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Reciprocal Agreements with Oregon, Idaho and Montana changed
At the July Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) quarterly meeting, the WSATC voted to cancel
the reciprocal agreement with Idaho. What this means for Idaho programs and apprentices is that Idaho programs will have to register their standards in Washington in order to have their
apprentices work in Washington. Additionally, these same apprentices will have to register as apprentices in Washington State in order to work as apprentices.
A new reciprocal agreement
is currently being signed by Washington, Montana and Oregon.
Apprentice Spotlight: Columbia Basin Carpenter Apprentices
Source: Donna Campbell, Dean for Career Development
Columbia Basin carpentry apprentices built a wonderful playhouse for the Children’s Wishes and Dreams Foundation. The playhouse was exhibited at the Kennewick Labor Day Parade,
the Benton-Franklin County Fair and at the Fiery Food Festival, where raffle tickets were sold. Thanks to the great work of the apprentices, more than $6,000 was raised for the Children’s
Wishes and Dreams Foundation.
Apprenticeship in the news
In August, The Olympian ran a story highlighting the New Market Skills Center’s construction trades “pre-apprenticeship” training program.
New Market received a grant for $25,000 as part of the Governor’s apprenticeship legislation earlier in the year, and it is using the money to expand its outreach to middle- and
high-school students throughout the region who might benefit from construction trades training.
The story profiled two recent New Market graduates, Shane Danisher and Ricardo Rodriguez.
After completing the construction trades program at New Market, both students were accepted into a carpentry apprenticeship program and are now employed on the $5.4 million life-sciences
building at New Market Skills Center.
It’s great to see these apprenticeship success stories featured in the newspaper.
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Boiler Section passes triennial ASME Authorized Inspection Agency review with flying colors!
L&I’s Boiler Section is one of only five states in the nation accredited by
the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to provide authorized inspection services to manufacturers of boilers and pressure vessels. To maintain ASME certification, a boiler/pressure
vessel manufacturer must have an approved quality control program that is audited for code compliance every three years. As an Authorized Inspection Agency, the Washington State Boiler
Section is also required to have a quality control program which must pass a triennial audit by the ASME. In August, two representatives from the ASME spent three days performing an
audit of our quality control program.
I am pleased to announce that after a very thorough
three-day audit, the program passed with no findings. Washington State’s Boiler Section will continue to provide authorized
inspection services to the state’s boiler/pressure vessel manufacturers.
Thanks to all the hard work of previous chief boiler inspectors and our field inspectors and program staff
for making the L&I Boiler Section a model program.
Got Gas?
Two days after receiving a personal carbon monoxide (CO) monitor or “gas badge,” a boiler inspector conducting an inspection at a supermarket was alerted to
CO from a small space heater. He notified the manager, who immediately shut down the heater for repair.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas which in large amounts can overcome
a person without any warning, cause loss of consciousness and suffocation in minutes. L&I gave the CO monitors to the inspectors as part of their personal protective equipment because
there is always a possibility of CO exposure when inspecting gas-fired boilers.
New state boiler examination
The state has a new and updated “Certificate of Competency” boiler exam, thanks to the joint efforts of L&I staff Tony Oda and Sunghee
Seong and members of the Board of Boiler Rules. The new test is made up of 124 questions drawn from the old test database, along with 50 newer questions. The new exam will cover all
topics, including laws, rules, administration, inspection, construction, installation and repairs/fees.
Using a new state-of-the-art format, each test will be individually generated from randomly selected questions to give a fair representation of the laws and rules of the state. No
two tests will be the same, ensuring integrity and confidentiality of the examination process.
Boiler Section quality assurance
Boiler Section staff from around the state recently completed a three-day training event where they learned the latest information on boiler basics,
safety valves, historical boilers, tank inspections and more. This yearly training ensures consistency and quality among boiler inspectors as they perform boiler inspections around
the state.
Thanks to L&I staff Mike
Carlson, Dave Sumpter, Chris Davies, Tim Swanson, Stuart Anderson, Jerry Shiflett and Bobbe Hundley for creating and presenting the training.
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Bringing the team up to code
The Contractor Compliance and Factory-Assembled Structures teams recently spent five days in intensive training learning the latest in code requirements,
Housing and Urban Development requirements, and a statewide quality assurance program. Additional presentations included emerging innovations in solar energy, inspecting gas piping,
concrete structures, welding and plumbing systems.
Contractor Training Day a popular event in Spokane
More than 200 contractors attended Contractor Training Day in Spokane last month.
If you have haven’t been to Contractor Training Day, you’re missing out on a great opportunity.
These one-day events feature information for seasoned contractors, as well as for those who are new to the business. You can choose from more than 25 classes, including safety training,
saving money on your claims workers' compensation cost, public works contracting, business planning, risk management, marketing and more.
