Quarterly Update :: Issue 16 :: Winter 2008
 
  Issue 16   Winter 2008   Washington State Department of Labor and Industries  


www.LNI.wa.gov
Apprenticeship | Boilers/Pressure Vessels | Contractor Compliance/FAS/Plumbing
Electrical  | Elevators | Prevailing Wage | Workplace Rights | Events, Workshops & Rules
 

Patrick Woods, SCS Assistant Director
Patrick Woods
Assistant Director,
Specialty Compliance Services


  

Message from Patrick Woods


Building a Qualified Workforce


Thank you for your interest in what’s happening in the Specialty Compliance Services’ Division.

As promised in my last message of 2007, I will use this forum throughout the coming year to provide updates on four key priorities:

  • Public mandates

  • Performance measures

  • Partnership

  • Voluntary compliance

In this issue, I would like to tell you about the public mandate for a qualified workforce.

L&I strives to ensure fulfillment of the public mandate to develop a qualified workforce in several ways. We oversee and ensure qualifications of more than:

  • 16,000 electrical trainees
  • 29,000 journey-level electricians
  • 5,500 electrical contractors
  • 5,500 electrical administrators

  • 4,000 plumber trainees

  • 6,500 journey-level plumbers

  • 600 elevator technicians

  • 14,500 registered apprentices

In these occupations, we verify that trainees have worked the required on-the-job hours, attended their continuing-education classes and passed their respective tests before issuing journey-level certificates. Additionally, we verify that journey-level plumbers and electricians attend continuing education classes to maintain their certificates.

L&I apprenticeship consultants offer free assistance to businesses on the benefits of apprenticeship and how to start a program that meets their business needs.

We’re excited that Governor Gregoire proposed an aerospace and technology apprenticeship initiative in this year's budget. Please take a look in the following Apprenticeship section of the newsletter for more information.

Why should your company consider a state registered apprenticeship program?

You’ll gain a greater competitive edge with:

  • Training specific to industry-wide needs that develop and upgrade the skills of your workforce.

  • Increased productivity. Motivated, highly trained workers produce a better product, have better work habits and are absent less often.

  • Increased awareness of safety that comes from a combination of classroom study and on-the-job training. Your workers will learn to avoid job-related injuries, saving you time and money.

  • Effective administrative tools help you screen new employees, meet EEO requirements and establish probationary periods to ensure you get the right person for the job.

  • Reduced turnover, absenteeism and costs of training and personnel. Apprentices are highly loyal employees both during and after the program.

  • Improved customer satisfaction and customer loyalty from consistency in technical skills and work processes.

There are also financial incentives available to registered apprenticeship programs. For example, registered apprentices can take their required classes at reduced tuition rates, and for the time spent attending required classes, their workers’ compensation expenses are covered by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

There are eight Apprenticeship Consultants statewide who offer a wide range of services. If you need assistance, call now!

L&I will continue its efforts to keep Washington State competitive by investing in a high-performing workforce.

We also applaud the Higher Education Coordinating Board for making apprenticeship a part of its No. 1 goal to "create a high-quality higher education system that provides expanded opportunity for more Washingtonians to complete postsecondary degrees, certificates and apprenticeships."

Please let us know if you or your association would like to learn more about the benefits of apprenticeship.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this issue of the SCS Quarterly Update and that it has successfully kept you informed about issues that are important to you. I welcome your comments, too. Please send me an e-mail if you have comments about something you read in this newsletter.

Thanks!

Patrick Woods

Apprenticeship

Elizabeth Smith

Apprenticeship is formalized, industry-driven training. Each year, about 14,500 people participate in apprenticeship programs, which last between one to six years. L&I has 265 registered programs in the state, with more than 661 occupations.

Elizabeth Smith, Apprenticeship Program Manager

Gov. Gregoire announces support for more apprenticeship programs

Gov. Chris Gregoire recently announced support for expansion of registered apprenticeship opportunities for Washington State manufacturing businesses. This proposal will allow manufacturing businesses statewide to tap into a coordinated and consistent skills-training program and will allow workers a clear career training pathway into and throughout the manufacturing industry.

