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.

Stopping the Slide: How SteepGear Shorts Can Prevent Roofing Injuries

04/02/2025

At ROII, we’re always looking for ways to help our participants prevent injuries before they happen. That means constantly searching for innovative safety products that actually make a difference on the job site—not just in theory, but in real-world conditions. One product that recently caught our attention is SteepGear shorts—a game-changer for anyone working on pitched roofs.

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Keep Your Team Safe This Spring

02/27/2025

As winter fades and spring takes over, safety concerns shift from icy walkways to unpredictable terrain, wet surfaces, and job site hazards. Slips, trips, and falls remain among the top causes of workplace injuries, leading to costly claims and lost productivity. As an employer, prioritizing proactive safety measures helps protect your most valuable asset—your employees.

About