January/February 2024 Building Insight by BIAW

EDITORIAL STAFF COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Janelle Guthrie

FEATURED

CONTENT SPECIALIST Hannah Cassara

18 Celebrating CTE Month

VISUAL DESIGNER Lena Anderson

Finding qualified skilled trade professionals continues to be a challenge for builders across the country. During February, we bring awareness to the benefits of Career and Technical Education (CTE) by celebrating CTE Month.

BIAW MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Greg Lane

22 Theft on the jobsite

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Al Audette

Builders are losing billions of dollars due to jobsite theft every year, causing construction delays, displacing homeowners and driving up the final cost of homes.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Janelle Guthrie MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Jan Himebaugh MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Stephen Hyer

IN THIS ISSUE

ROII DIRECTOR Jenn Kavanaugh

President’s message

26 Professional Women in Building

ASSOCIATION SERVICES DIRECTOR Brenda Kwieciak

Executive Vice President’s Message

28 Local Happenings

GENERAL COUNSEL Ashli Tagoai

BIAW welcomes new Associate General Counsel

30 ROII: The first line of defense

Associate Spotlight

32 Condition your workplace for

gains ground in Washington

against workplace injuries

safety

Stephanie Artino and Brittanie Vaughn

CONTACT US For editorial inquiries, contact HannahC@biaw.com Interested in advertising in Building Insight? Contact communications@biaw.com www.BIAW.com Building Insight magazine is published on behalf of the Building Industry Association of Washington by Print Northwest.

10 New Certified Builder

34 Spot the safety violation

Jason Wilkinson, Prodigy Homes, Inc.

12 Did City of Berkley save natural

ON THE COVER

gas?

Lumber is just one of many items targeted by thieves on the jobsite. Builders are losing materials almost daily due to theft, causing delays and driving up the cost of homes. Read more on page 22.

14 Report: Planning & Development A Survey of Cities and Counties

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

@BuildingIndustryAssocWA

As always, we want to hear from you! We invite you to take a quick survey about your thoughts on Building Insight. Happy reading!

@biawofwa

@BIAofWA

Building Industry Association of Washington

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President’s message Welcome to 2024! I’m entering my year as your BIAW president with optimism for our industry and our association. And we’ll need all the optimism we can get as we make our way through a short legislative session and into a campaign season that promises to be full of action.

Battling the two-headed monster The legislative session is well underway. While we had some nice wins last session, we continue to battle the two-headed monster that’s keeping Washington home prices $200,000 higher than the national average.

Jay Roberts

BIAW Certified Builder President

One ugly head of the monster keeps spitting out policies that add unnecessary costs to the bottom line of building new homes. The other blocks opportunities to build by restricting access to land. As noted in the November/December Building Insight, our external affairs, communications and legal teams are working with members to battle this monster by raising awareness, passing pro-building legislation, blocking bad bills and protecting our industry in the courts. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Builder Legislative Action Day and Hammers & Highballs legislative reception. With more than 100 BIAW members meeting and mingling with legislators, we demonstrated the power of working together with the building industry to solve the state’s housing crisis.

Building the workforce of the future February is also the month we celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE). Across the state, local homebuilding association members regularly support CTE and trades education programs by serving on technical advisory groups, supporting education foundations, donating tools and mentoring youth.

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During Careers in Construction Month in October, I joined Education and Workforce Development Director Al Audette at the Chelan School of Innovation (CSI) to walk students through careers in the construction trades. CSI is just one of many pathways students in my area can take to graduation. It gives them opportunities to learn while also engaging in real work in the real world. You can read more about how to get involved in your local CTE programs in this month’s issue. As a member of the BIAW Workforce Development Advisory Group, you’re always welcome to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Membership matters Whether it’s advocating for our industry in the legislature, with the media or in the courts, BIAW’s strength lies in the power of our membership. As the largest trade association in the state, our association carries a great deal of credibility when it comes to educating and persuading policymakers. BIAW’s 2024 membership drive, BIAW Bracket Battle, gives everyone a chance to build our association and expand our influence by recruiting more builders, remodelers and associates to join our ranks. I encourage you to share the benefits of your membership with everyone who does business with you. With high profile elections ranging from the governor all the way to the president, there will undoubtedly be divisiveness and disagreements. It’s important we keep our eyes on the prize and continue to work together so more Washington families can enjoy the American Dream of homeownership. I’m grateful for your commitment to our industry and look forward to working with you all this year.

