WDFW statement Dec. 13, 2024
In July, the Washington Department of Labor & Industries delivered two final citations that identified safety violations related to the Nisqually and Duckabush river incidents. On Oct. 1, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) submitted an update to L&I indicating that WDFW had taken the corrective actions identified in the citations.
Corrected issues include:
- Provide training records for staff who work on boats, non-motorized craft, swift water, and sampler assault training and,
- Provide field work safety plans for all water-based activities.
“We have completed the requirements of the two citations and continue to provide training and supplies to help staff mitigate risk,” said WDFW Director, Kelly Susewind. “We will continue to refine and implement safety protocols for the well-being of all our staff.”
While WDFW accepted and has worked to implement all corrective actions, WDFW did appeal the “willful serious” designation on two of the violations. That narrow appeal is still pending.
Previous WDFW statement on July 2024 L&I Nisqually River incident report: WDFW statement on July 2024 L&I Nisqually River citation | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Previous WDFW statement on July 2024 L&I Duckabush River incident report: WDFW statement on July 2024 L&I Duckabush River citation | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Initial statement on January 2024 Duckabush River incident: Duckabush River, Jefferson County Incident | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Media contact: communications@dfw.wa.gov