What are the laws governing safe work environments?

In Washington, employers are legally required to provide a safe and healthful working environment for their employees. All employers must adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety regulations and standards, which set the minimum standards for workplace safety and health in general industry, construction, and maritime. Additionally, Washington employers are subject to state laws that generally preserve and extend the federal regulations, including rules that define workplace hazards and provide for employee injury and illness reporting requirements. Some of the rules protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals, radiation, and extreme temperatures, as well as dangerous equipment, tools, and machinery. On the other hand, employers have an obligation to eliminate or reduce hazardous conditions in the workplace. Washington employers must also adhere to rules and regulations that require employers to protect workers from the hazards of fire and severe weather conditions. Employers are responsible for providing and maintaining, at no cost to their employees, the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, needed to protect against hazards in the workplace. Finally, employers are required to provide training and information to their employees on the hazard and risks of their work and the safety procedures to be followed in order to minimize these risks. Employers must also post safety and health related signs, notices, and other information in the workplace, and must ensure that employees are knowledgeable and understand safe work practices.

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What are the laws governing safe work environments?

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