As technology and manufacturing processes become more complex, workers and businesses need flexible and coordinated training programs, such as registered apprenticeship, in order to stay competitive in a global economy.

We’re excited at this new opportunity to bring more people into apprenticeships!

New apprenticeship consultants in regions 1 and 3

Alice Curtis is the new Apprenticeship Consultant in Region 1, which covers Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties. This area was previously covered by Bill Chrisman. Alice transferred to Region 1 from the Tumwater office. You can contact her in the Everett office at 425-290-1321 or cura235@Lni.wa.gov. Welcome to Region 1 Alice!

Michael Thurman is the new Apprenticeship Consultant for Region 3, which covers Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, and Pierce counties. This area was previously covered by Pam Doss. Many of you know Michael from his work in L&I’s Apprenticeship Services since 1996. You can contact Michael at 360-902-5324 or thum235@Lni.wa.gov. Congratulations Michael!

Number of active apprentices continues to rise

The number of active apprentices has steadily increased over the last few years.

Since the last low point of Feb. 28, 2006 (8,895) there has been an increase of 60.82 percent to a total of 14,305 active apprentices as Dec. 31, 2007. This means there are 5,410 more active apprentices!

The chart also shows the increase in apprentices in occupations represented by the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code category 47, which are Construction and Extraction Occupations. 

Active apprentices for last 5 years

KIRO 7 Building for a Lifetime campaign

By now, you might have seen some of the commercials on KIRO 7 promoting construction careers. L&I is one of the sponsors of the “Building for a Lifetime” campaign. Along with the TV ads, KIRO launched a "Building for a Lifetime" web site to offer support and resources for anyone interested in a construction career.

I hope you’ll check out the web site. Take a look at the “Construction Testimonials,” where you can watch brief interviews by men and women in different trades.

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Boilers/Pressure Vessels

Linda Williamson, Boilers/Pressure Vessels

The Boiler and Pressure Vessel section has 12 inspectors and 120 commissioned insurance inspectors. Their inspections help to ensure that 114,000 manufactured, installed or operated boilers and pressure vessels in Washington meet specific safety standards that prevent malfunctions that threaten public and employee life and safety. We enforce mandates of the five-member Board of Boiler Rules.

Linda Williamson, Boiler Chief

New Boiler Installer workshop planned for April 11

For the first time ever, L&I is offering a Boiler Installer Workshop to help installers achieve compliance with state boiler safety regulations and ensure customer satisfaction and safety.

This free one-hour workshop will cover everything you need to know about boiler inspections, such as:

  • What inspectors look for during inspections.

  • History of the state Boiler Inspection Program.

  • The most common problems inspectors find.

  • How the resources on the Boiler web site can make your job easier.

  • Q&A.

The workshop will be held during Contractor Training Day at Seattle Central Community College. You may sign up for just this workshop or for other workshops offered throughout the day.

What: Boiler Installer Workshop
When: April 11, 3 p.m.
Where: Seattle Central Community College
Wood Construction Center
Corner of 23rd Ave S and S King St.

If you are interested in attending or would like additional information, please contact Shari Purves-Reiter, Outreach and Education Manager, 360-902-4733.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join others in your industry for this workshop. Sign up now!

  

44th Annual Washington State Boiler Inspector Association meeting to focus on nuclear power production

Mark your calendar for the 44th annual Washington State Boiler Inspector Association meeting in Seattle.

Due to the resurgence of the nuclear industry worldwide, the morning program will be focused on nuclear-power production. Dave Swank will be representing Energy Northwest, a company that recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary serving public power. Dave will be giving information about the past, present and future of the Columbia Generating Plant, Washington’s only operating nuclear generating plant.

Following this presentation, there will be two presentations from Tetra Tech. One will cover the handling of nuclear waste and the other will be on new plant design. In the afternoon, Sierra Pacific will talk about another energy alternative, electric cogeneration at its Burlington-based lumber mill.

