 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprentice Contest
The Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship
Committee held a Brick and Tile Contest on Saturday, April 3,
at the Duwamish Training Center.
Twenty bricklayer apprentices and seven tile layer apprentices competed in this year's contest.
| |
And the winners are … |
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
1st place bricklayer:
Rick Curwood |
|
2nd place bricklayer:
Angela Henderson |
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
1st place tile layer:
Josiah Sangder |
|
2nd place tile layer:
Andre Feller |
|
Photos courtesy of the Western Washington Masonry Trades Apprenticeship Committee.
These four apprentices will go on to compete with apprentices from California, Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii, Colorado
and Washington.
For more information, please contact Randy Johnson, Coordinator, toll-free 800-636-5481, direct 206-768-8333, e-mail wwmtrades@msn.com.
Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council
The 2003 Annual Report is now available online. The word from council chairman
Lawrence "Pete" Crow is positive:
"Apprenticeship
has proven itself to be a flexible system that can effectively adapt to change.
Recently we have seen the introduction of new and emerging apprenticeship programs.
Careers in childcare, optometry, and public service administrative fields are now registered apprenticeship programs."
If your business is interested in finding out more about apprenticeship programs, please contact
your local Apprenticeship Coordinator on the L&I web site.
All registered apprenticeship programs must have their "Request for Revision of Committee" or "Request
for Revision of Standards" submitted by May 31, 2004, for the July 2004 Washington State Apprenticeship and Training
Council meeting.
Apprenticeship objection process clarified in new rule
This rulemaking clarifies the apprenticeship
program standards-objection process. These changes are consistent with the current policy adopted by the Washington State
Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC), but propose to establish
specific timeframes relating to objections of apprenticeship program standards. In addition, these rules clarify that
it is the WSATC chair or "designee" that is allowed to preside over adjudicative proceedings, held before
the WSATC. The rules were adopted on April 16, 2004, with an effective date of June 1, 2004. |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New technology provides more time for customer service and
training for boiler inspectors
A new feature coming to the online boiler database will enable program staff to scan all
inspection reports into this system, reducing the turnaround time for reports and allowing our inspectors more time
for inspections, training and customer service.
The Boiler Program uses Jurisdiction On Line (JOL) to track all inspections,
including overdue inspections, billing, invoicing, certificates of operation and non-compliance activity.
Boilers and
Pressure Vessels are beginning to show their age
There have been two furnace explosions this year at places of public
assembly (schools) involving 40+ year-old boilers. Thankfully, due to lucky timing, there were no injuries. Labor and
Industries, along with the insurance carrier in each case, conducted
a complete investigation of the incidents. The cause of the explosions could not be pinpointed,
although it is likely in each case that a gas valve or gas switch stuck in an open position for a few seconds, allowing
gas to enter the firebox on the boiler. Many of boilers in the state have seen better days, although there is no required
age limit on the use of boilers. L&I is reviewing ways to help our customers address the potential problem.
Public hearing on a proposed rate increase
The Board of Boiler Rules proposed a 3.2 percent (rounded down to the nearest
tenth of a dollar) general fee increase. The 3.2 percent rate is the Office of Financial Management's maximum allowable
fiscal growth rate factor for fiscal
year 2004. The general fee increase is necessary to help offset inflation and to maintain the financial health and
operational effectiveness of the program. A public hearing is scheduled for May 17, 2004, at the L&I building in
Tacoma, at 950 Broadway, Suite 200.
You may also send written comments:
By mail to:
Robb Marvin
Specialty Compliance Services Division
P.O. Box 44400
Olympia, Washington 98504-4400
By electronic mail to: mrod235@LNI.wa.gov
By fax: 360-902-5292. (Comments submitted by fax must be 10 pages or less.)
Comment deadline is May 17, 2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working together to protect citizens from fraud
Labor and Industries has joined forces with other state agencies and associations
on two exciting new projects.
Senior Fraud Fighters is an educational program developed and managed by the State Attorney General's Office and American
Association of Retired Persons (AARP) that is working to inform senior citizens about ways to protect themselves from fraud
and how to recognize common scams and tactics before they become victims. L&I staff are active participants at these
events, providing information to protect homeowners from contracting scams and providing workplace-rights information.
