Washington State Workplace Safety Requirements (2026)

Washington runs its own OSHA program through the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The program is commonly called WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act). Washington’s standards frequently exceed federal OSHA, and the state is known for strong enforcement.

What Makes Washington Different

Washington’s safety program goes beyond federal OSHA in several key areas:

Ergonomics Washington is one of the few states that has actively pursued ergonomic workplace rules. While the state’s formal ergonomics rule was repealed by ballot initiative in 2003, L&I still enforces ergonomic hazards through the General Duty Clause and provides extensive guidance.

Heat Illness Prevention (WAC 296-62-095) Washington adopted permanent heat illness prevention rules. Employers must provide water, shade, and rest when temperatures reach 80°F. At 90°F, additional measures including mandatory cool-down rest periods kick in. This is stricter than most states.

Wildfire Smoke (WAC 296-62-085) Washington requires employers to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke exposure when AQI reaches certain levels. Employers must monitor air quality, provide respiratory protection, and adjust work schedules.

Fall Protection in Construction Washington’s fall protection standard (WAC 296-880) has a 10-foot trigger height, matching federal OSHA. But Washington has additional requirements for specific situations including residential construction and roofing.

Safety Committee Requirements Washington requires safety committees at all workplaces with 11+ employees. Smaller employers (10 or fewer) must hold safety meetings. These committees must meet monthly and follow specific rules about membership and authority.

Accident Prevention Programs (APP) Every Washington employer must have a written Accident Prevention Program. Similar to California’s IIPP, this goes further than what federal OSHA requires.

Training Requirements

Washington has specific training mandates:

• Fall protection Full training for construction workers, including rescue procedures
• Confined space Following Washington’s version of the permit-required confined space standard
• Crane operator certification Washington requires crane operators to be certified and recertified periodically
• Forklift Operator training with Washington-specific requirements
• First aid At least one trained first aid provider per work shift at construction sites (more stringent than federal OSHA’s general requirement)
• Safety committee training Members of required safety committees must receive training

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 cards are not required by state law, but are widely expected by Washington employers, especially in construction.

Key Industries

Aerospace Boeing’s major manufacturing and assembly operations in the Puget Sound region. Aerospace safety covers everything from aircraft assembly to composite material handling.

Construction Strong construction activity in Seattle, Tacoma, and the Puget Sound corridor. Commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects. Data center construction in central Washington is growing rapidly.

Technology Amazon, Microsoft, and other tech companies have massive warehouse, data center, and campus operations. Warehouse safety and ergonomics are key concerns.

Agriculture Eastern Washington is a major agricultural region. Tree fruit, wheat, hops, and wine grapes. Pesticide exposure, heat illness, and equipment hazards.

Maritime Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, fishing industry, and shipbuilding. Maritime safety falls under both OSHA and the U.S. Coast Guard depending on the operation.

Forestry and logging One of the most dangerous industries in Washington. Fall protection, chainsaw safety, and equipment operation training are critical.

Safety Professional Salary in Washington

Mean annual salary: $90,000+ (BLS OEWS, SOC 29-9011).

Seattle metro area drives the highest salaries, influenced by tech companies, aerospace, and heavy construction activity. Washington has no state income tax, which boosts take-home pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington follow Federal OSHA? No. Washington runs DOSH through the Department of Labor and Industries. Washington’s standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA and are often stricter.

Does Washington require OSHA 10 or OSHA 30? Not by state law. But Washington employers widely expect these cards, especially in construction. Most general contractors in the Seattle area require OSHA 10 for workers and OSHA 30 for supervisors.

What is an Accident Prevention Program? Washington requires every employer to have a written APP. It must cover hazard identification, employee training, safety communication, and procedures for reporting and correcting hazards. It’s similar to California’s IIPP requirement.