Washington takes workplace safety seriously. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly referred to as DOSH is a division of the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). DOSH is responsible for overseeing Washington’s workplace safety and health through enforcement of the regulations of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA).

Like the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), WISHA’s goal is to keep workers and workplaces safe. Enacted in 1973, just a few years after the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, WISHA’s standards are as stringent as those of the federal act, or even more so.

If you are a Washington employer who takes pride in having a safe and productive workplace, you want to be in compliance with WISHA and OSHA, and to quickly address and remedy any violations. Employer Solutions Law can help. Our experienced WISHA/DOSH attorneys represent employers across Washington and in a wide range of industries. We respond quickly to emergent issues, and work proactively with you to promote ongoing workplace safety.

Workplace Safety Help for Washington Employers

We have a long track record of successful negotiation with DOSH on behalf of Washington employers. We can often help to reduce citations and monetary penalties as we collaborate with our clients to improve their safety and incident prevention programs.

Because Employer Solutions Law concentrates on representing employers, we are able to provide:

Immediate Response

When you need legal protection for a WISHA matter, you usually need it quickly, especially in the case of a severe injury or fatality in the workplace. Our attorneys are equipped with their own personal protective equipment so they can go on site quickly when you need them. Our prompt response allows you to cooperate readily with DOSH investigators, and this compliance and cooperation may prevent unnecessarily harsh consequences. We can help you document and support your affirmative defense, which may mean the issuance of a general violation rather than a serious one, or even no citation being issued at all.

Reassumption Hearings

At Employer Solutions Law, we are mindful not only of your workplace safety and compliance with the law, but of your company’s bottom line. We advise and represent clients at DOSH reassumption hearings, which is often more cost-effective than prolonged litigation at the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA). We work with the Department Reassumption Hearings Officer and are often able to reduce or eliminate a citation while helping to make your workplace safer.

Appeals

Sometimes it happens that a citation can’t be resolved at the reassumption level; when that happens, we are experienced and effective advocates in appeals before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, Superior Court, and the Court of Appeals.

Respected DOSH/WISHA Lawyers for Employers

We understand the impact that a citation can have on your operations, whether you are a small and growing business or a larger company with an established safety culture. We push back against unfair assessments, mediate on your behalf, and help you develop improved safety protocols to prevent future violations.

We take pride in being the law firm Washington employers count on for their dealings with DOSH and WISHA issues and other safety needs. Brian Padgett, owner and managing attorney of Employer Solutions Law, was named 2024 Safety Professional of the Year by the Puget Sound Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals. He is the only attorney to whom the chapter has given that honor. With the respect that Brian and our firm have earned in both the legal and safety communities, we are well-positioned to help you with your DOSH/WISHA concerns.