Most people spend nearly a third of their lives at work. That’s a long time to be somewhere unsafe. Washington State takes that seriously, and so should you.
This guide breaks down the OSHA laws that protect workers in Washington right now. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
What Is OSHA and How Does It Work in Washington?
OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It’s a federal agency. Its job is to make sure workplaces don’t kill or injure people.
Here’s the thing though. Washington doesn’t just follow the federal rules. The state has its own law called WISHA. That stands for the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act. WISHA was passed in 1973, just a few years after the federal OSHA law.
WISHA is enforced by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, or L&I. Within L&I, there’s a division called DOSH. That stands for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. DOSH is the team that actually goes out and inspects workplaces.
So simple, right? Federal OSHA sets the floor. WISHA meets or exceeds that floor. And DOSH makes sure employers follow WISHA every day.
Who Does WISHA Cover?
Wondering if this applies to you? Almost certainly yes.
WISHA covers most private and public sector workers in Washington State. That includes state and local government employees. It covers construction workers, office workers, healthcare staff, farm workers, and more.
There are a few exceptions. Federal government employees are not covered by WISHA. That includes U.S. Postal Service workers. Certain workers on military bases and national parks fall under federal OSHA instead. Tribal employers on Indian reservations also have a different arrangement.
If you work for any regular Washington business or government agency, WISHA covers you. Pretty much everyone else too.
Basic OSHA Laws: What Employers Must Do
Okay, this part is important. Washington law puts most of the responsibility on employers. Here is what your employer is legally required to do.
Written Safety Program
Every employer in Washington must have a written Accident Prevention Program. People call it an APP. This isn’t optional. It’s required by law. The APP has to identify the safety hazards in your specific workplace. It also has to explain how those hazards will be controlled.
Employers should think of an APP as the foundation of everything safety-related. L&I even provides sample templates for small businesses and different industries. Some workplaces need special programs on top of the basic APP. Outdoor workers, for example, require an additional section covering heat and weather risks.
Training Before You Start Working
Your employer must train you on safety before you start a hazardous job. Not a week later. Before. You have the right to know what dangers exist and how to protect yourself. This training must happen at no cost to you.
Safety Gear at No Cost
If your job requires personal protective equipment, your employer pays for it. Helmets, gloves, goggles, respirators. Whatever the job needs. You don’t pay a dime.
The Required Safety Poster
Every employer must display the “Job Safety and Health Law” poster. This poster tells workers about their rights and their employer’s responsibilities. You’ve probably seen it in a break room or hallway. It must be posted somewhere employees can easily see it.
Not sure what counts as a violation? Failing to post that notice is actually one.
Basic OSHA Laws: What Employees Must Do
This one surprises some people. Workers have responsibilities too.
You’re required to follow your employer’s safety rules. You need to wear the protective gear you’re given. You should report dangerous conditions to your supervisor. If a hazard isn’t fixed, you can report it to DOSH in writing.
You also need to cooperate with government inspectors when they visit. That’s part of the deal.
Here’s where it gets interesting. You generally cannot just walk off the job because you think something is unsafe. Washington law says you should stay at the worksite and try to find safe work to do. The exception is if you face immediate danger of death or serious injury and there is no time to contact DOSH. In that case, you must first tell your employer about the hazard and ask for an alternate assignment.
Safety Committees and Safety Meetings
Hold on, this part is important.
If your employer has 11 or more employees working at the same time and the same location, they must set up a workplace safety committee. That committee must include employee representatives. Not just managers. Actual workers.
Smaller employers must hold regular monthly safety meetings with all employees. These aren’t optional check-ins. They’re legally required.
This is one of the parts most people miss. Personally, I think it’s one of the most valuable requirements. Workers who participate in safety decisions catch hazards that management often overlooks.
Reporting Injuries and Deaths
When something serious happens at work, the clock starts ticking immediately.
If a worker dies at work or is hospitalized overnight, the employer must report it to DOSH within 8 hours. If a worker suffers an amputation or loses an eye and is not hospitalized, the employer still must report within 8 hours.
You can report to any local L&I office. You can also call the 24-hour line at 1-800-423-7233.
Employers must also keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Most records must be kept for 5 years. Records involving toxic substance exposure must be kept for 30 years. Yes, 30 years. That’s how serious Washington takes chemical and hazardous material exposure.
Hazardous Materials and Workplace Health Standards
Wait, it gets more specific.
WISHA has detailed standards for working with hazardous materials. Employers must identify any toxic substances workers could be exposed to. They must explain the risks. They must provide the right protective equipment. And they must keep exposure below safe limits.
Washington also has rules for specific industries and hazards. These include cranes and rigging, spray finishing, flammable liquids, and more. Construction sites have their own detailed set of rules. So do farms. So do healthcare facilities.
If you work around chemicals or dangerous materials, you have the right to see your exposure records. You can request copies of your medical records related to workplace exposures. Your employer must provide them.
