WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – The Department of Labor and Industries has levied hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines against Whatcom County businesses for workplace COVID violations.
L&I spokesman Tim Church says worker safety is the department’s primary responsibility.
“And, as part of that, we have the authority to inspect, cite and fine employers for workplace safety and health violations,” says Church.
The biggest share, by far, of fines against local businesses have been against the Fairway Cafe in Lynden.
L&I charged the restaurant over $130,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols, including defying a state order to halt indoor dining in 2020.
The department fined both Z Recyclers and Katz Coffee in Lynden over $19,000.
The department tells KGMI that the fines against those three businesses are in the appeals process.
Summit Trampoline Park in Bellingham appealed its $9000 fine down to $500, but other complaints against the company are being reviewed.