Washington’s Isolated Worker Law: What Employers Must Do Under 2SHB 1524

Washington’s Isolated Worker Law: What Employers Must Do Under 2SHB 1524

Washington’s recent “isolated worker” laws aim to protect employees who spend much of their shift working alone, often in settings where help is not immediately nearby. In 2025, the Legislature passed 2SHB 1524, which enhanced Washington’s existing isolated worker protections and established clearer requirements and enforcement. For many employers, the key point is this: if you have workers who are often alone, you must have a plan, training, and a reliable way for them to call for help quickly.   


Under the updated law, “isolated employees” generally include roles like hotel or motel housekeepers, room service attendants, janitors, security guards, and similar positions where a worker is alone for long periods or is not within immediate reach of a supervisor or coworker. The law applies to specific types of employers that employ these roles, such as hotels and motels, retail businesses, security guard agencies, and property services contractors. This is important because a business with only a few covered workers might still need to comply with the requirements.


The main requirements focus on prevention and quick response. Employers must establish a sexual harassment policy, offer training for isolated workers and supervisors, and ensure workers know how to report concerns. A key aspect is the “panic button” requirement, which is designed to give an isolated worker a fast way to call for help if they feel unsafe or are threatened. L&I is developing rules to clarify what counts as compliant, including expectations around training, resource lists, and how employers should respond when a device is activated.


For businesses, the challenges are real and can be costly or time-consuming, especially for small employers. Panic button solutions can be expensive, and employers also need to establish a response plan, train staff, track training completion, and keep records for potential review. If a workplace has weak cell service or large buildings, ensuring a device works everywhere can increase complexity. Additionally, enforcement is now clearer, with investigations and penalties for willful or repeat violations.


Overall, these isolated worker protections are a compliance and safety concern that employers should treat like any other workplace standard. The easiest way to handle this is to identify which roles are covered, select a reliable panic button option, train workers and supervisors, and keep thorough documentation. Businesses that establish a clear process now will be better prepared to avoid complaints, penalties, and disruptions later.

---

• 2SHB 1524 (2025) bill text and requirements.
• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Isolated Worker Protections overview.
• L&I rulemaking page for 2SHB 1524 implementation and Chapter 296-137 WAC.
• Chapter 296-137 WAC adoption document (panic buttons, training, resources).
• RCW 49.60.515 (isolated employee protections in state law).
  

​This article was written with contributions from AI to organize the information and improve its readability.