A Guide to Workplace Safety and Health in Washington State - Creating Safer Workplaces

Oct 22, 2026

Washington State’s guide explains why workplace safety and health protections are essential and how most workplace deaths, injuries, and occupational diseases can be prevented through ongoing commitment. It summarizes the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), including what it is, who it covers, and how employers, workers, and the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) share responsibilities. It also introduces L&I’s services and consultation types for creating and maintaining a safe workplace.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Understanding the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act

What is WISHA?

Where does WISHA apply?

What are employers’ responsibilities under WISHA?

What are workers’ responsibilities under WISHA?

What are L&I’s responsibilities?

Help from L&I: Creating and Maintaining a Safe Workplace

Creating and maintaining a safe workplace

Consultations

A Guide to Workplace Safety and Health in Washington State What every employer and worker needs to know Division of Occupational Safety and Health [Lni.wa.gov/go/F416-132-000](Lni.wa.gov/go/F416-132-000 | 1-800-423-7233)[ |](Lni.wa.gov/go/F416-132-000 | 1-800-423-7233)[ 1-800-423-7233](Lni.wa.gov/go/F416-132-000 | 1-800-423-7233) Workplace Safety and Health Matters Newspaper accounts of workplace deaths often quote a company representative or family member who said,“it was a tragic and unfortunate accident” or “it was a freak accident.” In reality, most workplace deaths, injuries and occupational diseases can be prevented. Too often, workplace safety and health rules intended to prevent “accidents” have not been followed, and a worker suffers a painful and sometimes disabling injury. Although Washington State has one of the lowest fatality rates in the United States, one or two workers dies here each week from a work-related injury or illness. Prevention takes dedication and work. It isnot something that can be accomplished as an afterthought—when there is a lull in production or during a staff meeting. It takes an ongoing commitment by employers, workers and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). A Guide to Workplace Safety and Health in Washington State provides an overview of worker safety and health in Washington State. It outlines employers’ and workers’ responsibilities and L&I’s requirements and services, all intended to prevent injuries and illnesses and save lives. Contents Understanding the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act ....................................... 1 Help from L&I: Creating and Maintaining a Safe Workplace ...................................... 2 What an Employer Can Expect from a Workplace Safety and Health Inspection .......................... 4 Rule Making ......................................... 6 Info for Employers .................................... 7 Info for Workers ..................................... 8 Where to Go for Help ........................ back cover Understanding the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act What is WISHA? WISHA is the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, Chapter 49.17 RCW, enacted in 1973 by the Washington State Legislature. The purpose of this law is to ensure that Washington’s employers provide their workers with safe and healthy workplaces. The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) administers WISHA through its Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Washington is one of 27 states that administers its own workplace safety and health program. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces safety and health requirements in the remaining states. OSHA monitorsand partially funds DOSH. Where does WISHA apply? WISHA covers nearly all employers and employees in Washington State, including state, county and city employees. Exceptions are federal agencies and workplaces on federal installations. What are employers’ responsibilities under WISHA? Employers must provide a safe and healthy workplace and comply with applicable workplace safety and health rules. Employers may want to read more on this subject on Page 7. WISHA requires employers to keep job sites safe for all employees, whether they work for the employer, a contractor, a subcontractor or someone else. For more information, read A Guide to Hiring Independent Contractors in Washington State (F101-063-000). It is [available online at](available online at Lni.wa.gov/go/F101-063-000)[ Lni.wa.gov/go/F101-063-000](available online at Lni.wa.gov/go/F101-063-000). What are workers’ responsibilities under WISHA? Workers must comply with workplace safety and health rules that apply to their actions on the job. Workers may want to read more on this subject on Pages 8–9. What are L&I’s responsibilities? The Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) gives L&I primary re

FAQs

What is WISHA and what is its purpose in Washington State?

WISHA is the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act. Its purpose is to ensure Washington’s employers provide workers with safe and healthy workplaces.

Who must comply with WISHA, and who is exempt?

WISHA covers nearly all employers and employees in Washington State, including state, county, and city employees. Federal agencies and workplaces on federal installations are exceptions.

What responsibilities does L&I have under WISHA?

L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health oversees workplace safety and health by implementing hazard-reduction rules, offering no-fee on-site consultations, providing education and training resources, conducting inspections, and investigating retaliation complaints.

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan