WISHA - The Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act
WHISHA is Washington State's occupational safety and health program,
designed to assure, so far as reasonable possible, safe and healthful working conditions
for all workers in out state. Established in 1973 when the Legislature passed the
Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, WISHA is administered by the state's
Department of Labor and Industries. Federal OSHA approves, monitors and partially funds
"state plan" programs. The OSH Act requires state plans to be at least as
effective as OSHA.
WISHA prepares and adopts standards governing workplace safety and
health conditions. The standards are enforced by inspecting workplaces without advance
notice, and by investigating employee complaints, accidents and fatalities. Compliance
officers cite violations and may assess penalties. Employers and employees are notified of
alleged violations, including proposed abatement requirements and an appeals process. When
WISHA receives reports of workplace hazards creating imminent danger of death or serious
physical harm to employees, they are investigated promptly to ensure that the hazards are
eliminated or restrained. WISHA notifies employees of their rights and obligations under
the WISH Act, including protection against discharge or discrimination when employees
exercise those rights.
WISHA encourages voluntary compliance by employers and employees in
reducing safety and health hazards at their workplaces. Preventing workplace injuries and
illnesses directly benefits employers by reducing workers' compensation claims and premium
costs. A full range of consultation and outreach services are available. Consultants
perform free workplace evaluations, and provide employers with a written report of
findings and recommendations about how to correct hazardous conditions. No citations are
issued or penalties assessed. Consultants and compliance officer's verify, the correction
of any hazards or violations identified.
Through training and outreach, WISHA provides information on how to
prevent workplace hazards and accidents. Many workshops are offered on topics such as how
to develop an effective workplace safety and health program, personal protective
equipment, fall protection, ergonomics. And controlling claims costs. WISHA can also
provide specialized training onsite at the workplace. Employers can borrow from a free
video library'; with over 650 tapes covering topics such as back safety. Bloodborne
pathogens hazard communication, hearing conservation, preventing slips and falls and
welding safety. The workshop and video catalogs are available on WISHA's web site at
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha , along with
other information on WISHA's standards programs and services.
Prepared by the Federal-State Operations Program
WISHA Services Division
May, 1999
|
