A Washington Stop Work Order by Letter is a legal document issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to halt or suspend all work activity on a specific project or at a particular worksite due to hazardous conditions or violations of safety regulations. This order is communicated through a written letter, serving as an official notice to the employer or contractor involved. When a site inspection conducted by L&I identifies serious safety hazards that could potentially jeopardize the health and well-being of workers, a Stop Work Order may be issued. This measure is taken to protect employees from immediate danger and to ensure that the site is brought into compliance with Washington State safety regulations. The issuance of a Stop Work Order by Letter demonstrates the seriousness of the violations found and the need for immediate action to rectify them. The letter typically includes crucial details related to the situation, such as the specific violations or unsafe conditions observed, the section of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) or the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) being violated, and the remedies required to correct the issues. Compliance directives may involve implementing specific safety measures, conducting additional training, or making necessary repairs to eliminate hazards. The letter also highlights the consequences if the order is not complied with, emphasizing potential penalties and legal actions that may be taken. There are different types of Washington Stop Work Orders by Letter, depending on the severity of the violations discovered. They include: 1. Temporary Stop Work Order: This type of order is issued when L&I identifies serious safety hazards that pose an immediate danger to workers' lives or health. In such cases, work activity must cease until the employer or contractor rectifies the hazards and L&I lifts the order. 2. Targeted Stop Work Order: This order focuses on specific aspects of a project or specific work activities that violate safety regulations. It may be issued when certain equipment, processes, or operations are found to be unsafe, endangering workers' well-being. 3. Comprehensive Stop Work Order: This type of order is issued when multiple hazardous conditions or violations are found across various areas of a worksite. It requires the complete cessation of all work activity until all identified hazards are addressed and a safe work environment is ensured. Employers and contractors who receive a Washington Stop Work Order by Letter must take immediate action to address the violations and rectify the unsafe conditions cited. Failure to comply with the order can result in penalties, fines, and potential cessation of work until the necessary corrective measures are implemented.