To round out the day, the National Board will discuss the new 2007 National Board Inspection Code, Cole Industrial will lead a discussion on repairs and alterations and Tyco Valve will discuss safety-release valves.

The meeting will be held at the Doubletree Inn at Southcenter from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

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Contractor Compliance/FAS/Plumbing

Peter Schmidt, Contractor Compliance/FAS/Plumbing

L&I registers about 53,000 contractors and certifies about 7,000 plumbers in Washington. The Factory Assembled Structures (FAS) program has statewide public-safety responsibility for new and altered manufactured/mobile homes and recreational vehicles. FAS reviews and inspects 7,000-8,000 alterations each year and reviews about 3,600 plans. Statewide, 33 inspectors provide services for all three programs.

Peter Schmidt, Contractor Compliance/ FAS/ Plumbing Program Manager

 

New Contractor Registration rules

A new law in 2007 closed up loopholes in the contractor registration rules that left consumers vulnerable, and it strengthened L&I’s ability to enforce current laws. It requires "propertyowner developers" to be registered and bonded, requires notification of legal actions and judgments, holds contractors liable for hiring unregistered subcontractors, requires a $200 bond to appeal an infraction, requires tree removal and cabinet installers to be registered and more.

These changes are being added to the contractor registration rules. Public hearings were held in Tukwila, Tumwater and Moses Lake in February and early March.

 You can learn more at Registering as a Contractor.

If you’d like to read the proposed rule, see Rules under Development.

The new rules will go into effect in May.

2008 fee increase

Fees will be increased by 5.53 percent for Contractor Registration, Factory Assembled Structures, and Plumber Certification programs. The fee increases are necessary to help cover the cost of the ongoing services of these programs. If you’d like to learn more, see Rules under Development.

It’s home show season for L&I’s Consumer Outreach Program

Our consumer outreach and education efforts are continuing this year at home shows around the state. At each home show, you can visit the L&I booth to learn about hiring registered contractors, how to avoid liens, and other important topics.

If you have questions about contractor registration or other L&I programs, be sure to visit us at a home show to get answers and information. Last year we talked with 20,000 home show visitors.

Check out Consumer Education Events for the home show nearest you.

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Electrical

Ronald Fuller, Electrical

The Electrical program has statewide responsibility for inspecting new and altered electrical systems in all types of installations (RCW 19.28). It is also responsible for the electrical contractor licensing and electrician certification program. Some cities also do electrical inspections. Their standards of inspection must meet or exceed those required by L&I.

Ron Fuller, Chief Electrical Inspector

Inspector of the Month – Mary Ness

Mary Ness, electrical inspector in the Tukwila office, received the first “Inspector of the Month” award. Electrical Chief Ron Fuller recognized Mary for her consistently excellent work. She is well known as a good inspector who balances regulation, professionalism and customer service. She is a role model for all inspectors. Thanks Mary for your dedication to the program.

The award is based on professionalism, safety, customer service, and other significant activities.

Performance scorecard shows results

The results are in for the Performance Scorecard for the first half of the fiscal year – with great results:

  • 87 percent of all inspections are being made within 24 hours after the inspection request, exceeding our original goal of 86 percent.

  • We are focused on targeting our efforts to reduce the impact of the underground economy; 50 percent of all citations and warnings issued were for underground economy activity.  

  • Licensing turnaround is down to less than a week, and the plan reviewers are working hard to eliminate their backlog.

WAC rule update begins

The Electrical Program is beginning revision to WAC 296-46B Electrical safety standards, administration and installation necessary to adopt the 2008 National Electrical Code. Proposed changes will be accepted up until March 31. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the electrical industry to become involved in a positive way to support the industry. For more information, please visit 2008 Electrical Rule Development.

 

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Elevators

The Elevator Program's 18 inspectors are responsible for the inspection of approximately 13,000 conveyances. These include passenger and freight elevators, special purpose elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, boat launch lifts, residential elevators and other conveyances.

