Guest Opinion | L&I workplace safety citations issued to Eastsound Water

||| FROM CORY HARRINGTON |||

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issued multiple workplace safety citations to Eastsound Water Users Association in 2025 following two inspections. The violations cited primarily relate to fall protection, hazard assessment, safety training, and hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) — all core elements of workplace safety programs.

According to the L&I records, cited violations include requirements that employers:

• Provide and enforce fall protection when employees work at heights or near fall hazards, including on ladders, elevated surfaces, and platforms;
• Maintain a written fall protection work plan and provide documented fall protection training to employees;
• Conduct and document hazard assessments and ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used;
• Follow ladder safety standards for proper setup, use, and securing of ladders;
• Implement and enforce lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental startup of equipment during maintenance or servicing;
• Hold and document regular employee safety meetings;
• Maintain safe work areas through basic housekeeping and hazard control; and
• Ensure trained first-aid personnel are available when employees are working.

Several of the violations were classified by L&I as “serious,” meaning the conditions identified could reasonably be expected to cause serious injury or illness if not corrected. L&I assigned abatement deadlines for these items, with some listed as corrected and others requiring further action.

These citations and penalties are part of the public record and reflect L&I’s enforcement of Washington workplace safety standards. Public utilities, like all employers, are required to meet these standards to protect the health and safety of their workers.