Washington Issues Rules to Protect
Workers from Wildfire Smoke
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Washington is under a state of emergency, with more than 600 wildfires reported already this year. That’s about double the normal rate, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
Where there’s fire, there’s smoke that can expose outdoor workers in construction, agriculture, and other jobs to health risks from breathing particulate matter in the air.
To help these and other workers, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) filed emergency rules last week to help protect employees exposed to wildfire smoke. Washington is just the second state to issue regulations regarding workers and wildfire smoke. California was the first, adopting its rules in 2019.
“This wildfire season is shaping up to be even worse than last year,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “We’re establishing these emergency rules to protect employees who have to work outside, breathing in smoky air all day long.”
Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases, and fine particles that can harm health. The most concerning hazard is associated with the smallest particles, or Particulate Matter (PM), that are less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5). These particles can get deep into the lungs, worsening existing health conditions like asthma, negatively impacting heart health, and increasing the risk of death.
The new wildfire smoke rules spell out to employers how to identify harmful smoke exposure risks and when to notify their workers. They also require employers to:
- Train employees and supervisors about wildfire smoke;
- Ensure employees showing symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure are monitored and receive medical care when necessary; and,
- Take actions to eliminate or reduce exposures to wildfire smoke where feasible, when levels of particulate matter are high.
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Have you answered our weekly
survey question yet?
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How has business been for you since the June 30th reopening of Washington state? |
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Business is booming, better than pre-pandemic
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We're even with our pre-pandemic sales levels
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We are recovering slowly with fewer customers
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Our sales are much lower than pre-pandemic
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The 6 Chambers of Commerce in Kitsap County are asking the same question of our members to provide both local and countywide insight into what our business community is experiencing. Each week, we will do a drawing and gift
card giveaway for an eligible survey participant.
If you are a member of multiple Chambers, please complete
only one survey for your business each week.
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KBA Home & Remodel Expo
Save-the Date: October 1-3, 2021
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9322 Silverdale Way NW
Silverdale, WA 98383
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Our Place Pub & Eatery has been a Silverdale favorite for more than 30 years and has been a proud Silverdale Chamber member for just as long! Enjoy some good eats, drinks, live music and karaoke nights, or just some casual dining in the heart of Silverdale.
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Thank You to Our Auction Donors
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Enjoy our June podcast featuring Dan Weedin's talk, "Conquering Hills and Moving Forward." Dan shares with us the mindset around adversity and opportunity and talks about how it is crucial for moving forward in business and life. There is no “new” normal; it’s just that there is no normal anymore.
Dan Weedin has worked with countless small and medium sized businesses in over 30 years to help them grow and protect their most valuable assets and company wealth. Dan is a monthly business contributor for the Kitsap Business Journal, writing about business and life topics. He is also host for the nationally syndicated entrepreneur-focused podcast, The Shrimp Tank Podcast.
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Member Education & Training Resources |
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Long-term Care Tax Coming
Learn More in August 23rd Webinar
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The window to opt out of a new state program — and avoid a new tax — is short for Washington workers.
Employees who wish to avoid paying the new tax must have their own, qualified long-term care coverage in place by October 31, 2021 and proactively opt out of the state program. The applications to apply for an exemption should be available starting Oct. 1, according to the state Employment Security Department reports. Details are pending.
Without an exemption, workers will start paying a new payroll tax of 0.58% on their wages beginning Jan. 1. The money will be used to pay for a new long-term care fund managed by the state. Employers will be responsible for collecting and remitting the tax payments to the state for employees who do not receive an exemption.
The new tax comes to about $300 a year for a worker that makes $52,000.
“Now’s the time for employers and workers to explore this issue and learn more,” says Debra Brown, president of Forterra, Inc., AWB’s employer services arm. “Employers should be talking to their staff about this issue now because the deadline is coming up quickly. And employees should be exploring their long-term care coverage and start planning if they haven’t already.”
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What Does it Cost to Acquire a Customer? |
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Tips for Networking Post-COVID |
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Are you nervous about networking again? Hear from one career counseling blogger for some tips on how to get our interpersonal skills back to where they were in 2019.
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Tips, Service Charges & Class Action Webinar
July 28, 2021, 10:00 am
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As we move towards business as usual, employers need to keep in mind the complex Washington and federal rules regarding tips, tip pooling and service charges. Errors with these rules can cost employers millions of dollars – even before their legal fees – as these issue remains a hot topic for class action attorneys. Presented by employment law attorney Catharine Morisset of Fisher Phillips, this webinar will give attendees a refresher on the rules and offer some tips to avoid common mistakes. |
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Government Affairs Committee |
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August Kitsap Legislative Pulse:
EMS Levy Renewal
July 29, 2021, 3:00 pm
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July KLP: Transportation Impact Fee Study |
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Did you miss last week's Kitsap Legislative Pulse? Watch the recording here to learn more about Kitsap County's Transportation Impact Fee Study and how this could impact your business and customers. |
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Military Affairs Committee |
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U.S. Navy photo by Brian Kilpatrick |
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Bremerton Welcomes USS Roosevelt |
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Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) arrived at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, July 22, 2021, as part of a homeport shift to conduct a docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
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Commissioner's Corner: CK Fire & Rescue |
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Learn all about Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue, how they're protecting our community and more, as County Commissioner Ed Wolfe has a conversation with Chief John Oliver. |
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CK Community Council
In-Person Meet & Greet
August 4, 2021, 5:00 pm
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The CK Community Council promotes a sense of community by identifying and conveying community concerns and issues to the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. The Council also facilitates community discussions of the County's plans, policies and actions. |
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COVID-19 Updates & Resources |
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Hand Sanitizer & Masks Available |
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The Silverdale Chamber now has a new batch of hand sanitizer and N95 masks available, courtesy of the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center. If your member business or organization is in need of either, please contact us for pickup. |
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Vaccine Clinics Around the County |
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Kitsap Pride Celebrates 25 Years |
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This year marks the 25th annual Pride festival in Kitsap County! With events in Scenic Beach State Park, Southworth, Evergreen Park, Pendergast Park, and now the Fairgrounds the event has changed and grown every year.
On Saturday, July 31st, join Kitsap Pride for the Coming Out for Pride Concert at Gordon Field at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. The event is headlined by Kim Archer, along with Seattle DJ, Dana Dub. This family friendly Pride event will include food trucks, exhibitors, youth activities and more.
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The Coffee Oasis Hosts School Supply Drive |
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While many youth experiencing homelessness desire to further their education, they often don’t have the means to buy school supplies. You can help equip these youth for the upcoming school year by donating backpacks, jackets, shoes, and other school supplies through Coffee Oasis' Back to School Supply Drive. Donate school supplies July 12 - August 16 at your area cafe or give online today.
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Kitsap County Cornhole Classic |
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There is still time for local cornhole teams to qualify for the 2nd Annual Kitsap County Cornhole Classic finals, held this year at Whiskey Gulch in Port Orchard on Saturday, August 7th. Sponsored by the South Kitsap and Poulsbo Chambers of Commerce, the tournament serves to bring the community together through cornhole. |
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Silverdale Visitor Center |
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Whaling Days Provides Fun for Kitsap Community
Silverdale Rotary Duck Race a Fundraising Success
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David Emmons
President/CEO
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Irene Moyer
Director of Member Relations
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Joe Barboza
Tourism Coordinator
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Marisa Acuna
Finance & Operations Manager
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Alexandra Neuman
Social Media Coordinator
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