OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries filed an emergency order today providing protections for employees exposed to extreme heat.
The rules apply to workers in agriculture, construction and other outdoor industries and clarifies steps employers must take to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Governor Jay Inslee says with rising summer temperatures, the risk to workers is significant and employers need to makes sure those risks are mitigated.
New rules include providing shade for employees to cool down, giving workers a paid cool-down period, providing cold water, and training employees in heat exposure safety.
The new regulations take effect on July 13th.