2024 Scholarship & Grant Applications are now open! Deadline: April 8, 2024

Who can apply for scholarships? n Washington state residents only n Students who will be applying to any Washington state accredited community, vocational/technical college, or university

Apply now

n Students who demonstrate a need for additional funding to complete their programs in a construction industry-related field of study

Who can apply for grants?

Apply now

Organizations requesting funding in a construction industry-related field of study (including but not limited to construction career training, continuing education, apprenticeship programs, and skills assessment programs). b u i l d i n g i n s i g ht | j a n u a r y/fe b r ua r y 2 0 2 4

Executive Vice President’s message I hope all is off to a good start for you in this new year. Thanks very much to everyone who attended the BIAW Winter Board Meeting, this year in Tacoma for the first time. Despite being forced to relocate the meeting out of Olympia, we thought the three-day meetings, including the annual Hill Day and legislative reception, were successful. The 2024 legislative session is a fast and furious one. Lasting just 60 days, the March 7 end is already in sight. The BIAW government affairs team is working hard to pass pro-housing and pro-business bills and defeat those that threaten the American Dream of homeownership by driving up the costs of buying a home in our state.

Stay involved during session I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating—we can’t do it without the help of our members! BIAW is most successful when its members are actively engaged and participating in the legislative process alongside our staff. There are multiple ways to follow along with everything that BIAW is working on at the Capitol.

■ Hammer & Nail weekly email newsletter Be sure to check your inbox each Monday for all the latest session news and updates. If you are not receiving the Hammer & Nail, please sign up at biaw.com to stay in the loop.

■ Sign up for text message action alerts

Greg Lane

For the latest calls to action, text “BIAW” to 50457 to sign up for text message alerts from our government affairs team. Save (360) 215-8655 as BIAW in your contact list.

Executive Vice President

■ Join our weekly members-only legislative calls Each Tuesday at 7:30 am during session, we host a Zoom call to update members on what is happening in the Legislature. If you would like to join these calls, please get in touch with BIAW Managing Director of External Affairs Jan Himebaugh at janh@biaw.com or (360) 352-7800 ext. 135.

■ Social media We also share many session updates on our social media channels. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.

Protecting energy choice While our advocacy team fights the Legislature’s attempt to ban natural gas (HB 1589), our legal team has gained momentum fighting the state’s new energy codes attacking natural gas in new construction. In early January, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request to rehear the case challenging the City of Berkeley’s natural gas ban before a full panel of the Court. This denial solidified the City of Berkley case as a binding precedent, further fueling our battle here in Washington state. You can read more about this case in this issue. On Jan. 23, 2024, BIAW and our coalition of aligned partners filed a second amended petition for declaratory judgment against the State Building Code Council (SBCC) for their unlawful attempts to circumvent the Berkley decision. This new filing asks the court to invalidate provisions of the new building codes. To date, BIAW’s legal strategy has forced the SBCC to delay implementation of their costly new energy codes twice, currently until March 2024. Be sure to watch for updates on this case, as we will be keeping you informed on the fight’s next steps through all our communication channels. 6

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BIAW welcomes new Associate General Counsel

UPCOMING CLASSES Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety* March 13 | HBATC - Kennewick DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared* March 14 | SHBA - Spokane Heat-Related Illness Awareness* (NEW!) March 15 | Online CESCL (Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead)

BIAW is excited to welcome Sydney Phillips as its new Associate General Counsel, joining forces with General Counsel Ashli Tagoai on the BIAW legal team. Before joining BIAW, Phillips served as Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel at the Freedom Foundation, an action-focused, non-profit policy organization in Olympia. Phillips has been practicing law in Washington since 2018. An experienced litigator, Phillips spent her first five years practicing before federal courts, Washington state courts, and local administrative agencies. Her experience includes having argued and won two cases before the Washington State Supreme Court, one of which resulted in a 9-0 decision. Originally from Canada, Phillips moved to the US for law school in 2015. Before attending law school, Phillips obtained an undergraduate degree in History with a focus on Canadian studies from Trent University. Phillips has made a point in her career to be involved in her community, including providing pro bono legal assistance to veterans and co-chairing a trial advocacy program for new attorneys. In her spare time, Phillips enjoys outdoor adventures with her wife and two dogs. You can find her with a good book and a cup of tea when she’s not outside.

