Washington State Extreme Heat Worker Protection Rule in Effect

In the wake of a record-setting heatwave in the Pacific Northwest, Washington state has enacted an emergency worker protection rule for when the air temperature soars to 100 degrees or higher.

Under the new mandates that take effect Tuesday, employers must provide water that is cool enough to drink and provide shade when the temperature hits or passes that mark. The shaded area must be at least large enough to accommodate workers on a meal or rest period and be located as close as practicable to where employees are laboring, the rule said. Employers also must provide and encourage workers ...