Washington state Department of Labor & Industries News

Washington Proposed Rule Update Beefs up Refinery Worker Protections

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is proposing updated workplace safety rules for petroleum refineries designed to prevent catastrophic events like the 2010 explosion that killed seven workers at the former Tesoro refinery in Anacortes. The proposed update …

Washington’s Proposed Wildfire Smoke Designed to Protect Workers from Dangers

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries filed proposed permanent wildfire smoke rules and launched a formal process for public input designed to protect people who work outdoor jobs like construction, agriculture, roofing, roadwork and other industries. When these …

New Heat Rules for Outdoor Workers in Washington Proposed

Proponents of a new proposal this week to update Washington’s permanent heat rules say they will increase protections for agricultural, construction, and other workers exposed to dangerous outdoor temperatures on the job. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries …

Washington Man Ordered to Repay $127K in Workers’ Comp Scam

A Washington contractor who claimed he was too injured to work despite reportedly running his own construction company was ordered to pay back the state more than $127,000. Daniel Joseph Lesieur, of Washougal, pleaded guilty to felony second-degree theft for …

New Work-Related Laws Taking Effect in Washington

There are several significant changes coming Jan. 1 to Washington that impact workers around the state. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries complied a list of changes to ensure all workers and employers are aware of the changes …

Washington Contractor Faces Theft Charge over $127K in Workers’ Comp

A Clark County, Washington, man was charged with stealing $127,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for working at his own construction business while claiming he was too injured to work. Daniel Joseph Lesieur, 54, of Washougal, pleaded not guilty to one …

Washington Calling out Flaw in Elevators Installed Before 2018

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is urging property owners with older residential elevators make safety improvements to prevent danger to children. In many elevators installed before 2018, there’s a gap between the house-side door and the elevator …

Washington Selects Operator for Rideshare Driver Resource Center

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced an agreement with the Drivers Union to create a Drivers Resource Center. The center will support drivers who provide ride services for passengers through a transportation network company platform, like Lyft …

Washington Chemical Processor Fined Nearly $200K for 60-Plus Safety Violations

A manufacturing company that works with dangerous chemicals in Moses Lake, Washington, faces $192,620 in fines for 46 serious and 17 general safety and health violations. Two Rivers Terminal LLC formulates products for agricultural fertilizer, airports, pulp and paper, and …

Washington Auto Repair Owner Caught 2nd Time in Workers’ Comp Scam

A Kennewick, Washington, business owner pleaded guilty to a felony for failing to provide workers’ compensation insurance for his employees for the second time. Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Norma Rodriguez sentenced Rodney Eugene Dietrich to 30 days of electronic home …