L&I
is also teaming up with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to inform homeowners about contracting and loan
scams, how to hire only legally registered contractors, and how to avoid fraudulent lending practices and predatory
lenders. You'll see L&I and DFI together at home shows and other events in the future.
Contractor training
event to be held Sept. 28
A contractor-training day has been scheduled for Sept. 28 in conjunction with the Governor's
Safety and Health Conference in Spokane. The all-day event will feature information for seasoned contractors as well
as for contractors new to the
business. You will be able to set up your day to suit your business needs and interests — with training in safety,
saving money on claims costs, public works contracting, recordkeeping, risk management and marketing your business.
If you are interested in attending or would like additional information, please contact Shari Purves-Reiter, Outreach
and Education Manager, 360-902-4733 or purs235@LNI.wa.gov.
You can pay by credit or debit card in L&I services locations, beginning in May
You can now use your credit or debit
card to pay for agency services at any of L&I's 22 service locations.
The new system allows you to use your credit/debit
card for most L&I transactions, including electrical licenses and
permits, contractor registrations and renewal, and Factory Assembled Structures (FAS) permits, and more than 200 other
services and fees. However, L&I will not be able to accept cards for industrial insurance premiums, master business
licenses (UBI) or for deposits to Contractor Deposit (CD) accounts due to the bank fee the department must pay for each
transaction.
Factory Assembled Structures, Contractors and Plumber program rules comments and hearings
The department
proposed a 3.2 percent (rounded down to the nearest tenth of a dollar) general increase in fees for the Factory Assembled
Structures and Contractor Registration programs. The general fee increases are necessary to help
offset the rising cost of doing business and to maintain the financial health and operational effectiveness of
the programs.
For more information, please go to www.LNI.wa.gov/Tradeslicensing/Rules/ByTrade/FBS
Comment deadline is May 12, 2004.
Plumbing rules comments and hearings
The department proposes to make changes to the plumber certification rules in response to legislation
that passed in the 2002 and 2003 legislative session, (ESHB 2470 and ESSB 5713) and establishes provisions associated
with the department's
new audit authority and continuing-education requirements. The rules also propose to increase fees by the fiscal growth
factor as established by the Office of Financial Management by 3.2 percent (rounded down to the nearest tenth of a
dollar) and makes necessary housekeeping changes.
For more information, please go to www.LNI.wa.gov/Tradeslicensing/Rules/ByTrade/Plumbing
Comment deadline is May 12, 2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New electrical compliance effort called SAFES (Strategic Action For Electrical
Safety) started April 1
A two-person team of electrical compliance inspectors is touring the state to focus on the main
concerns our customers have with the underground economy: unlicensed electrical contractors and uncertified electricians,
and those who fail to
obtain required electrical permits.
L&I's new "SAFES" team (Strategic Action For Electrical Safety) has identified and cited more than 80
violators in its first month of work and expects to maintain a brisk pace as it visits different parts of the state during
the next six months.
The SAFES team will also discover and make referrals to the department's other programs for violations of the general
contracting, industrial insurance and workplace safety laws — enforcement issues that also have been of concern
to L&I
customers. In addition, SAFES will reach out to firms and individuals that are in violation of the electrical laws and
allow them an opportunity to come into compliance without civil penalty during an "open window" period for
certain specialties through July 31, 2004.
One of L&I's top priorities is to improve enforcement, which prevents
businesses that don't follow regulations from having an unfair competitive advantage over those that do.
Names of electrical compliance law violators available to consumers
Be sure to check the next Electrical Currents newsletter,
which is now listing contractors who have received final judgments on citations written for: 1) no electrical contractor's
license, 2) hiring uncertified electricians, 3) no electrician
certification, and 4) failure to obtain necessary electrical work permits. A "final judgment" means that
all rights of appeal have been exhausted and a penalty is due or has been paid. Consumers and contractors will now
have information about those who have violated the electrical laws regarding these issues. The list is also posted
in the March 2004 Issue of Electrical Currents Newsletter.
Multi-state cooperation may lead to more consistent electrician exams
Chief Electrical Inspector Ron Fuller recently
met with the Montana Electrical Board and finalized an agreement with Montana to assist Washington with development
of a new electrician examination that is consistent between the two states.
