The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated its rulemaking website
Rules filed October 14, 2025
For information on all L&I meetings and public hearings related to rulemaking, please visit our public participation calendar.
Division: Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)
Topic: Expedited Proposal (CR-105) – Hazard Communication
Brief Description: The purpose of this expedited rulemaking is to update Chapter 296-901 WAC, Globally harmonized system for hazard communication. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated their Hazard Communication Standard in 29 CFR 1910.1200. This update was made to better protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets. Having better information will allow workers and first responders to react more quickly in the event of an emergency. The proposed rule amendments include, among other things:
- Updates consistent with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
- Added definitions for “bulk shipment”, “combustible dust”, “gas”, “immediate outer package”, “liquid”, “physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP)”, “released for shipment”, and “solid”.
- The hazard classification must include any hazards associated with the chemical’s intrinsic properties.
- Updated requirements for labels on shipped containers to apply to distributors.
- Updated labeling requirements for bulk shipments of hazardous chemicals.
- Updated trade secrets section to allow for either the specific identification of a hazardous chemical, and/or the exact percentage (concentration) or concentration range of the substance in a mixture.
L&I determined that expedited rulemaking is appropriate because the proposed language adopts without material change the Hazard Communication Standard in 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Written objections due: December 22, 2025, by 5 p.m.
Additional information about this rulemaking:
CR-105 Expedited Proposal
Proposal Language
Division: Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)
Topic: Expedited Proposal (CR-105) – Worker Protection Standard
Brief Description: The purpose of this expedited rulemaking is to update Chapter 296-307 WAC, Safety standards for agriculture, Part I, Worker protection standard, due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 40 CFR Section 170 update, effective December 3, 2024. The EPA made updates related to Application Exclusion Zones (AEZ), and included changes related to spraying pesticides in enclosed spaces, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, and other housekeeping updates. This is a coordinated rulemaking with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The proposed rule amendments include:
- Updating the definition of Application Exclusion Zone to reflect the new EPA language.
- Exceptions for other handlers and the owners of the agricultural establishment and their immediate family members so long as they stay indoors.
- Requirements for emergency eye flushing for handlers to align with the wording in WAC 296-307-03930 for hands-free use.
L&I determined that expedited rulemaking is appropriate because the proposed language adopts without material change the worker protection standard requirements described under 40 CFR Section 170.
Written objections due: December 22, 2025, by 5 p.m.
Additional information about this rulemaking:
CR-105 Expedited Proposal
Proposal Language
Division: Division of Labor Standards, formerly Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards (Employment Standards)
Topic: Proposal (CR-102) – Labor Standards for Isolated Employees (2SHB 1524 Implementation)
Brief Description: The purpose of this rulemaking is to implement Second Substitute House Bill 1524 (Chapter 47, Laws of 2025) related to isolated employee protections. Currently, Chapter 49.60 RCW requires employers in the janitorial, hospitality, retail, and security industries take certain precautions to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault of isolated employees. Isolated employees are those working as a janitor, security guard, hotel or motel housekeeper or room service attendant and spends a majority of their working hours alone without another coworker present. 2SHB 1524 amends Chapter 49.60 RCW to add additional protections for isolated employees and provides for L&I enforcement of the requirements. 2SHB 1524 becomes effective January 1, 2026.
Public hearing date: November 25, 2025 (virtual/telephonic)
Written comments due by: November 26, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Intended adoption date: December 16, 2025
Additional information about this rulemaking:
CR-102 Proposal
Proposal Language
Preliminary Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)
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