Under 2019’s ESHB 1817, owners of petroleum refining or petrochemical manufacturing must ensure their contractors and subcontractors use a skilled and trained workforce to perform all on-site construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, or maintenance work. The new law is under Chapter 49.80 RCW.
A “skilled and trained workforce” means a workforce where all the workers are either
- registered apprentices in a Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC)-approved apprenticeship program or
- skilled journeypersons as defined in under RCW 49.80.010(7).
In addition, skilled and trained workers are required to complete 20 hours of advanced safety training for workers at high-hazard facilities every three (3) years.
The 20-hour advanced safety training requirement goes into effect on JANUARY 1, 2022. The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), in consultation with the WSATC, is charged with approving in the curriculum for the advanced safety training for workers at high hazard facilities. L&I DOSH is also responsible for approving training providers and will be soliciting stakeholder input on draft proposed rules as well.
This document outlines the draft curriculum elements for the advanced safety training. The draft curriculum is consistent with training under Washington’s Skilled and Trained Workforce for Petroleum Refinery law [Chapter 296-XX WAC.]