L&I Adopts New Fall Protection Standards

10/28/2022

To align with federal standards, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has new fall protection standards going into effect on Nov. 1, 2022. While training and guidance resources remain under development, the department has provided an overview of the background and changes.

Aligning Washington’s fall protection standards with federal requirements

L&I updated its standards after receiving a letter from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In its letter, OSHA alerted L&I their previous fall protection standards were not as effective as federal standards. Under federal law, Washington’s standards must meet or exceed the standards set forth by OSHA.

Major changes

L&I has provided a quick reference guide with major changes indicated. Among other things, the updated standards:

Require fall protection when doing roofing work at six feet or higher on a low-pitch roof, instead of the previous 10-foot threshold;
Change the threshold height from 10 feet to six feet when constructing a leading edge;
Add the option of a standard guardrail system as a form of fall protection on low-pitched roofs;
Provide an option to use a safety watch system if appropriate; and
Include a clarifying statement noting when rules require fall protection at four feet or more.

Updated safety training expected soon

Bob White, ROII Safety Services Director, works closely with L&I and will share their updated training materials when they are available. ROII participants already receive Weekly Safety Topic emails. To join the list, contact ROII Safety Services Director Bob White at (360) 352-7800 ext. 109 or bobw@biaw.com.

Roof Safety Matters: Preparing for Fall Debris and Clean-Up

09/05/2025

Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes wet leaves, pine needles, moss, and other debris piling up on rooftops. For ROII participants, roof clean-up is a necessary task this time of year—but it can also be one of the most hazardous.

Slips and falls remain one of the leading causes of injuries in construction. On metal roofs, the combination of rain and seasonal debris can quickly create unsafe conditions, even for experienced workers.

Urgent Safety Recall: Werner Multi-Max Pro Ladders

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On August?14,?2025, Werner Co., with the backing of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), officially recalled over 122,000 of its 20- and 24-foot Multi-Max Pro multi-purpose ladders—model numbers ALMP-20IAA and ALMP-24IAA. These silver ladders, characterized by a blue top, blue “MULTI MAX PRO” label, and a long black rope, were sold at Home Depot stores and online from November 2021 to February 2024.

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