Jack Day, Chief Elevator Inspector

 

Technology update

The new Conveyance Management System (CMS) is now able to schedule and print out inspectors’ worksheets. This will help us recognize inspections that are due or past due, and also to coordinate all inspections in a specific area – moving us closer to our efficiency mandate.

Semi-Annual Elevator Inspectors’ Training planned for April

The Elevator Program will hold its semi-annual inspectors’ training April 23-24. The inspectors will learn more about the code requirements surrounding maintenance and new technology and will get a recap of accident investigation.

Date: April 23-24, 2008
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Tukwila L&I Office

To promote unity within the state, the training includes inspectors from Seattle and Spokane city elevator programs.

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Prevailing Wage

David Soma, Prevailing Wage

The Washington State Public Works Act, also known as prevailing wage law, is a worker protection act to protect construction workers on public works jobs from substandard earnings. The Prevailing Wage Program establishes prevailing wage rates for construction trades in each county, processes 70,000 intent and affidavit forms, investigates complaints, and verifies that prevailing wages are paid on public works jobs around the state.

David Soma, Prevailing Wage Program Manager

 

Prevailing Wage economist leaving for a new job

Gustavo Avilés, prevailing wage economist for the past two years, has been instrumental in the progress we’ve made with the prevailing wage surveys. We wish him all the best in his new job.

Recruitment is underway to find a new prevailing wage economist. The job involves performing economic analyses of the construction industry by conducting wage-and-hour surveys for established trades and occupations within the industry. These surveys provide the data for complex and comprehensive-statistical analyses. These statistical analyses are accomplished through the application of economic theory, the principles and techniques of wage-and-hour surveys, the analysis of fringe benefits and using other economic aspects and tools.

If you are interested in applying, please check out the recruitment information available on L&I’s Employment Center.

Prevailing Wage welcomes two new staff

Calista Shobloom is our new customer service specialist focused on online intent and affidavit processing and certified payrolls. Sean Anderson is the new prevailing wage webmaster and data compiler focused on web-based services.

Prevailing Wage Survey updates

Work is underway to begin the laborers’ wage survey in April. Watch the  Wage Survey web site for updates.

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Workplace Rights

Richard Ervin, Employment Standards

The Workplace Rights program has 20 Industrial Relations Agents who work on issues involving wage payments and working conditions. Agents inform the public about the laws, provide consultation to employers, investigate alleged violations, determine wage-claim validity, mediate and negotiate wage-claim settlements and prepare cases for litigation.

Richard Ervin, Employment Standards Program Manager

 

Company must refund poster purchases

A company that deceived Washington businesses into purchasing labor law and safety posters must reimburse customers who bought hand-washing posters, the Attorney General’s Office announced in a news release on Feb. 15. In addition to the refunds, the Mandatory Poster Agency is prohibited from mailing future advertisements that appear to originate from government-affiliated agencies.

L&I posters are always free online at Workplace posters required or recommended or by calling your local L&I office or toll-free at 1-800-547-8637.

Sign up for the Wage and Hour ListServ for e-mail updates

www.Lni.wa.gov/Main/Listservs/WRWageHour.asp

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

April 11, 2008
Seattle Central Community College
Wood Construction Center
Corner of 23rd Ave S and S King St.

Register for these free contractor training days.

Consumer Education Events

Wenatchee, March 14 – 16
KPQ Home and Garden Show
Wenatchee Convention Center

Mt. Vernon, March 14 – 16
Skagit Valley Home Show
Skagit Valley Fair Grounds

Walla Walla, March 29 – 30
Walla Walla Business Expo and Home Show
Walla Walla Event Center

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

Issue 16, Winter 2008

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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Specialty Compliance Home | Apprenticeship | Boilers/Pressure Vessels | Contractor Registration

Factory Assembled Structures | Electrical | Elevators | Employment Standards

©2004-2008 Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

 


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