June 24, 2009
Grant money available from L&I for safety and health improvements
OLYMPIA – The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) said today it is accepting new grant applications for improving safety and health at Washington workplaces. An estimated $2,500,000 is available for grants in this funding cycle.
L&I Director Judy Schurke said that in today’s economic climate, it is especially important to find innovative ways to keep workplaces safe: “A healthy workforce lowers employers insurance costs, helps businesses meet today’s economic challenges, and keeps workers safe from injuries or illnesses.”
Schurke said the previous grant award winners have been instrumental in developing creative, new ways in advancing safety and health for workplaces in Washington.
Safety and Health Investment Projects (SHIP) grants are awarded to projects that seek to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, save lives, and educate workers and employers about workplace hazards and safe workplace practices. Priority will be given to proposals that involve cooperation between employers and employees or their representatives.
Organizations eligible to apply for grants include trade and business associations, labor organizations, employers, employee organizations, joint labor/management groups, and groups of employees. A Grant Review Committee of business and labor representatives will help L&I review grant proposals.
Completed applications must be received in the SHIP office or post marked not later than August 31, 2009. Applications submitted on previous forms of the SHIP application will not be accepted.
The SHIP program is hosting grant information sessions in their Olympia office. The sessions are designed to answer questions about SHIP grants or the application process. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and registration is required. Contact Cathy Hakola at 360-902-5588 for registration information.
For additional information or assistance contact the SHIP program office at 360-902-5588 or invest@lni.wa.gov
Construction Crane Safety
Update: New Rule Adopted; Response to Public Hearing comments - Concise Explanatory Statement (CES) (717KB PDF) added.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has adopted a new rule related to construction crane safety. The legislature passed Chapter 27, Laws of 2007 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2171 (24KB PDF)) in response to a catastrophic tower crane accident that happened in Bellevue in November 2006. The Department conducted two sets of statewide stakeholder meetings to gather input from the industry for use in developing draft riles. The first set of statewide stakeholder meetings was held in July 2007. Following these meetings, the Department decided to break the rulemaking into two phases. The first phase of this rulemaking adopts rules for the construction crane certifiers, construction crane certification, and operator qualifications, as outlined in RCW 49.17.400 through 440.
Response to Public Comments
The Department conducted 5 public hearings and solicited written comments on proposed rule filed on July 23, 2008. The results of that process are available in the Concise Explanatory Statement (CES) (717KB PDF).
Safety & Health Improvement Projects (SHIP) Grant Update:
NOTICE to Grant Applicants: Current grant funding ends June 30, 2009. To be considered for a grant during the current biennium, all grant applications must be received by the Department no later than December 31, 2008. Applications received after December 31st will be placed on hold pending authorization of grant funding for the new biennium beginning July 1, 2009. Please visit:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/Grants/ for future updates as more information becomes available.
Project HELP can assist you
Project Help is a resource for injured workers that provides information and assistance regarding their entitlements under the Workers' Compensation Laws of Washington State. Their priority is to resolve claim issues by providing accurate and timely information about the injured workers' rights and responsibilities under the Law. All of the services provided by Project Help are available free of charge - no cost to injured workers. Project Help provides workers with access to information about the claim process, as well as a patient listener who understands the frustrations with the system. They communicate directly with department claim managers and supervisors, and their inquires are considered a priority. If Project Help cannot resolve your issue they will provide you with a list of attorneys in your area. You can reach Project Help at a toll-free number, 1-800-255-9752. Project Help also presents workshops for local unions on "How the System Works" providing an overview of workers' compensation.
The Center to Protect Workers' Rights was founded by the National BCTD as its research, development, and training arm. CPWR works with Building Trades workers, contractors, experts in government and at universities nationwide, and others to develop practical ways to prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths on the job. The goal is to improve the quality of life for construction workers and their families, while refining best practices, and improving industry productivity.
Access to free trainings, publications on advanced safety protocols and more can be found on their website http://www.cpwr.com/indexstart.html
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