You may need to pay annual fees to the Worker and Community Right to Know Program, per the Right to Know Fee Assessment rule (Chapter 296-63, WAC). Contact the program directly at 360-902-6375.

Who pays fees?

Fees are assessed to employers who reported 10,400 or more worker hours for the previous calendar year and who are in industries with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code in the following major industries:

  • Agriculture and Forestry Industries.
  • Automotive repair, services, and garages.
  • Construction Industries.
  • Educational Services.
  • Health Services.
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.
  • Manufacturing Industries including food industries and some bakeries.
  • Miscellaneous repair services.
  • Transportation, pipeline, communications, electric, gas, and sanitary services.

These industries, selected by the Legislature, typically have or use chemical products that are hazardous and may create potential exposure to employees.

For more information about your NAICS code, go to the Department of Revenue's SIC and NAICS Codes page.

What are the annual fees used for?

The fees are used by L&I and the Department of Ecology to provide:

  • Free safety and health assistance to employers to help determine if hazardous chemicals are present in the workplace and to help employers set up a Hazard Communication Program.
  • Free educational guidelines, brochures and other materials related to state regulations and information on hazardous substances in the workplace and community.
  • Free translations of Hazard Communication Programs, Safety Data Sheets, and other related information into languages other than English.

How is my fee calculated?

The annual fee is based on the total number of worker hours reported during the previous calendar year, including full-time, part-time and temporary worker hours. The total reported hours is divided by 2,080 hours (the equivalent for a full-time worker) and rounded up to the nearest whole number. That number is then multiplied by $2.50 to determine the fee.

Example:

  • Your company reported 23,716 hours last year.
  • Divide 23,716 hours by 2,080 hours and you’ll get 11.40 full-time workers. Round 11.40 up to 12.
  • Multiply 12 by $2.50 and you’ll get $30.

So, your fee would be $30.

How do I pay my fee?

Send the tear-off portion of the billing invoice along with your payment in the pre-addressed return envelope provided and include your account number on your check.

You may also pay online or in person at your nearest L&I office.

What if my payment is late?

Penalties will be assessed if payment isn’t received by L&I’s due date. The following penalties are specified in state law RCW 49.70.177:

  • A 5% penalty or minimum of $10 for late payment.
  • A 10% penalty or minimum of $10 if 30 days past the due date.
  • A 20% penalty or minimum of $10 if 60 days past the due date.

Do I qualify for an exemption from this fee?

Be sure to survey your facilities for hazardous chemicals. Look for products with labels that contain words such as "caution," "warning," or "danger." Don't overlook common consumer products, like bleach or detergents, since they are classified as "hazardous chemicals" when used more frequently or for longer periods of time than what's typical for consumers. The department may schedule an on-site inspection to determine the validity of the exemption request.

Complete an Exemption Request form F413-081-000 in English or Spanish and send it to L&I:

Email to: RTKTeam@lni.wa.gov

By Mail to Department of Labor and Industries:

Right to Know Program
P.O. Box 44699
Olympia, Washington 98504-4699

 If you plan to apply for an exemption, you still need to pay your fee on time! If your exemption is granted, the fee will be refunded to you.

Learn More

If you have additional questions regarding the Right to Know Fee Assessment Program, please contact us at 360-902-6375.