This guide to Washington labor law posters explains the state and federal workplace notices Washington employers must display to inform employees of their legal rights.
This guide covers which Washington L&I posters are mandatory, where to place them, how to obtain current versions, and practical steps to maintain posting compliance.
1. Required Washington State Posters
Washington employers must display specific posters from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) that explain workers rights and procedures.
These posters must be placed where all employees can read them during the workday, such as break rooms, near time clocks, or other common areas.
Key State Posters and What They Cover
Notice to Employees – If a Job Injury Occurs explains reporting procedures and differs for state insured and self insured employers.
The state insured version is current through December 2024 and the self insured version is current through April 2025, so check L&I for updates.
Job Safety and Health Law explains workplace safety protections under Washington law and the current posting is valid through July 2025.
Your Rights as a Worker outlines wage rules, child labor limits, and other employment standards and its most recent version is dated September 2023.
2. Mandatory Federal Posters
In addition to Washington postings, employers must display required federal posters from the U.S. Department of Labor and related agencies.
Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act covers federal minimum wage, overtime, and child labor protections.
Family and Medical Leave Act details job protected unpaid leave for covered reasons.
EEO is the Law explains federal protections against workplace discrimination and required employee notices.
Employee Polygraph Protection Act informs employees about their rights related to lie detector tests.
OSHA It is the Law outlines employee rights to a safe workplace under federal occupational safety rules.
The Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
3. Where To Post and How To Keep Posters Visible
Posters must be displayed in conspicuous locations where employees commonly gather during the workday and can easily read them.
Common locations include break rooms, near time clocks, employee bulletin boards, and main entrance or hallway areas used by staff.
If you operate multiple worksites, each physical location must have a full set of required posters available to employees at that location.
For remote or teleworking employees, provide electronic copies or direct links to the official poster pages so remote staff have the same access to information.
Keep posters unobstructed, legible, and free from graffiti, stains, or other damage that makes the notices unreadable.
4. Obtaining and Maintaining Current Posters
Washington L&I provides state posters free to download or order as printed copies from their Required Workplace Posters page.
Federal posters are available free from the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies online.
Posters are offered in English and Spanish and L&I makes additional language versions available as needed for workplaces with other languages spoken.
Check the valid dates printed on each poster and replace any poster immediately when L&I or federal agencies issue an updated version.
Avoid purchasing paid poster services unless you verify that the content exactly matches the official government versions.
Assign Responsibility
Designate an HR representative, manager, or business owner as the posting compliance owner to monitor updates and replace posters when required.
Maintain a simple checklist of locations and the dates posters were last inspected to show proactive compliance during audits.
The Fastest Growing
Restaurant & Hospitality Job Platform
Looking for top paid jobs? Or Hiring for your business?
5. Language, Accessibility, and Remote Worker Considerations
While Washington law does not require Spanish versions, it is recommended to post Spanish or other language versions when staff speak those languages.
Making posters available in employees preferred languages improves understanding of rights and reduces risk from miscommunication.
Provide accessible electronic formats for employees with visual impairments and ensure posted copies are readable with adequate font size and contrast.
6. Consequences of Non Compliance
Failing to display required and current posters can trigger agency notices, inspections, and potential penalties from state or federal agencies.
Non compliance can also weaken an employer defense in employment disputes and may prompt broader audits of wage, hour, or safety practices.
Regular maintenance and prompt replacement of outdated posters is a low cost step that reduces the risk of enforcement action.
7. Quick Reference Table of Posters and Sources
| Poster | Issuer | Where To Obtain/How To Display |
|---|---|---|
| Notice to Employees – If a Job Injury Occurs | Washington State Department of Labor and Industries | Download or order from L&I; post where employees can see it and use the correct version for state insured or self insured employers |
| Job Safety and Health Law | Washington State Department of Labor and Industries | Available free from L&I; post in common employee areas and replace when new version is issued |
| Your Rights as a Worker | Washington State Department of Labor and Industries | Download from L&I; display in break rooms, near time clocks, and other high traffic locations |
| Employee Rights Under the FLSA | U.S. Department of Labor | Obtain free from DOL website; post with state posters where employees gather |
| Family and Medical Leave Act | U.S. Department of Labor | Download from DOL; include with federal poster set in employee common areas |
8. Additional Resources For Posters and Forms
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Required Workplace Posters
- U.S. Department of Labor Workplace Posters
- Washington State Employment Security Department Employer Resources
Washington Labor Law Posters: Conclusion
Keeping current posters displayed in conspicuous locations is a straightforward compliance step for Washington employers.
Assign a responsible person, check official L&I and federal pages for updated versions, provide language and electronic access as needed, and document periodic inspections to reduce legal risk.
Loading comments...