Washington is one of only a few states with heat protections for outdoor workers. The last two summers L&I enacted temporary emergency heat rules to supplement existing worker protections.
These new permanent rules take effect July 17, and the requirements will be in place year-round.
New protections involving shade, cool-down rest periods, and monitoring workers
The rules lower the temperature at which action is required to 80°F for most outdoor work. Temperature-based action levels apply to specific portions of the rule such as drinking water and shade, and include specifics on when and how much shade must be provided.
Workers must be allowed to take preventative cool-down periods as needed to prevent overheating. Employers must follow high-heat procedures that require close observation of workers and mandatory cool-down periods of CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE UPDATED HEAT PROTECTIONS