Other states have expressed an interest in joining with Washington and Montana on this project.
Cooperation between the states will allow all involved to produce better, more consistent exams for electrician candidates.
Ron
also proposed that Montana consider reciprocity with Washington for Master Journeyman Electricians. The Montana board
was very receptive and asked for a proposal to consider at its next board meeting.
Comments requested on rulemaking
Comments are being taken to state electrical rules
in response to legislation that passed in the 2003 legislative session (ESSB 5713, ESB 5210, SHB 1848 and SHB 5434).
These rules will propose necessary changes
to reflect current department practices and necessary housekeeping updates. These rules propose a fee increase of
3.2 percent. In addition, substantive and clarifying changes based on recommendations from stakeholder groups and the
Electrical
Board will be proposed.
For additional details about these proposed changes, please see www.LNI.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Rules/ByTrade/Electrical.
Comment deadline is May 12, 2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revised licensing requirements scheduled
for implementation on July 1, 2004
Public hearings are scheduled this month on revised rules relating to licensing of elevator mechanics and contractors,
and adoption into state rules of the most recent versions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers national standards
for elevators, escalators and other conveyances (with some exceptions and state-specific requirements). Licensing requirements
for installation, alteration and maintenance of conveyances are the main issues addressed by these revised
conveyance rules, which can be found on the L&I web site. These rules incorporate feedback and recommendations
of the Elevator Safety Advisory Committee and various other stakeholders.
Please note that licensing requirements for elevator contractors and mechanics originally scheduled for implementation
on April 1, 2004, were delayed to allow public hearings to include new licensing requirements for work performed on private
residence conveyances, as passed by the 2003 Legislature. L&I now plans to implement all changes to conveyance contractor
and mechanic licensing requirements on July 1, 2004. The implementation date for adoption of American National Standard
Safety Code for Elevator and Escalators A17.1 (2000) also is scheduled for July 1, 2004.
A public hearing is scheduled for May 12 at the L&I building in Tumwater, at 7273 Linderson Way S.W.
You may also send written comments:
By mail to:
Christine Swanson
Specialty Compliance Services Division
P.O. Box 44400
Olympia, Washington 98504-4400
By electronic mail to: copc235@LNI.wa.gov
By fax: 360-902-5292 (Comments submitted by fax must be 10 pages or less.)
Comment deadline is May 12, 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prevailing Wage e-commerce made easy
In response to requests from customers and as a means of assisting in timely
processing of Intents to Pay Prevailing Wages ("intents")
and Affidavits of Wages Paid ("affidavits"), we recently launched a new log-in/password
system to help our customers file intents and affidavits online. This new system allows our customers to register for
a free password and log-in identification (unlike the existing digital certificate system) and begin filing intents
and affidavits online. Use of this system ensures that your intents and affidavits are processed within 24 hours.
For
more information on how to file online, please
go to the "How to Start Filing Online" page.
Also, as of January 1, 2004, all intents and affidavits that have been filed with the department (paper or electronically)
are available online at http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/PrevWage/IntentAffidavits/View/default.asp.
If you need assistance filing online, please feel free to contact pw1@LNI.wa.gov or 360-902-5335.
Employee time — recording and rounding
Employees must be paid for all time worked, which includes preparatory
and concluding activities. Employers may pay for all minutes on the time card or may use one of the following rounding
practices:
- Employers, when rounding to the nearest
quarter hour (15-minute segment), must round on the 7-minute rule, i.e., when employees are 1 to 7 minutes late,
they must be paid for the entire quarter-hour, if they are 8 to 14 minutes late, payment
may begin at the nearest quarter-hour.
- If an employee clocks out 7 minutes prior to the end of their shift, they
must be paid to the end of that shift; if they clock out 8 minutes prior to the end of their shift, their payment
stops at the nearest quarter-hour.
- A system in which employee time is always rounded down is not allowed. The rounding
practice used must work both ways so that sometimes it is rounded up and sometimes it is rounded down.
