Washington Businesses May Be Fined Over Safe Start Violations

OLYMPIA, WA — Businesses willfully ignoring closure orders under Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start reopening plan may be subject to citations and fines for unsafe workplace conditions, the Department of Labor & Industries announced Tuesday.

L&I said the emergency rules were enacted at the governor's direction and grant labor officials the authority to cite businesses for improperly operating or failing to ensure proper health and safety requirements are followed, per the state's requirements.

"We're all in this together, and most businesses are doing the right thing for our state and our communities," said Joel Sacks, director of L&I. "Unfortunately, there are some that are choosing not to. The coronavirus is a known workplace hazard, and businesses must follow the requirements to keep their workers safe."

The labor department will work with the state Emergency Operations Center to field and investigate complaints. According to L&I, employers found purposefully defying the governor's orders will be directed to close or adjust their operations up to standards immediately. Those who refuse to do so will receive a workplace safety citation and could face fines above $10,000.

L&I said investigators will perform some in-person "spot checks" on some businesses to ensure they follow through and comply with the state's requirements.

Under the state's phased-in approach to reopening, the governor's office issues specific guidelines for each business type before they can resume limited operations. An updated list of all the rules released to date can be found on the state coronavirus website.