Fall Protection Leads Washington Construction Safety Violations in 2026
Washington construction safety data show fall protection continuing to dominate serious violations as the state moves ahead with rulemaking involving PPE, heat, lead and other workplace hazards.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Oct 07, 2026
Fall protection remains the most frequently cited serious workplace safety issue in Washington's construction industry, according to new data presented by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Through August 2026, the requirement for fall protection at heights of 4 feet or more was cited 261 times, making it the state's most frequently cited serious-or-higher construction violation. General fall protection requirements ranked second with 212 citations, followed by requirements for getting on and off ladders at upper levels with 184 citations.
Asbestos requirements ranked fourth with 160 citations, while specific fall protection requirements ranked fifth with 145.
L&I presented the data at its Construction Advisory Committee meeting Sept. 29. Through August, the state reported 2,969 construction violations and approximately $5.3 million in assessed penalties.
The meeting also included updates on several workplace safety rulemaking efforts.
L&I is moving forward with proposed changes to its construction personal protective equipment requirements intended to align state rules with federal OSHA language requiring PPE to properly fit workers. The agency anticipated filing the proposed rule Oct. 6, with public hearings scheduled for Nov. 10 and Nov. 18.
Additional rulemaking is underway involving forklifts used to lift suspended loads. The effort includes clarification of operator certification and qualification requirements, proof load testing and certification, and qualifications for lift directors and riggers.
L&I is also developing an indoor heat rule addressing heat hazards for workers across industries. Stakeholder meetings are expected to begin this fall.
Separate rulemaking on lead exposure is focused on strengthening medical protections for workers with elevated blood lead levels, updating thresholds for medical removal and establishing criteria for workers to safely return following medical removal.
The agency also plans rulemaking involving confined spaces and is considering updates to clarify requirements and definitions. A preproposal filing is tentatively planned for December.
Fall protection remains a separate focus. An L&I subcommittee is working on a basic fall protection training program, workshops and a potential electronic system for tracking certifications or equivalent credentials.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.