OSHA recently followed up on its Workplace Injuries and Illnesses final rule that requires all State Plans to adopt its electronic record-keeping and reporting mandate after several states delayed adopting the rule by the December 1, 2017, deadline. Earlier this year, OSHA issued a press release announcing that employers, rather than the State Plans, would be responsible for implementing the new reporting rule. State Plans responded in various ways, discussed in more length here, causing confusion for employers in those states.

Washington State is in the process of adopting OSHA’s new rule, but at this time, OSHA’s electronic reporting requirement does not apply to Washington employers. Information and updates can be found at the Washington Department of Labor and Industries website, where you can also sign up to receive email rulemaking updates.

August is in full swing and high temperatures are expected throughout the month, so protect yourselves by staying hydrated and finding cool, shady spots to relax and take it easy. In addition, hot weather and winds create the perfect conditions for wildfires to start, which can affect air quality in the area. When planning outside activities, especially involving at-risk groups, check air quality on the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency website.

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