March 19-20 | Online DOSH Inspections: Don’t be caught unprepared* March 20 | KBA - Bremerton Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety* March 21 | CWHBA - Yakima CESCL Recertification March 22 | Online Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety* March 26 | BIACC - Vancouver

* Free for ROII participants

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Associate Spotlight

Highlighting the integral role of our associate members with Stephanie Artino and Brittanie Vaughn by Hannah Cassara Content Specialist

Not your everyday number cruncher

Associate members are a vital component of our association and industry, providing the support, trade skills and materials every housing professional needs to do everyday business. They are our industry’s suppliers, service providers, and product manufacturers, making up two-thirds of BIAW’s membership base.

During her sophomore year of high school, Artino’s mom signed her up for an accounting class without her knowing. She enjoyed it so much she eventually took an administrative job at an accounting firm during her senior year. During college, she worked various jobs as a bookkeeper and staff accountant while she pursued her accounting degree.

Each year, BIAW’s Associate Advisory Council honors associate members who give back to our industry at the local, state and national levels with STAR Associate Awards. This month, we spotlight two recent recipients of this award, Stephanie Artino of the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County (BIAWC), and Brittanie Vaughn of the Central Washington Home Builders Association (CWHBA).

Artino’s company, Artino Advisory Group, located in downtown Bellingham, is a CPA firm focused

Artino Advisory Group, BIAWC

“When I was a new EO, Stephanie went out of her way to welcome me and give me invaluable information on the organization and its history,” Lee said.

BIAWC Executive Officer Rob Lee nominated Stephanie Artino of Artino Advisory Group for a STAR Associate Award for her many years of service to the association, chairing and serving on committees, as well as serving two terms as treasurer.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Stephanie Artino’s family settled in Federal Way in the early 90s. She then moved to Bellingham in 1996, where she attended Western Washington University, and it has been her home ever since.

Stephanie Artino

“I’m not the traditional number cruncher who just loves audits and tax,” she said. “I love the stories that the numbers tell about your business and what you can do with them.”

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“

I get to walk through life with my clients, and I can use my expertise to help them get results to create the stories they want in their business. — Stephanie Artino, BIAWC

on keeping businesses growing by providing advisory, tax and accounting services to construction, real estate and craft beer companies.

community, get to know more people in the industry that aligned with my profession, and build valuable, lasting relationships with other members,” she said.

A better understanding of the industry

“

To better understand her clients’ industries, Artino decided to join BIAWC in 2004. Attending meetings, serving on the board, planning events, and more has given her valuable knowledge of the issues affecting the building industry, helping her to serve her clients better. “As an associate, speaking the language and understanding the day-to-day struggles helps build relationships with those in the industry,” she said. Fostering strong relationships and becoming a trusted advisor is one reason Artino finds working with clients in the building industry so rewarding. “I get to walk through life with my clients, and I can use my expertise to help them get results to create the stories they want in their business.” To learn more about Artino Advisory Group, visit artinoadvisors.com.

Brittanie Vaughn

Cashmere Valley Bank, CWHBA CWHBA’s newest board member, Brittanie Vaughn of Cashmere Valley Bank in Yakima, has become a dedicated leader and a strong asset to the association in a short period of time. Those qualities prompted the CWHBA to nominate Vaughn for a STAR Associate Award. Vaughn lived all over Washington state as a child, but Yakima has been her home for the last decade. In 2009, she started as a teller at Cashmere Valley Bank, hoping to turn it into a career. She did just that, quickly working her way into management in about three years, starting as manager of a Yakima branch in 2014.

