Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Classes

In an effort to provide better support to Apprenticeship Customers, two Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Classes were held in October 2003 to provide assistance on how to use our Apprenticeship Electronic Forms and the new online Apprenticeship Registration and Tracking System (ARTS WEB). Two additional classes have been scheduled for Jan.12, 2004, one from 8 a.m.-noon and the other 1-5 p.m.

Our thanks to the Puget Sound Electrical Training Center staff for providing the support for the Oct. 8, 2003, class. The Oct. 13, 2003, class was held at the Labor and Industries office in Spokane. Approximately 50 individuals attended the two classes.

• Apprenticeship Calendar
  http://www.lni.wa.gov/scs/apprenticeship/appcal.htm
  
• Main ARTS Data Page:
  https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/arts/Menu/MainMenu.asp
  
• Electronic Apprenticeship Forms
  http://www.lni.wa.gov/scs/apprenticeship/eforms.htm

Assistance with the new ARTS or the Electronic Forms is available by contacting the central Apprenticeship office, 360-902-5324/5323/5320, email thum235@LNI.wa.gov or wham235@LNI.wa.gov. Additionally, please contact the above to reserve a seat at one of the January 2004 classes.

View the calendar for more information on the trainings and other apprenticeship events.

Bob Roberts retires

	Mike Warren and Nancy Mason join Bob Roberts (center) receiving his certificate of induction at the National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors Conference.

Robert "Bob" Roberts has retired. He was an instructor in 1978, teaching journeyman laborer upgrade classes, and was instrumental in developing the first craft laborers registered apprenticeship program in Washington state in 1983. This was the first registered apprenticeship program in the nation until the late 1990s when Laborer's International started making plans to have registered national apprenticeship standards for construction craft laborers. Bob Roberts has personally traveled to other states around the country to assist them in setting up their registered apprenticeship standards.

In August 2003, Bob was inducted into the United States Apprenticeship Association (U.S.A.A.) Don Grabowski National Apprenticeship Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame members' perpetual plaque may be seen at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.

Proposed legislation

2004 request legislation: Governor and Apprenticeship Council request
This bill establishes apprenticeship utilization requirements on specified public works projects consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order (00-01) – requiring 15 percent apprenticeship labor on projects over $1 million. This bill requires the utilization of apprentices on public works contracts as a means of providing for an adequate supply of skilled workers in the construction industry and to help apprentices become journey-level workers.

Progress made on eliminating overdue inspections

For the past quarter, we have reduced boiler/pressure vessel overdue inspections to 2 percent, well below the goal of 10 percent that was set this year.

Boiler/Pressure vessel installation and reinstallation permits available online

The Boiler Section issued 5,300 new installation permits in the fiscal year that ended in June. For the first quarter of this fiscal year, we have issued 1,200 additional new permits. Response time to a permit request is within 24 hours. Permits are available on the boiler web site.

Online Boiler Section database increases productivity

The Boiler Section uses Jurisdiction On Line (JOL) to track all inspections, overdue inspections, and non-compliance activity. As you can see from the numbers above, our inspectors have effectively taken care of the overdue inspections in the state. This will allow them to concentrate on insurance overdue inspections at places such as schools, churches and other places of public safety. Customer service has increased due to this accurate information and will now give the inspectors the time needed to work further with our customers, increasing their knowledge of boilers and pressure vessels regarding safety.

FAS program recognized by the Modular Building Institute

In September, L&I's Factory Assembed Structures Program was recognized by the Modular Building Institute (MBI) as a model for regulatory programs. Our program was specifically recognized for its willingness to partner with companies, listen to their concerns and respond to their issues.

Agency management and line staff were asked to address a national audience of manufacturers and regulators and tell the story of the effective partnership the program has developed with modular building manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest. The event was the MBI's Regional Conference in Portland.

Certification rule changes under way

Plumber certification rules changes are under way. These rules are in response to legislative changes, which provided the department with the ability to perform audits to ensure compliance with the plumbing laws and established continuing-education requirements for plumbers.

If you would like to be added to the interested parties list so that you receive information on this rulemaking, please e-mail swaj235@lni.wa.gov.

For more information on these changes, visit the plumbing web site.

Contractor training event to be held Feb. 9

A contractor training day has been scheduled for Feb. 9 at the L&I Tumwater office. The all-day event will feature information for seasoned contractors, as well as for contractors new to the business. Participants will be able to set up their day to suit their business needs and interests — with trainings in safety, saving money on your claims costs, public works contracting, record keeping, risk management and marketing your business.

The training will feature a lunchtime panel discussion with representatives from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and a commercial liability carrier. Other presenters include L&I, the Better Business Bureau, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Attorney General’s Office, Employment Security and the Department of Revenue.

If you are interested in attending or would like additional information, please contact Shari Purves-Reiter, Contractor Registration Consumer Outreach Manager, 360-902-4733 or purs235@lni.wa.gov.

