Legal Issues in The News

WA Labor and Industries Heat-Related Illness and Prevention Emergency Rule

The Washington Dept. of Labor and Industries issued an emergency rule effective June 18, 2007, requiring all employers to adopt workplace practices and procedures for its employees who work outside that reduce or eliminate the risks of heat-related illness.  The rule, promulgated at WAC 296-62-09510, requires employers to "establish, implement and maintain effective written procedures to prevent the occurrence of heat-related illness," including:

• Identification and evaluation of temperature, humidity and other heat-related factors

• Provisions to prevent, control, and correct hazards associated with heat-related illnesses including
     1) providing appropriate rest breaks and
     2) encouraging frequent consumption of water 

• Providing readily accessible and sufficient quantities of water to supply each worker one quart per hour

The rule requires that these procedures be adopted in writing and that workers receive training before they work outdoors, and receive annual training thereafter.  In particular, supervisors must be trained in all aspects of the rule and will be held accountable to implement the rule, including responding to heat-related illness or symptoms.  For additional information or questions on this issue please send an email to Allan Bakalian at abakalian@hansonbaker.com.
(View WAC 296-62-095 - 296-62-09560 which are effective on
June 18, 2007 in an Adobe Reader Format)

Hanson Baker in the News

• Hanson Baker attorney Joseph Calmes was recognized as a "Super Lawyer" in the 2007 issue of the Washington Law & Politics Magazine.  Super Lawyers are selected through a peer selection process and represent the top five percent of practicing attorneys.

• Hanson Baker attorney Magnus Andersson was recognized as a "Rising Star" for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the Washington Law & Politics Magazine.  Rising Stars are selected through a peer selection process and represent the top two and a half percent of practicing attorneys under 40, having practiced law for ten years or less.

Hanson Baker Presentations and Publications

• Hanson Baker Attorney Allan Bakalian recently prepared a presentation on the Latest Legal Developments under CERCLA and MTCA.
  (View Microsoft PowerPoint presentation)
  (View in Adobe Reader Format)
   

• Hanson Baker attorney Allan Bakalian recently prepared a presentation on the US Supreme Court decision requiring EPA to regulate greenhouse gases.
  (View Microsoft PowerPoint presentation)
  (View in Adobe Reader Format)

• Hanson Baker attorney Allan Bakalian participated in a Lorman seminar in Seattle regarding stormwater and wetland issues. 
   (View Microsoft PowerPoint presentation)
   (View in Adobe Reader format)

• Hanson Baker attorney Josh Rosenstein offered a Continuing Legal Education presentation concerning the preparation and use of Limited Liability Company Operating Agreements to members of the Washington State Bar Association.

• Hanson Baker attorney Betty Drumheller co-chaired a Continuing Legal Education presentation concerning Commercial Real Estate Leases and Closings.  Her work for the CLE included preparation of a packet of written materials including legal summaries, practice tips and model document provisions.

• Hanson Baker attorney Andrée Chicha offered a Continuing Legal Education presentation concerning Strategies for Solving Probate Issues and Challenges in Washington, with particular emphasis on recent legislative changes and court rulings, preparing an inventory and valuation of estate assets, and time sensitive procedures, to members of the Washington State Bar Association and certified public accountants.

Legislative Updates

• Olympia Enacts New Statute to Address Construction Legislation
    (more info)

• Court of Appeals holds new statute of limitations on construction
  contracts does not apply retroactively  (more info)

• Condominium Legislation Update - 2004 Amendments to the 
  Washington Condominium Act  (more info)

• Condominium Legislation Update - 2005 Amendments to the 
  Washington Condominium Act  (more info)

Hanson Baker Ludlow Drumheller P.S.
2229 - 112th Avenue NE, Suite 200  Bellevue, WA 98004-2936
Phone: 425.454.3374      Fax: 425.454.0087
hbld@hansonbaker.com

The information provided on Hanson Baker's website is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide legal advice.  Please seek any specific advice from your legal counsel.