Washington has become the first state to sign into law legislation that would allow drivers to use restrooms when picking up or dropping off cargo at an industrial facility. One can imagine how long this has been going on due to class or race. Now women get to benefit from this law. Typically, drivers are refused access to in-house restroom facilities despite doing business with that company.
Some teeth has been added to the law. The state Department of Health can issue a warning letter if it see fit for a first violation. There can also be a fine levied of up to $300 for a violation. Governor Inslee signed House Bill 1457 in to law after it passed both the House and Senate during the recently concluded 2023 session.
The lead sponsor of the bill is state Rep. Eric Robertson, a Republican. The co-sponsors were all Democrats and women – Reps. Liz Berry, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Julia Reed and Mary Fosse,
A female is currently the CEO of the Washington Trucking Association. The group was a big part in getting the bill passed. Sheri Call, the association’s president and CEO, said it’s “asking for common courtesy” in pushing for bathroom access for drivers. She said that this was important legislation for female truckers. Call said that safe and unfettered access to in-house facilities is critical.
Based on the new law, bathrooms must not be located in an area where providing access would create an obvious health or safety risk to truckers or other employees. Also, the law was soft on the owners or shippers/receivers. They do not have to make any physical changes to a restroom. In place, the owner may have a company employee accompany a motor carrier to the restroom.
In the new law, truckers must be allowed to use an existing bathroom facility located either on the premises of or operated by the shipper or consignee if the restroom is also intended to be used by its employees or customers.
The state House last year passed legislation requiring bathroom access for drivers operating at ports. However, it fell short of mandating access for drivers operating at warehouses and distribution centers not located at ports.
