The Department of Labor & Industries released new emergency heat and wildfire smoke rules on Wednesday that will take effect June 15 and last through this summer.

The heat rules are in force once temperatures hit 89 degrees, or at lower temperatures for workers wearing protective equipment. The Seattle Timesand Bellingham Herald covered the story. L&I’s Be Heat Smart web page has more on the requirements along with steps employers and workers can take to prevent heat-related illnesses.

This is the second year in a row that Washington state has implemented emergency rules for heat.

AWB believes that employers and workers would have been better served this year with a permanent rulemaking process, rather than a succession of emergency rules, as the proper way to address foreseeable issues such as summer heat and wildfire smoke.

Contact Government Affairs Director Bob Battles to learn more and get involved.