January 2000
Contact: Tim Smith, Legislative Liaison (360) 902-2223

Situation

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife employees, by virtue of their jobs, sometimes face the potential for injury from a wide variety of sources, including hazardous materials, dangerous weather and the threat of violence. They handle potentially toxic materials at fish hatcheries. They work alone in isolated, rural areas. They handle dangerous animals such as cougars and bears. Biologists monitor fisheries from small boats in marine waters. Enforcement officers routinely contact people carrying firearms, knives and other potential weapons.

Problem

Funding for WDFW's project safety position will end in February 2000. WDFW has the highest accident rate for all state agencies, with an annual premium to the Department of Labor and Industries of $1.1 million for workers' compensation. WDFW must have a safety officer to ensure the agency does all it can to minimize the risk of injury to employees and meet Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) requirements. It also must comply with state/federal safety and environmental laws. Because of changes to WISHA regulations, WDFW must purchase additional equipment and services to promote employee safety.

Proposal

WDFW's highest priority is for funding to hire a permanent safety officer and to provide safety equipment and training, as mandated by WISHA and other regulations. WDFW's request is for $255,000 for the biennium. Effective safety management will reduce the number of employees injured and the use of leave for workplace accidents. That will lower worker compensation premiums as well as costs for training, supervision, claims management and temporary personnel. WDFW also will derive benefits such as healthier work spaces and employees who are injured less from workplace hazards or unsafe behaviors.

In addition to hiring a safety officer, one full-time equivalent employee, WDFW also seeks funding for:

• Life jackets and throwable life rings for employees working on or near water: $27,150
• Respiratory protection equipment and medical evaluations for employees working around air contaminants: $31,660
• Safety training for employees working with forklifts and other industrial equipment: $2,475
• Cellular phones and departmental vests with WDFW patches for employees working alone in inherently hazardous, hostile or remote locations: $46,200

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