DOSHWA

OSHA Citations & Requirements for Washington Construction Contractors

Washington State operates DOSH under the Department of Labor & Industries. Washington has some of the strictest workplace safety standards in the country, with requirements that frequently exceed federal OSHA minimums.

How DOSH Applies in Washington

Written Accident Prevention Program (APP) required for ALL employers — more comprehensive than federal recommendations
Washington penalty amounts can exceed federal OSHA maximums
DOSH conducts approximately 5,000+ inspections annually
Ergonomics requirements for specific high-risk activities
Outdoor heat exposure rule with specific temperature triggers and documented response procedures
Wildfire smoke protections with documentation requirements
Appeals go through the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA)

Documentation & Requirements

Written Accident Prevention Program (APP) tailored to your specific workplace hazards — WAC 296-800-14005
Safety committee or safety meetings required for employers with 11+ employees, with documented meeting minutes
Outdoor heat exposure prevention plan (WAC 296-62-095) with documented training and response procedures
Fall protection work plan (WAC 296-880) with specific documentation exceeding federal requirements
Crane certification through DOSH with state-specific requirements
Asbestos, lead, and silica exposure documentation requirements stricter than federal

Penalties

Washington DOSH penalties can reach $70,000+ per serious violation — significantly higher than federal OSHA. Willful violations can exceed $70,000. Repeat violations carry multiplied penalties. Washington is known for aggressive enforcement, particularly in construction.

Inspection Activity

DOSH conducts approximately 5,000–6,000 inspections annually. Washington has a large construction workforce driven by growth in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and statewide infrastructure projects.

What This Means for Washington Contractors

Washington contractors face the most stringent documentation requirements of any state plan. The Accident Prevention Program requirement is extensive — it must be written, site-specific, include hazard identification, training requirements, and be reviewed regularly. The fall protection work plan requirement adds documentation beyond federal Subpart M. Penalties are substantially higher than federal.

Are Your Documents Ready for an OSHA Inspection in Washington?

Washington contractors face OSHA inspections targeting fall protection, trenching, and hazard communication. The OSHA Defense Documentation System helps you organize the records inspectors evaluate — training logs, hazard assessments, and competent person documentation.

Check My Documentation Readiness

Prevent Citations Before They Happen in Washington

BuildLog is a daily documentation app built for construction crews. Capture daily reports, photos, and safety observations from the field — so when OSHA shows up in Washington, your records are already organized.

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Frequently Asked Questions: OSHA in Washington

Does Washington have its own OSHA program?

Yes. Washington operates DOSH, an OSHA-approved state plan. State plan states can adopt standards that are at least as effective as federal OSHA, but may include additional or stricter requirements. Inspections and citation contests are handled through the state agency rather than federal OSHA.

How much are OSHA fines in Washington?

DOSH sets its own penalty amounts, which must be at least as effective as federal OSHA penalties. As of 2026, federal serious violation penalties are up to $16,550 per violation, and willful or repeat violations can reach $165,514 per violation. Washington state penalties may differ — check with DOSH for current amounts.

How do I prepare for an OSHA inspection in Washington?

Preparation starts with organized documentation. Ensure you have current training records with dates and signatures, written safety programs (fall protection, hazard communication, excavation), competent person designations, and OSHA 300 logs. Conduct a voluntary self-audit to identify gaps before an inspector does. For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on OSHA inspection checklists for construction at https://osha-defense.com/blog/osha-inspection-checklist-construction.