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Employer Responsibilities

Each employer is required to provide a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards. WAC 296-800-110 outlines some of the basic responsibilities, including:

·       Providing and using methods to make the workplace safe.

·       Prohibiting employees from entering or being in any part of a workplace that is not safe.

·        Constructing the workplace so that it is safe.

·        Prohibiting alcohol and narcotics from the workplace.

·    Prohibiting employees from using equipment and materials that do not meet DOSH requirements.

·       Establishing, supervising and enforcing safety rules that are effective in practice.

·        Controlling chemical agents.

·        Protecting employees from biological agents.

Employee Responsibilities

Each employee is responsible for playing an active role in creating a safe and healthy workplace, and complying with applicable safety and health rules. WAC 296-800-120 outlines some basic responsibilities, including:

·        Studying and following all safety practices that apply to the work being performed.

·        Coordinating and cooperating with all other employees to try to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses.

·        Applying the principles of accident prevention to the daily work.

·        Using proper safety devices and protective equipment as required by the job or employer.

·        Taking care of and wearing all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

·        Not wearing torn or loose clothing while working around machinery.

·        Promptly reporting hazards, injuries and illnesses to a supervisor.

·        Not removing or damaging any safety device, notice or warning provided to make the workplace safe.

·        Doing everything reasonably necessary to protect the lives and safety of employees.