Upcoming Contractor Training Days are planned in Seattle, Yakima and Edmonds. Please see the Contractor
Training web site for complete information.
New Well Driller, Pump and Irrigation Licensing
A new law passed in the 2006 Legislative Session requires well drillers, pump and irrigation contractors, and any individuals working
on these systems to get both plumbing and electrical licenses/certification.
The new law — Substitute Senate Bill 6225 — requires all contractors and workers doing pump and piping work on domestic water systems and irrigation water systems to
get both plumbing and electrical licenses/certification. Under the new law, only properly licensed contractors and individuals may place an electric pump motor in a well or do the associated
electrical or plumbing work. The law took effect June 7, 2006.
A new combined general contractor and electrical contractor specialty license was created so that contractors in either
the domestic pump or the pump and irrigation systems business may perform this work under a single license, bond and insurance.
For workers, there is a new combined electrical and plumbing certificate.
Companies and individuals have a window of opportunity until Dec. 31, 2006, to use qualifying experience
to get the proper license or certification without taking an examination. After that date, contractors and workers must take an examination in order to be licensed or certified.
You may get the forms for certifying without examination online at www.LNI.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Electrical/FormPub or by calling 360-902-5249.
Additional information is available
at the Well Drillers web page or by calling Roger Chick, Electrical Technical Specialist, at 360-292-5825 or e-mail to Outreach@LNI.wa.gov.
Proposed
decrease in construction industry workers' comp rates for 2007
The construction industry will see an overall 4 percent decrease in workers’ compensation premiums next year under a rate plan proposed by L&I. The 4 percent decrease proposal
is an average for all firms in the construction industry, and is the largest decrease for any industry in Washington. Each company’s 2007 premiums, and those of each risk class,
can be higher or lower than the average, depending on their history of workers’ compensation claims.
For more information, please see News for Small Business, Special Edition.
Plumber Certification rules
A public hearing was held on Oct. 12 to incorporate amendments to the Plumber Certification rules as a result of legislative changes that require the plumbing
program to create a specialty for well drillers, pump and irrigation installers.
Due to the continued interest in this proposed rule change, the comment period has been extended to Nov. 1, 2006. Please visit
Rules Under Development if you would like to send a written comment or read the proposed rule.
Contractor Compliance Task Force
In our last issue of Quarterly Update, we told you about the new Contractor Compliance Task Force. The team of three inspectors has been working nights
and weekends — as well
as normal weekdays — in an effort to reduce the impact of the underground economy and promote fair business practices within the construction industry.
Since we reported to your
last, the team has written another 24 infractions for violation of contractor registration laws, issued $23,500 in fines, made an amazing $464,500 in workers compensation collection
referrals and 83 audit referrals.
We continue to get positive feedback from the construction industry community about the impact the task force is having. Watch
this column in the future for more updates on the success of Contractor Compliance Task Force
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New Well Driller, Pump and Irrigation Licensing
A new law passed in the 2006 Legislative Session requires well drillers, pump and irrigation contractors, and any individuals working
on these systems to get both plumbing and electrical licenses/certification.
The new law — Substitute Senate Bill 6225 — requires all contractors and workers doing pump and piping work on domestic water systems and irrigation water systems
to get both plumbing and electrical licenses/certification. Under the new law, only properly licensed contractors and individuals may place an electric pump motor in a well or do the
associated electrical or plumbing work. The law took effect June 7, 2006.
A new combined general contractor and electrical contractor specialty license was created so that contractors in either
the domestic pump or the pump and irrigation systems business may perform this work under a single license, bond and insurance.
For workers, there is a new combined electrical and plumbing certificate.
Companies and individuals have a window of opportunity until Dec. 31, 2006, to use qualifying experience
to get the proper license or certification without taking an examination. After that date, contractors and workers must take an examination in order to be licensed or certified.
You may get the forms for certifying without examination online at
www.LNI.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Electrical/FormPub or by calling 360-902-5249.
Additional information is available
at What's New for Electrical Professionals or by calling Roger Chick, Electrical Technical Specialist, at 360-292-5825 or e-mail to Outreach@LNI.wa.gov.
Electrical rules
A public hearing was held on Oct. 12 to incorporate amendments to the Electrical safety standards, administration and installation rules. Due to the increased interest
in the rule amendments, the comment period has been extended to Nov. 1, 2006. If you would like to send a written comment or read the proposed rule changes, please see 2006
Electrical Rule Development.
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Governor proclaims Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week
Gov. Gregoire has proclaimed Nov. 12-18 to be Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week. The proclamation is to increase
public awareness of the safe and proper use of elevators, escalators and moving walkways.
