Washington L&I Will Meet to Discuss Safety Standards for Waterfront Workers -- Occupational Health & Safety

Washington L&I Will Meet to Discuss Safety Standards for Waterfront Workers

The virtual meeting will take place on March 21, 2024, allowing stakeholder review of the proposed rule changes.

By Robert Yaniz Jr.
Feb 29, 2024

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is set to host a virtual stakeholder meeting on March 21, 2024, to discuss updates to the safety standards governing longshore, stevedore and other waterfront-related operations. This initiative—led by L&I's Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)—aims to revise chapter 296-56 WAC, aligning it with new legislative and federal requirements.

According to the L&I website, the updates are in response to the Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1706, passed in 2022, which mandates restroom access and lactation spaces for drayage truck operators within port and rail yard properties. This move, enforced jointly by L&I and the Department of Health, seeks to enhance working conditions for maritime workers. The revisions will also incorporate federal standards for lactation space as outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act and meet OSHA’s marine terminal regulations.

This rulemaking process follows a series of stakeholder meetings held in 2022 and 2023, where draft language was presented and feedback was considered. The upcoming virtual meeting allows stakeholders to review the proposed rule changes, provide feedback and engage with L&I representatives.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. 3
Glove Guard® Clip

Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. 3
Matrix's OmniPro Vision AI Collision Avoidance System

OmniPro Vision AI is a state-of-the-art collision avoidance system that features NIOSH award-winning Visual Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This highly accurate, powerful system identifies and alerts on pedestrians, vehicles and specified objects, ensuring safer facilities, mining operations and industrial sites. With its web-based cloud application, OmniPro Vision AI also logs and analyzes a wide range of data related to zone breach notifications. Operating without needing personal wearable devices or tags, OmniPro has visual and audible zone breach alerts for both operators and pedestrians. 3