About WISHA

The Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) is Washington’s independent state health and safety plan for workplaces. It enforces many similar regulations to OSHA’s generic health and safety plan with a couple of additional components and more stringent requirements that apply to local state policies and circumstances. If you own a veterinary, dental, or medical business in Washington, familiarizing yourself with WISHA will help you solidify your compliance and optimize your office in many ways, from performance to safety.

WISHA is Washington’s state health and safety plan. It features a mix of protocols established by OSHA, Washington’s Labor and Industry (L&I), and the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOSH). It covers many pertinent workplace concerns and procedures, enforcing multiple workplace requirements. WISHA rules only apply to those in Washington state.

WISHA regulations provide many prevention methods and protocols to guarantee a safer and healthier work environment. WISHA compliance is mandatory for almost all employers in Washington, with the exception of a select few. It requires your business to undergo workplace inspections, provides staff with substantial safety training, and continues regular health and safety education in the office.

Regulations cover core health and safety topics. These include the risks and prevention of bloodborne pathogens, fire safety, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazardous waste control and exposure, and emergency action plans. WISHA rules also include Washington’s independent safety and training requirements:

• WISHA’s emergency preparedness and response guidance for pandemic influenza
• Overview of inspection statistics
• Adherence to WISHA’s compliance checklist
• Use of specific labeling and protocol methods
• Mandated first-aid training for all employees
• Ergonomics

Compared to OSHA, WISHA violations follow different clauses and varying penalties. Failure to provide your workplace with effective health and safety training puts you at risk of multiple dangers and violation citations. By following WISHA regulations, you can prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, reduce worker compensation costs, and avoid potential legal issues. Additionally, compliance with WISHA demonstrates to your employees that their health and safety is a top priority for your business.

Businesses should understand the differences between WISHA versus OSHA as well as how to comply with both branches of safety guidelines. Learning about WISHA and supplying adequate training programs ensures your workplace operates with maximum safety, allowing your business to reap the benefits. Check out Gamma Compliance’s WISHA training programs and meet all of Washington’s health and safety requirements.