Workplace Violence Prevention in Healthcare
Here’s a recent change worth knowing about.
Washington has had workplace violence prevention rules for healthcare since 2020. Starting January 1, 2026, those rules got stronger. Healthcare employers must now investigate workplace violence incidents in a timely way. They must update their violence prevention plans every year.
This applies to hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, and home health services. It’s a big deal for anyone working in healthcare right now.
Penalties and Consequences
Let’s talk about what happens when employers break these rules.
Think of it like a speeding ticket system. The more dangerous the violation and the more intentional it was, the higher the fine.
For a serious violation, where a worker could be seriously injured or killed, an employer can face up to $7,000 per violation. That’s each violation, not just one fine total.
For repeat violations or willful violations, meaning the employer knew about the danger and ignored it, the penalty jumps to up to $70,000 per violation. That’s no joke.
Federal OSHA’s 2025 numbers are slightly higher, with serious violations reaching up to $16,550 and willful or repeat violations up to $165,514 each. Washington’s WISHA penalties must stay within 25 percent of the federal average to maintain its state plan status.
If an employer gets cited for a violation, the citation must be posted at or near the spot where the violation occurred. It must stay posted for at least 7 working days, and until the violation is fixed.
Many people assume employers just pay the fine and move on. They find out the hard way there are also abatement costs, legal fees, and workers’ compensation claims on top of the penalty.
Your Rights as a Worker
You’re not alone if you didn’t know all of this. Most people don’t realize how many rights they actually have.
As a worker in Washington, you have the legal right to request a DOSH inspection if you believe your workplace is unsafe. You can remain confidential when you make that request. Your employer doesn’t have to know it was you.
You have the right to participate in an inspection when a DOSH officer visits. Your employer cannot cut your pay or take away your benefits for participating.
You have the right to see copies of your medical records. You have the right to know what hazardous substances you work around.
Most importantly, you have the right to report safety concerns without being fired or punished.
Protection from Retaliation
This one is critical, so read it carefully.
It is illegal for your employer to fire you, demote you, cut your hours, or harass you because you reported a safety problem. This protection covers a wide range of actions. Reporting a hazard to your boss. Filing a complaint with DOSH. Participating in a safety inspection. Refusing a task that puts you in immediate danger.
If you believe your employer retaliated against you for a safety complaint, you have 30 days to file a complaint with L&I under WISHA. Don’t wait. That window closes fast.
You can file online using L&I’s Safety and Health Retaliation Complaint form. You can also visit your nearest L&I office or call 1-800-423-7233.
Honestly, this retaliation protection is one of the most powerful parts of Washington’s workplace safety law. Use it if you need to.
How to Report a Workplace Safety Problem
So what happens if you need to report something?
Start by telling your supervisor about the hazard. Give them a chance to fix it. If they don’t, put your complaint in writing. Then contact DOSH.
You can call the DOSH line at 1-800-423-7233, press 1. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit any local L&I office in person.
If you want language support, call 1-800-547-8367. Help is available in multiple languages. TDD users can call 711.
DOSH offers free on-site consultations for employers too. This is huge. An employer can invite a DOSH consultant to inspect their workplace for free. The consultant helps identify hazards. There are no fines from a consultation visit. The employer just has to fix serious hazards that are found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WISHA apply to small businesses?
Yes. WISHA applies to almost all employers in Washington, regardless of size. Even a business with just one employee must follow basic safety rules and maintain a written safety program.
Can I be fired for reporting a safety problem at work?
No. Washington law protects you from retaliation. If your employer fires you or punishes you for reporting a safety issue, you can file a complaint with L&I within 30 days.
What should I do if my employer ignores a safety hazard?
Start by reporting it in writing to your supervisor. If it’s not fixed, contact DOSH directly at 1-800-423-7233. You can request a workplace inspection and remain anonymous.
Who enforces OSHA rules in Washington?
Washington’s own agency, DOSH, enforces workplace safety through the WISHA law. Federal OSHA only covers federal workers and certain special situations in Washington. For most workers, DOSH is the agency to contact.
What is an Accident Prevention Program and do I need one?
An APP is a written safety plan that identifies workplace hazards and how to control them. Every employer in Washington is required by law to have one. It is not optional.
How long does my employer have to keep injury records?
Most workplace injury and illness records must be kept for 5 years. Records related to toxic substances and chemical exposures must be kept for 30 years.
What is the deadline for reporting a workplace death or serious injury?
Employers must report workplace deaths, overnight hospitalizations, amputations, and loss of an eye to DOSH within 8 hours of the incident.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the basics of OSHA and WISHA in Washington. These laws exist to protect you. Use them.
If you’re an employer, take the time to build a real safety program. The fines for ignoring these rules are serious. More importantly, so are the consequences for your workers.
If you’re an employee, know your rights. You can report hazards. You can request inspections. You can refuse immediate dangers. And you cannot be legally punished for doing any of it.
Stay informed, stay safe. When in doubt, call L&I or visit lni.wa.gov.
