On March 12, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) provided updated information about workplace requirements and guidance related to COVID-19. In accordance with the recent state changes in masking guidance, masks are no longer required in most workplaces. However, L&I continues to emphasize that COVID-19 remains a public health emergency and is recognized as a workplace hazard.
According to L&I, below are the minimum COVID-19 requirements for all workplaces:
- Keep workers known or suspected to have COVID-19 from working around others by following appropriate isolation or quarantine guidance as outlined by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
- Provide hand washing facilities and supplies, and regularly clean and sanitize surfaces.
- Educate workers about COVID-19 prevention in the language they understand best.
- Provide written notice of potential COVID-19 exposure within one business day to all workers, and the employers of subcontracted workers, who were at the same work site as a person who tested positive (without disclosing the person’s identity).
- Report COVID-19 outbreaks to L&I within one business day when they involve 10 or more workers at a workplace or job site with more than 50 workers.
- Address COVID-19 notification, reporting, and prevention measures in the employer’s workplace-specific, written Accident Prevention Program or equivalent safety program.
- Allow workers to voluntarily wear masks (respirators, medical procedure masks, or cloth face coverings) and personal protective equipment (PPE) as long as it doesn’t create a safety or security issue.
Some workplace environments, listed below, must adhere to the above requirements in addition to mask-wearing:
- In hospitals, dentist offices, medical facilities, and other health care settings.
- In long-term care settings, including home care, home health and home hospice.
- In locations required by federal law (e.g., on public transit, taxis, and ride-share vehicles).
- In correctional facilities.
- When following quarantine or isolation period guidelines for wearing a “well-fitting mask” per the DOH or the employer’s local health agency.
- When their employer chooses to require mask use.
For more information about COVID-19 hazards, worker protections, and recommendations for ensuring a safe workplace, consult the L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 page.