Washington Proposes Changes to Refinery Workforce Rules
The proposal addresses definitions and apprentice wage and occupation notifications, with a public hearing scheduled for Oct. 29.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Sep 24, 2026
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is seeking public comment on proposed changes to rules governing refinery worker training and certification at high-hazard facilities.
The proposal would implement Engrossed House Bill 1173, enacted in 2025, which revised definitions and provisions concerning wage and occupation notifications for apprentices under Chapter 49.80 of the Revised Code of Washington.
The department’s Division of Labor Standards developed the proposal with its Division of Occupational Safety and Health. The rulemaking would update Chapter 296-71 of the Washington Administrative Code and provide clarification on implementing the statutory changes.
A virtual public hearing will take place Oct. 29 through Microsoft Teams. An overview will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the hearing at 1:30 p.m. Oral testimony will continue until all comments have been received.
The proposed language and filing documents are available on the department’s rulemaking page. The changes remain proposals and have not been adopted.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.