, mechanical moving parts, toxic chemicals, and heavy lifting. By focusing on these main categories employers and employees, can identify and evaluate existing or unforeseen safety & health hazards and find solutions to eliminate or control those hazards. (March 30, 2017)

Ladder Safety Guide now available

A new reference guide on safe ladder use and best practices for preventing accidents. Includes a checklist to put this information into action. (Feb. 9, 2017)

Top-10 Rule Violations Page Updated

Now you can find information on the most common safety and health rules cited during L&I inspections for the agriculture industry. Find the most current information and resources to help you keep employees safe and working. (November 23, 2016)

Video streaming updated

We now have over 100 hazard awareness and training videos available for direct viewing online, including 6 new titles now available. Find out more on our video library page. (Nov. 23, 2016)

Recordkeeping and Reporting (OSHA 300 form) Webcast

Find training resources to get a head start on your end-of-year compilation of required OSHA 300 injury and illness reporting. (November 23, 2016)

The Road to Safety & Health Success

A quick video tour that gives a quick glance at the different types of free safety and health resources available on the L&I web site, including, publications, videos, online training, and topic pages. (June 3, 2016)

Eye On Safety: Recordkeeping and Reporting Webcast

Do you know what to do if an employee is injured at your workplace in Washington State? Should you notify the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)? What is the OSHA 300 form, and do I need to use it? These questions and more are answered in our inaugural episode of Eye On Safety: Recordkeeping and Reporting. Learn all about the OSHA 300 form and about Recordkeeping and Reporting in this fun, fresh approach to workplace safety and health. Find an eLesson to dig deeper and see examples of how to fill out the form. REMINDER: OSHA 300 Log must be posted from February 1st through April 30th. (April 4, 2016)

Updated Job Safety and Health Poster (F416-081-909)

All employers in Washington should have received from L&I a new required Job Safety and Health poster in October or November 2015. Employers should discard their old Job Safety and Health poster and replace it with the new one dated 09-2015. (January 7, 2016)