- Rounding is
NOT permitted for meal and rest periods. These requirements found in WAC 296-126-092 require a 30-minute meal period
and a 10-minute rest period. Employers cannot round, deduct or average any time from a meal or rest
period. For example, if the employee works four minutes into a 30-minute meal period, the employer must start
the 30-minute meal period from the time the demployee actually stops working. (i.e., an employee's meal period is from
12-12:30 p.m., and the employee does not start their meal period until 12:04 p.m., the employee does not have to return to work
until 12:34 p.m.).
Prevailing wage rules for Job Order Contracts
effective June 4
New rules have been adopted based on 2003 legislation,
clarifying the prevailing wage that applies to Work Orders issued under Job Order Contracts. The legislation created
Job Order Contracts as a new approach for awarding contracts that
allows an agency or municipality to assign work to a contractor on an as-needed basis over a specified period of
time. The new rule implementing the legislation specifies that the appropriate prevailing wage rate to apply to these
contracts
is the rate in effect on the date when each individual work order is issued. The rule takes effect for contracts
finalized on or after June 4, 2004. Questions? Contact Josh Swanson in Tumwater at 360-902-5330 (swaj235@LNI.wa.gov)
or Cindy
Hanson in Everett at 425-290-1346 (hand235@LNI.wa.gov).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 2004
May 14: Senior Fraud Fighters, Tri-Cities, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Columbia Basin Community College, Library Building, Room 102,
Pasco, Wash. 99301. RSVP: 509-735-6772
May 13-15: 2004 Women in Trades Career Fair, May 13 at Middle School Day, May 14 at High School Day and May15, Public
Day, Tualatin, Ore. For more information, call 503-335-8200 ext. 21
May 17: Lewis and Clark Building Contractor Association — Contractor registration requirements and
safety standards for construction presentation will be given. 8 a.m.-noon at the Red Lion Inn, Lewiston, Idaho. For more
information,
please contact Dennis Yonker, 360-902-6303.
May 18: Elevator Advisory Committee Meeting, L&I Tukwila office, 9 a.m.-noon
May 18: Non-Traditional Occupations — Free hands-on workshop, 6 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at Spokane Community
College, Bldg 6. To register, e-mail kthayer@iel.spokane.edu.
May 22: Senior Fraud Fighter, Vancouver, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Luepke Senior Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin
Blvd., Vancouver, Wash. 98663. RSVP: 360-696-8221
June 2004
June 10: ACAP Employment Fair, American Lake Club, Fort Lewis, Wash. For more information, contact 253-967-6309 or e-mail
acapjobs@lewis.army.mil.
June 18: Senior Fraud Fighters, Sequim, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sequim High School 601 N. Sequim Ave., Sequim, Wash. 98382. RSVP:
362-457-1771 or 360-379-3951
July 2004
July 1: Projected effective date for elevator rule implementation of A17.1 2000 code and addenda; projected effective
date for implementation of licensing requirements.
July 15-16: Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council quarterly meeting, Vancouver, Wash. For additional
information: 360-902-5320
July 18-23: 7th Annual Construction Apprenticeship Academy, Kingston, Wash. For more information: 360-902-5320
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office of
Information and Assistance: 1-800-547-8367
Contractor Registration Verification: 1-800-647-0982
Report-a-Fraud Hotline
(to report unregistered contractors):
1-888-811-5974 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue 4, Spring 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
Quarterly Update is an e-mail newsletter distributed four times a year
by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries' Specialty
Compliance Services division. Receiving this newsletter is the best way
to keep up-to-date on Specialty Compliance Services' activities and
issues.
Subscriptions:
To subscribe, or to
unsubscribe, go to (URL and instructions)
Trades and Licensing web site: www.LNI.wa.gov/
TradesLicensing
Workplace Rights web site: www.LNI.wa.gov/
WorkplaceRights |
|
|
|
|
Christine
Swanson has joined the Specialty Compliance Services team, bringing a wealth
of experience to her new position as our Legislative and Rules Manager. Christine
has
worked in various parts of the agency, including the Legislative
and Governmental Affairs Office, WISHA and most recently the Budget Office.
She holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Central Washington
University and has worked for the department since 1998. Christine attends
most Specialty Compliance public hearings and is the primary Specialty Compliance
Services contact for your
comments on rules and legislation.
