Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: RISK - Risk

Directors' Update: March 11, 2026

Business Meeting: March 17, 2026

Summary:

Adopt the updated Lewis County Risk & Safety Handbook

Publications: NA

Cover Letter To: NA

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, volunteers, elected officials, and contractors in compliance with the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and relevant Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Risk & Safety Handbook has been fully updated to incorporate current best practices, regulatory changes and enhanced protocols for accident prevention, risk management, incident reporting, workers' compensation, personal protective equipment and environmental hazards such as heat-related illnesses and wildfire smoke; and

WHEREAS, the updated Handbook, dated March 17, 2026, aims to integrate safety into daily operations, reduce occupational injuries and illnesses, minimize financial and operational risks and promote a culture of accountability and compliance; and

WHEREAS, adoption of this updated Handbook will supersede and repeal any prior versions or related policies to ensure consistency and alignment with current standards; and

WHEREAS, the Hearing Conservation Policy and the Drug Free Workplace policy are standalone policy documents and are not incorporated into the overall Risk Handbook.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners hereby adopts the updated Lewis County Risk & Safety Handbook, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, effective March 17, 2026.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 17th day of March, 2026.