Proposed legislation

2004 request legislation: Homeowner lien protections
Introduced last legislative session, this bill ensures consumers are better informed and protected against the catastrophic event of material liens. This proposed legislation builds upon the consumer protections that became law as a result of 2001 legislation (Substitute Senate Bill 5101). During residential construction or renovation, this bill limits the amount for which a material supplier or others may place a lien on a home to 10 percent of the construction contract price, or the amount the homeowner still owes the prime contractor, whichever is less. In addition, it provides for more timely notice to homeowners of the possibility of a lien.

2004 request legislation: Keeping current fee schedule for Factory Assembled Structures
This bill removes the April 1, 2004, expiration date of the temporary fee-schedule changes that were enacted in 2002 in order to retain fees at current levels for manufactured/mobile home, factory-built, and commercial structures fees and services. These fees are consistent with similar local government fees and services. Reverting to old fee levels will equate to higher prices for homeowners performing alterations to their mobile/manufactured homes. The bill also retains provisions to waive fees for indigent applicants.

New electrical rule expected to save manufacturers millions

A new rule (i.e. WAC 296-46B-030) allows L&I's Chief Electrical Inspector to approve industrial process machinery that was manufactured according to appropriate international or other standards on a case-by-case basis. This new rule will save industrial manufacturers in the state millions of dollars.

	Pictured is Chief Electrical Inspector, Ron Fuller (on right) with Bruce Gibson, Executive Vice President of Fatigue Technology, Inc. (FTI) in Tukwila at the first application of the new Labor and Industries approval decals for industrial utilization equipment. FTI is a supplier to Boeing and other international aerospace industry customers and has operations in Germany, France, and England.

Washington is unique in developing rules that establish a process to allow an industrial utilization equipment owner and the equipment manufacturer to obtain approval by demonstrating that their equipment conforms to national or international safety standards. In September, Kevin Dooley, Fatigue Technology's vice president of finance, commended the department for its innovative ideas and cooperation with business in this specific area in testimony for the Senate Economic Development Committee.

Electrical program tackling the underground economy

The Electrical Program is targeting specific areas of the underground economy in an attempt to address customer concerns about unlicensed electrical contractors, uncertified electricians, and the failure of installers to obtain the required electrical permits and inspections. In the past year, L&I's inspectors have issued 1,043 citations for these offenses. This amounted to 42 percent of the total number of citations issued last year. Penalties totaled almost $350,000. The Electrical Program's goal is to make an extra effort in eliminating the targeted violations.

Program places an extra emphasis on customer service

In response to input from stakeholders at the annual Specialty Compliance Services off-site retreat, the Electrical Program provided all-day customer service training to its inspectors in November. Nationally acclaimed trainer Kevin Lust of the Lust Development Group facilitated the training session.

As a follow-up to the training, the program plans to highlight specific articles in the monthly Electrical Program newsletter, Electrical Currents, for those who subscribe to the program's e-mail listserve. Visit the listserv distribution page to sign up.

Interagency agreement reached between L&I and city of Spokane

Under RCW 70.87, municipalities that had an elevator code prior to June 13, 1963, were allowed to assume jurisdiction for the operation, erection, installation, alteration or repair of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, manlifts and parking elevators. They may also inspect, issue permits, collect fees and prescribe minimum requirements for the construction, design, use and maintenance of conveyances — as long as the requirements are equal to those administered by L&I.

Seattle and Spokane are the only cities in Washington state that have jurisdiction over the conveyances inside their city limits.

While Seattle employs 13 inspectors, Spokane only has one. In the past, this has presented a problem whenever that inspector became ill or went on vacation.

Recently, L&I and the city of Spokane formed a partnership to help address this issue. Through an interagency agreement, L&I has agreed to provide the city with an elevator inspector when the city's inspector is out. This will promote better customer service for the city's stakeholders and building owners.

In addition, as part of this agreement, the city's elevator inspector will attend L&I's statewide elevator inspectors training, which will help promote consistency of code interpretations and the application of rules and policies throughout the state.

Elevator Program participates in outreach events

During National Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week in November, L&I’s Elevator Chief, Dotty Stanlaske, participated in two safety outreach events.

	Left to right, top row: Carrie Anderson, Elevator Chief Inspector Dotty Stanlaske (as Safe-T-Rider) and Cynthia Nordquist, Carrie's mother. Bottom row: Molly Anderson and Clara Van Orman.

On Nov. 12, Dotty visited Fort Stevens Elementary School in Yelm and spoke with a groups of fourth-grade students. On Nov. 15, she dressed up as “Safe-T-Rider” and made an appearance at Pacific Place Mall in downtown Seattle. Joined by Shari Purves-Reiter, the Contractor Registration Program's outreach manager, "Safe-T-Rider" talked to kids and parents and handed out 600 coloring books on elevator and escalator safety.

