- (1) All employees are afforded the full protection of RCW 49.17.160. WISHA defines an employee as "an employee of an employer who is employed in a business of their employer which affects commerce." RCW 49.17.020(4). WISHA does not define "employ"; however, the broad remedial nature of WISHA demonstrates a clear intent that the existence of an employment relationship, for purposes of RCW 49.17.160, is to be based upon economic realities rather than upon common law doctrines and concepts.
- (2) For purposes of RCW 49.17.160, an applicant for employment could be considered an employee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 22-14-090, § 296-360-080, filed 7/1/22, effective 7/1/22. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-360-080, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. WSR 80-17-015 (Order 80-21), § 296-360-080, filed 11/13/80.]