To join on your computer or mobile app (Zoom):
https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/84650759832?pwd=y8Qu8GbIBg593CHGryDnK6urbhmLWG.1

To join by phone (audio only):
253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 846 5075 9832
Passcode: 8256498162

A pre-hearing overview will begin at 2:30 p.m. The hearing will start at 3:00 p.m. and will continue until all oral comments are received.

L&I encourages the submittal of written comments, due by 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2024.

The purpose of this rulemaking is to update how base penalties are calculated in order to make penalties more effective. This rulemaking will also address concerns raised through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) State Activities Mandated Measures (SAMM) report that Washington penalties continue to be below the national average. OSHA uses the SAMM report to determine whether Washington State Plans are as effective as OSHA. The adopted rule includes the following changes: (1) The base penalty rate will be adjusted for inflation every year based on the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). (2) The base penalty amount may also be increased by an additional 2% if DOSH is not within 25 % of the national penalty average determined by OSHA. (3) Numbering definitions to aid in education and research. (4) Removing the terms “you” and “we” and replacing with “employee” and “employer” to provide clarity. (5) Removing the term “Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act” or “WISHA” and replacing with “DOSH” where the term is meant to refer to DOSH. (6) Removing outdated fax number information. (7) Updating USPS mail and email resources for contacting L&I.