Although the National Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week has come to an end, the Elevator Program’s efforts to promote safe riding habits on these conveyances continue throughout the year. If you have any questions on the Safe-T-Rider program, please contact Dotty at 360-902-6128.

Proposed legislation

2004 request legislation: Reducing private residence conveyance licensing requirements
This bill provides L&I with the authority to establish reduced licensing requirements for private-residence conveyances in rule, and exempts maintenance work performed by owners of private-residence conveyances that are not accessible to the general public. The bill responds to the Elevator Safety Advisory Committee’s recommendations to establish private-residence conveyance licensing. Absent legislation, private-residence conveyance work will soon require licensing to the same level as work performed on commercial elevators.

Low-wage-worker initiative off to a good start

L&I's efforts to increase the amount of unpaid wages for low-wage workers are proving successful. For the first quarter of this fiscal year (July-September), $116,094 in unpaid wages were collected for low-wage workers. We are utilizing various strategies, including outreach to community-based organizations and targeted compliance to ensure workers are being paid.

New workplace posters available now

The minimum wage increased to $7.16 on Jan. 1. Workplace posters have been updated, and are now available. For a poster, please contact Carlena Anderson at anca235@lni.wa.gov or 360-902-5315.

Rulemaking on payroll deduction issues to occur

Rulemaking to clarify payroll deduction requirements is now under way. If you would like to receive information on this rulemaking, please contact Josh Swanson at 360-902-6411 or swaj235@lni.wa.gov. Download the payroll deduction rules document for more information.

L&I and WRA work together to conduct more employer trainings

The Washington Restaurant Association has agreed to continue its partnership with L&I to provide the employer workshop on Teen Worker Safety in Restaurants. Six locations have been selected across the state for workshops to be held from January 2004 through March 2005.

Two workshops will be held on each date. This is building upon the successful series in 2002 with monthly workshops held around the state. In addition, efforts are under way through various Chambers of Commerce and regional Workforce Development Councils to schedule a more general workshop, "What you need to know to hire teen workers."

For more information on teen workplace standards, visit the workstandards for teen workers page.

Prevailing Wage manager appointed

Josh Swanson has been appointed as Industrial Statistician and Manager of Prevailing Wage, effective Dec. 16.

Josh is currently the Legislative and Rules Manager for L&I’s Specialty Compliance Services division. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Law and Justice from Central Washington University, and a Master of Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University.

Josh has worked for L&I since 1997, and brings a wealth of experience and energy to this position.

Proposed legislation

2004 request legislation: Ensuring low-wage workers are paid
Introduced last legislative session, this bill establishes civil penalties for violations of the minimum-wage and wage-payment laws. The bill ensures greater levels of protections for the lowest paid and often-exploited workers who are in the most need of protection and who have the fewest options in pursuing their claims. The bill creates a realistic deterrent to employers who might otherwise consider violating the law.

2004 request legislation: Ensuring funding and performance for Prevailing Wage
This bill eliminates the 30 percent statutory transfer of prevailing wage revenues to the General Fund-State Account. Retaining these revenues will ensure the program has an adequate funding source in order to meet customer service delivery expectations as mandated by the Legislature. The revenues provided by this legislation will fund L&I’s supplemental budget request to address the performance expectations (improving surveys, outreach, processing time and compliance) identified in last session’s Substitute Senate Bill 5248, relating to transportation.

Apprenticeship technical assistance classes, Monday, Jan. 12, 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m. For more information, please contact Michael Thurman at 360-902-5324 or thum235@LNI.wa.gov.

Plumber Advisory Board meeting, Jan. 20, L&I Tukwila office

Board of Boiler Rules meeting, Jan. 20-21, L&I Tacoma office, Room 3

Bellevue Home Show, Jan. 23-25, Bellevue

Fourth Annual Apprenticeship Fair , 4-7 p.m., Jan. 28, Lewis Count Mall, Chehalis

Tacoma Home Show (Booth 318), Jan. 28-Feb. 1, Tacoma

Electrical Board, Jan. 29, L&I Tumwater office

Whatcom Home Show (Booth 25), March 5-7, Lynden

Wenatchee Home Show, March 12-14, Wenatchee

Board of Boiler Rules, March 15-16, L&I Tacoma office, Room 3

Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee meeting, March 18, 9-11:30 a.m., L&I Tumwater office, Room S130.

Spokane Home Show, April 2-4, Spokane

Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council Quarterly Meeting, April 15-16, Bellingham. For more information, contact the Apprenticeship Program at 360-902-5320.

Plumber Advisory Board meeting, April 20, L&I Tukwila office

Clark County PUD Home and Garden Idea Fair, April 23-25, Vancouver

Electrical Board meeting, April 29, the Comfort Inn, 1620 74th Ave S.W., Tumwater

Issue 3, Winter 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.

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Trades and Licensing web site:www.LNI.wa.gov/
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Workplace Rights web site:www.LNI.wa.gov/
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