Washington OSHA Requirements Guide

Providing employees with a safe workplace is one of every employer's most important responsibilities. In Washington, workplace safety is regulated primarily through the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), which is administered by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) within the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Washington operates an OSHA-approved State Plan, meaning many employers follow Washington safety regulations that are at least as effective as federal OSHA standards.

Employers that develop strong safety programs, train employees regularly, and maintain required records are better positioned to reduce workplace injuries, improve productivity, and avoid costly penalties.

This guide summarizes many of the key workplace safety responsibilities for Washington employers.

Employer Responsibilities

Washington employers generally must:

  • Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
  • Comply with applicable WISHA safety standards.
  • Correct unsafe conditions promptly.
  • Train employees on workplace hazards.
  • Provide required personal protective equipment (PPE) when applicable.
  • Maintain required safety records.
  • Cooperate during workplace inspections.

Safety compliance begins with identifying workplace hazards and implementing practical controls before injuries occur.

Accident Prevention Program (APP)

Virtually every Washington employer is required to maintain a written Accident Prevention Program (APP) that addresses the hazards present in the workplace.

An effective APP typically includes:

  • Hazard identification.
  • Employee safety orientation.
  • Safety training.
  • Procedures for reporting hazards.
  • Accident investigation procedures.
  • Periodic safety meetings where required.

The APP should be reviewed regularly and updated as workplace conditions change.

Employee Safety Training

Employers should provide employees with safety training that is appropriate for their job duties.

Training may include:

  • Hazard recognition.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Proper equipment operation.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Safe lifting techniques.
  • Chemical safety.
  • Lockout/tagout procedures where applicable.

New employees should receive safety training before beginning hazardous work.

Recordkeeping and Injury Reporting

Many employers must maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Washington employers subject to the recordkeeping rules must:

  • Maintain required OSHA/WISHA injury and illness records.
  • Report qualifying workplace fatalities and severe injuries within required timeframes.
  • Retain required safety documentation.

Accurate recordkeeping helps employers monitor workplace safety and comply with reporting requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When workplace hazards cannot be eliminated through engineering or administrative controls, employers should provide appropriate PPE.

Examples include:

  • Safety glasses.
  • Hard hats.
  • Gloves.
  • Hearing protection.
  • Respirators where required.
  • High-visibility clothing.
  • Protective footwear.

Employees should also receive training on the proper use, care, and limitations of PPE.

Hazard Communication

If employees work with hazardous chemicals, employers generally should maintain a Hazard Communication Program.

This program typically includes:

  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Proper chemical labeling.
  • Employee training.
  • Chemical inventory procedures.

Employees should understand the hazards associated with the chemicals they use and how to work safely around them.

Workplace Inspections

Employers should conduct regular workplace inspections to identify hazards before they cause injuries.

Routine inspections may evaluate:

  • Walking and working surfaces.
  • Electrical hazards.
  • Fire safety equipment.
  • Machine guarding.
  • Emergency exits.
  • Housekeeping.
  • PPE compliance.

Correcting hazards promptly helps reduce workplace accidents.

Safety Meetings

Depending on the workplace and applicable Washington safety rules, employers may be required to conduct safety meetings or maintain workplace safety committees.

Regular safety discussions help employees:

  • Report hazards.
  • Review recent incidents.
  • Discuss safe work practices.
  • Improve overall workplace safety culture.

Required Workplace Posters

Most Washington employers must display required workplace safety and labor law posters where employees can easily read them.

Common required Washington postings include:

  • Job Safety and Health Law.
  • Your Rights as a Worker.
  • Notice to Employees – If a Job Injury Occurs.

Employers should periodically verify that posted notices are the latest versions issued by Washington Labor & Industries.

Employer Best Practices

Washington employers should:

  • Maintain a written Accident Prevention Program.
  • Conduct regular workplace safety inspections.
  • Train employees before hazardous work begins.
  • Keep required injury and illness records.
  • Report qualifying workplace injuries promptly.
  • Provide appropriate PPE.
  • Conduct safety meetings when required.
  • Review safety policies annually.
  • Display current workplace posters.

Strong safety programs help reduce injuries while supporting compliance with WISHA requirements.

Labor Law Poster Compliance

Most Washington employers are required to display current federal and Washington labor law posters where employees can easily read them.

View our professionally updated Washington State & Federal Labor Law Poster here:

https://www.laborlawhrsigns.com/washington-state-and-federal-labor-law-poster-wa

Official Government Resources

Washington Department of Labor & Industries – Safety & Health
https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/

Washington Required Workplace Posters
https://www.lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/required-workplace-posters

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
https://www.osha.gov/

Washington State OSHA Plan
https://www.osha.gov/stateplans/WA

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington have its own OSHA program?

Yes. Washington operates an OSHA-approved State Plan known as WISHA, administered by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) within the Department of Labor & Industries.

Is an Accident Prevention Program required?

Yes. Most Washington employers are required to maintain a written Accident Prevention Program that addresses workplace hazards.

Are employers required to keep OSHA injury records?

Many employers are required to maintain injury and illness records and report certain serious workplace incidents under Washington's recordkeeping rules.

Does Washington require employee safety training?

Yes. Employers should provide employees with training appropriate to the hazards associated with their work and ensure employees understand safe work practices.

Are workplace safety posters required?

Yes. Most Washington employers must display applicable federal and Washington workplace safety and labor law posters in a conspicuous location where employees can easily read them.

Where can I obtain an updated Washington Labor Law Poster?

You can purchase a professionally updated Washington State & Federal Labor Law Poster here:

https://www.laborlawhrsigns.com/washington-state-and-federal-labor-law-poster-wa