There are more than 13,500 elevators in public use in Washington State. Injuries, which are
rare, are most commonly from tripping or being struck by closing doors. We investigate a number of these incidents each year and find that most could be prevented with education and
awareness.
In August, we got a great response to a brochure on elevator safety awareness that we mailed out to all elevator and escalator owners. The brochure was produced in partnership
with the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, and it includes safety tips and facts, as well as some common myths about elevators and escalators.
If you would like to be a part of this
educational opportunity, download a copy of How to ride safely on elevators, escalators and moving walks. Share it with customers and staff or post it near your elevator or escalator.
It’s also a great tool for talking to young people about elevator safety.
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New wage surveys underway
In early October, we began surveying employers to get wage-and-hour information for eight trades. The survey covers all private and public work. This information
will be used to calculate the prevailing wages paid to workers on public works projects. The eight trades being surveyed are: elevator constructors, inland boatmen, landscape construction,
metal fabricators (in shop), remote work on sewer/water systems, roofers, sign makers and sign installers and well drillers and irrigation pump installers.
If you employ workers in any of these trades,
your participation in the survey is critical. The more responses L&I receives, the closer results will be to the actual wage rates
paid to workers in these trades throughout the state.
If you did not receive a survey in the mail, you can download the forms at the Prevailing Wage web site or call Gustavo Avilés
at 360-902-5304 or by e-mail to avig235@LNI.wa.gov. We must have your completed survey no later than Dec. 31, 2006.
Cindy Hanson retires after 31 years
Cindy Hanson, a Prevailing Wage Specialist, retired in September after 31 years. Cindy began working for the state in 1975 and had been with L&I
since 1977. She spent most of her career working with prevailing wage laws, policies, litigation and enforcement. We will miss Cindy and her knowledge and influence.
Job opportunity in Prevailing Wage
Prevailing Wage is actively recruiting for an Industrial Relations Specialist. This is a key position, responsible for analyzing complex situations
and answering questions regarding the prevailing wage laws and rules, policies, and scopes of work. Please see the Industrial
Relations Agent 3 job bulletin for complete information.
Prevailing Wage
A public hearing will be held on Nov. 27, 2006, at the L&I Headquarters in Tumwater. Updated information will be added to New
Rules & Changes as it becomes
available.
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Implementing the new Wage Payment Act
The Wage Payment Act, which went in effect on June 7, 2006, has changed the way Employment Standards handles wage complaints. Employment Standards
staff are busy revising policies, letters, and computer systems to ensure the correct and most efficient way to process wage complaints.
For more information on the new law, please go
to the Wage Payment Act web site or call toll-free 1-866-219-7321.
Employment Law Advisory Committee update
The Employment Law Advisory Committee (ELAC) meets on a quarterly basis to work on issues surrounding employment law. The committee’s
priority is to provide advice and clarification on L&I wage-and-hour policies and to assist with incorporating policies into rules.
See the Employment Law Advisory Committee web
page for upcoming meetings, agendas and minutes.
Payment Interval rule changes
A public hearing was held on Oct. 2 to accept comments on proposed changes to the payment interval rules. We are reviewing the comments and expect to
adopt new rules by the end of November. Please see New Rules & Changes for updates.
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Other L&I information
At L&I's Claim & Account Center, employers, workers, doctors,
RETRO groups and third-party administrators can check
the status of workplace injuries, check employer accounts,
and send information to L&I. The Claim & Account
Center is fast, secure, easy to use, and it's free!
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Events
Contractor Training Days
Oct. 27, 2006, Seattle
Wood Construction Center
Nov. 17, 2006, Yakima
Yakima Convention Center
Dec. 15, 2006, Edmonds
Edmonds Community Colleged
Register now for these free events at Contractor Training Days.
Consumer Education Events
Everett Fall Home Show
Oct. 20 – 22, 2006
Everett Events Center
Bellevue Home Show
January 12-15, 2007
Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue WA
Clark County Home Show
January 19-21, 2007
Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield WA
Proposed rule changes, public hearings
Board of Boiler Rules Meeting
Nov. 7-8, 2006, 10 a.m.
(Public hearing on proposed WAC changes will be on the 8th.)
Tacoma Labor and Industries
Room 3
950 Broadway, Suite 200
Tacoma, WA
Prevailing Wage
A public hearing will be held on Nov. 27, 2006, at the L&I Headquarters in Tumwater. Updated information will be added to New Rules & Changes as it becomes
available.
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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
Employment
Standards Information (minimum wage, overtime,
working conditions, teen workers, prevailing wage, agricultural
workers):
1-866-219-7321
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Issue 12, Fall 2006
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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 |
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