Washington § 49.17.243 - Safety and health investment projects — Grants or contracts — Rules.

(1) The director is authorized to provide funding from the medical aid fund established under RCW 51.44.020, by grant or contract, for safety and health investment projects for workplaces insured for workers' compensation through the department's state fund. This shall include projects to: Prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities; create early return-to-work programs; and reduce long-term disability through the cooperation of employers and employees or their representatives.

(2) Awards may be granted to organizations such as, but not limited to, trade associations, business associations, employers, employees, labor unions, employee organizations, joint labor and management groups, and educational institutions in collaboration with state fund employer and employee representatives.

(3) Awards may not be used for lobbying or political activities; supporting, opposing, or developing legislative or regulatory initiatives; any activity not designed to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, or fatalities; or reimbursing employers for the normal costs of complying with safety and health rules.

(4) Funds for awards shall be distributed as follows: At least 25 percent for projects designed to develop and implement innovative and effective return-to-work programs for injured workers; at least 25 percent for projects that specifically address the needs of small businesses; and at least 50 percent for projects that foster workplace injury and illness prevention by addressing priorities identified by the department in cooperation with the Washington industrial safety and health act advisory committee and the workers' compensation advisory committee.

(5) The department is authorized to use the funds allocated for effective return-to-work projects related to return-to-work programs under subsection (4) of this section to provide funding for grants or contracts for the development and evaluation of workplace behavioral health programs including, but not limited to, suicide prevention, mental health training, trauma-informed reintegration protocols, independent navigator programs, and developing supportive workplace cultures. The projects must be focused on occupations that have high risk of posttraumatic stress disorder through repetitive exposure to trauma. The department is authorized to determine appropriate organizations eligible for awards under this subsection.

(6) The department shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.

Rules—2026 c 220: "The department of labor and industries may adopt rules necessary to implement this act." [ 2026 c 220 s 6.]

Effective date—2026 c 220: "Except for section 3 of this act, this takes effect July 1, 2026." [ 2026 c 220 s 7.]

Finding—Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 37: See notes following RCW 51.32.090.