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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.  \nPrevention 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).  \nA 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.  \nContents  \nUnderstanding the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act  ....................................... 1  \nHelp from L&I: Creating and Maintaining a Safe Workplace  ...................................... 2  \nWhat an Employer Can Expect from a Workplace Safety and Health Inspection  .......................... 4  \nRule Making  ......................................... 6  \nInfo for Employers  .................................... 7  \nInfo for Workers  ..................................... 8  \nWhere to Go for Help  ........................ back cover  \nUnderstanding the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act  \nWhat is WISHA?  \nWISHA 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.  \nThe 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.  \nThe federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces safety and health requirements in the remaining states. OSHA monitorsand partially funds DOSH.  \nWhere does WISHA apply?  \nWISHA covers nearly all employers and employees in Washington State, including state, county and city employees. Exceptions are federal agencies and workplaces on federal installations.  \nWhat are employers’ responsibilities under WISHA?  \nEmployers 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.  \nWISHA 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).  \nWhat are workers’ responsibilities under WISHA?  \nWorkers 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.  \nWhat are L&I’s responsibilities?  \nThe Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) gives L&I primary re","cbCaiuIjEzWnLrYX","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaiuIjEzWnLrYX","pdf",3665403,12,"English","# Understanding the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act\n## What is WISHA?\n## Where does WISHA apply?\n## What are employers’ responsibilities under WISHA?\n## What are workers’ responsibilities under WISHA?\n## What are L&I’s responsibilities?\n# Help from L&I: Creating and Maintaining a Safe Workplace\n## Creating and maintaining a safe workplace\n## Consultations","[{\"question\":\"What is WISHA and what is its purpose in Washington State?\",\"answer\":\"WISHA is the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act. Its purpose is to ensure Washington’s employers provide workers with safe and healthy workplaces.\"},{\"question\":\"Who must comply with WISHA, and who is exempt?\",\"answer\":\"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.\"},{\"question\":\"What responsibilities does L\\u0026I have under WISHA?\",\"answer\":\"L\\u0026I’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.\"}]","A Guide to Workplace Safety and Health in Washington State - Creating Safer Workplaces | PDF",1792704809]