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Risk manager asks commissioners to adopt countywide Hazard Communication Program
Summary
Cowlitz County risk staff requested approval of a countywide Hazard Communication Program aligned with L&I and OSHA, reported a recent chemical inventory and training progress, and said legal has reviewed the draft; commissioners asked implementation and training questions.
Shelley Pierce, the county’s risk and safety manager, asked the board to approve a new Cowlitz County Hazard Communication Program designed to ensure employees are informed and trained on chemicals used in county operations.
Pierce said staff completed a countywide inventory of cleaning closets and department storage about two months earlier and that roughly 70% of staff had completed the related Vector training as of two weeks ago. She told commissioners the program aligns with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and OSHA standards and establishes consistent processes for safety data sheet (SDS) maintenance, labeling, training and emergency response protocols.
Pierce recommended board approval, saying the program strengthens the county’s safety culture and reduces regulatory and workers’ compensation risk from chemical exposures. Commissioners asked whether the training could be integrated into existing Vector offerings and whether the county’s risk pool had weighed in; Pierce said Vector training covered the chemicals on hand and legal had reviewed the program.
The transcript shows a staff recommendation for adoption and Q&A about implementation logistics, but it does not include a recorded vote on adoption during this meeting.
