Department of L&I considers changing rest break policy

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is considering changes to its administrative policy on rest breaks. L&I is considering a new requirement of a rest break standard provided in a single “blocked” period of time. Currently, intermittent rest breaks are allowed. The changes they are considering would affect hospital employees as well as all non-agricultural workers. The administrative policy provides guidance to employers and is used for enforcement purposes. WSHA will be submitting a comment letter clearly stating our objection to changing the intermittent standard and its impacts. WSHA is strongly encouraging hospitals to weigh in with L&I. Comments are due to L&I by Tuesday, March 29. For more information, please contact Cassie Sauer at cassies@wsha.org. (Chelene Whiteaker)