OSHA Training in Tacoma WA

The state of Washington operates an approved State OSHA Program (WISHA). The Washington State Plan was approved in January, 1973. The Washington State Program received certification for completing all developmental steps in January, 1982.

WA OSHA training Regulations and Standards

Over the years, the state of Washington has adopted a number of safety and health standards which have some significant differences from the federal counterparts. Examples include Washington’s rules for fall protection, respiratory protection, aerial lifts, and agriculture. DOSH has also adopted a number of state-initiated rules for which there are no federal counterparts, including requirements for written safety and health programs, and for safety committees.

As part of the DOSH Standards Innovations Project, Washington grouped a number of basic safety and health standards, necessary for most employers, into one code section (Chapter 296-800 WAC). These are referred to as Core Rules. The Core Rules include requirements for Safe Workplace (similar to the OSHA General Duty Clause), Accident Prevention Program, First Aid, PPE, Hazard Communication, Safety Bulletin Board/Poster, Lighting, Housekeeping, Sanitation, Environmental, Tobacco Smoke in the Office, Stairs and Railings, Floor Holes and Openings, Open-sided Floors, Workplace Structural Integrity, Basic Electrical Rules, Portable Fire Extinguishers, and Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems.

Please see the Washington Regulations section of the Washington State Plan website.

Heat Illness Prevention Training Required for Workers in Tacoma WA

The State of Washington requires heat illness prevention training to protect affected workers from dangerous heat exposure. This applies to all affected workers, including but not limited to those in agriculture, construction, roadwork, firefighting, landscaping, mining, logging, commercial kitchens, attics, and poorly ventilated buildings. Workers must learn to recognize early signs of heat-related illness, stay hydrated, take proper rest breaks, and respond to emergencies. Our Heat Illness Prevention Training Course helps employers meet state requirements and keep their teams safe in extreme temperatures.

Other Special Safety Training Considerations for Workers in Tacoma

While our onsite and online OSHA 10 and 30-hour training courses for construction and general industry are the gold standard for training about general hazard identification and avoidance for workers and supervisors, there are many workers in the Sea-Tac area who face unique environmental and occupational hazards that require other specialized safety training to prevent serious injuries and illnesses.

Cold Stress Prevention Training is critical for workers who are exposed to freezing temperatures or even cool and damp conditions, whether outdoors or in refrigerated warehouses, food processing plants, or unheated job sites. Cold stress can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and reduced dexterity, increasing the risk of accidents. Workers will learn to recognize early symptoms of cold-related illnesses and implement safe work practices to minimize risk in frigid environments.

Also, workers in industries such as oil and gas, storm or wastewater management, mining, and agriculture must be aware of the dangers of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), a highly toxic gas commonly found in drilling sites, refineries, chemical plants, manure pits, grain elevators, mines, sewers, and underground utility spaces. Without proper precautions, exposure can quickly become fatal. Our H2S Hazard Awareness Training Course helps ensure workers can identify H2S hazards, understand the importance of gas detection equipment, and follow emergency procedures to stay safe in high-risk environments.

Jurisdiction

The state of Washington exercises safety and health jurisdiction over most private sector employers in Tacoma and the rest of the state of WA, and public sector employers except the federal government.

Federal OSHA exercises jurisdiction over employers not covered by the state of Washington, including civilian federal employees and private contractors on military reservations and national parks, floating maritime operations, the United States Postal Service, tribal operations and tribal member employers on Indian Reservations and Trust Lands, and certain contractors within the boundary of the Hanford Reservation or the Hanford Reach National Monument not regulated by DOE or the state of Washington.

Washington OSHA Information

The Washington State Program is administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (DL&I), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The central office for DOSH is located in Tumwater, Washington:

State of Washington DOSH Headquarters

7273 Linderson Way SW

Tumwater, WA 98501

360-902-5799

The central toll free telephone number for the state is 1-800-423-7233. The Division also has various regional and field offices located throughout the state. Contact information for the state offices can be found on the contact page of the WISHA website.

Federal OSHA’s National Emergency Hotline telephone number is 1-800-321-OSHA.