Not only have I been exposed to builders, new relationships in the community, and leadership opportunities, I’ve built relationships that have turned into lifelong friendships. — Brittanie Vaughn, CWHBA

Last year, she served as YPC chair, successfully hosting four networking and social events, a Habitat for Humanity Build Day, the annual YPC Tailgate Draft Party, and more. She has been an integral part of founding YPC leadership, bringing it to life from its inception in 2022.

A full-service community bank Cashmere Valley Bank was founded in 1932 by two brothers who moved to Cashmere after selling their interest in another bank in Odessa. The bank now has branches located in Yakima, Wenatchee, Cashmere, Chelan, Ellensburg, and Cle Elum, and a municipal banking office in Bellevue. In addition to traditional financial services, the bank offers investment, insurance, mortgage, equipment lease, and auto and marine dealer financing. Known as “the little bank with the big circle of friends,” Cashmere Valley Bank has been a member of CWHBA since opening its Yakima locations.

Developing leadership through YPC When Vaughn transferred to the mortgage department in 2021, where she currently works as a loan officer, she decided to get involved with CWHBA for networking benefits through the Young Professional Council (YPC).

Vaughn has also served as an active volunteer and sponsorship generator for the Tour of Homes, golf tournaments and the Home Expo. This year, she joined the CWHBA board of directors. “I have found so much value in participating in the CWHBA. Not only have I been exposed to builders, new relationships in the community, and leadership opportunities, I’ve built relationships that have turned into lifelong friendships,” she said. Learn more about Cashmere Valley Bank at cashmerevalleybank.com.

“Getting involved with CWHBA has been a great way to get involved in the

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Jason Wilkinson of Tri-Cities’ Prodigy Homes becomes newest Certified Builder by Hannah Cassara Content Specialist

Become a BIAW Certified Builder

BIAW is excited to announce Jason Wilkinson, owner and co-founder of Prodigy Homes, Inc., serving the Tri-City area as its next Certified Builder.

Tri-Cities (HBATC) and was honored to receive the BIAW STAR Builder Award in 2023. He currently serves as the president of the HBATC.

Wilkinson began his homebuilding career with a large national builder in 1998. After just a few short years, in 2002, Burgess Construction Consultants, Inc., ranked him among the top five percent of the best builders in the nation.

Wilkinson believes that he and his team are not only building quality homes but also building quality relationships along the way. “Our goal is and has always been deliver time and on It’stotime tohomes reach on higher. budget without compromising design or quality,” he said.

In 2003, Jason and his wife Jasmine moved to the Tri-Cities area to be closer to family and to raise a family of their own. With a passion for homebuilding and design, they founded Prodigy Homes in 2007 with one goal in mind: to provide their clients with “The Best Experience.” Those simple words now serve as the company’s tagline. Over time, Prodigy Homes has become a renowned name in the Tri-Cities region for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. They have received the “Best Workmanship” judge’s award in the Parade of Homes™ for the past ten consecutive years, as well as six “People’s Choice” awards and three “Best in Parade” awards. In 2022 and 2023, Prodigy Homes was voted TriCities Best Home Builder. Wilkinson takes pride in being a part of the Home Builders Association of

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Congratulations to Jason and the Prodigy Homes Inc. team for measuring up to become our next Certified Builder! To learn more about Prodigy Homes, Inc., visit homesbyprodigy.com. If you’re ready to prove you measure up, start your application today at BIAWCertifiedBuilder.com.

Will you measure up?

5 Valuable Benefits 1

Dedicated staff member to help achieve maximum success

2 Certified Builder toolkit with professional

marketing templates, logos, approved language and more that you can personalize and display digitally and in person

3 Public marketing campaign to give you and your company more exposure

4 Website with interactive map so potential

clients can find Certified Builders in their area

BIAW’s Certified Builder designation bridges the communication gap and offers more transparency between builders and home buyers. Becoming a Certified Builder shows your clients that you are completely vetted and creates a sense of trust.

5 First opportunity access to BIAW events and discounts on BIAW-partnered educational seminars and classes

APPLY TODAY AT

BIAWCertifiedBuilder.com

Face off against your fellow members across the state! Top recruiters in each bracket advance to the next round. Prizes TOP WINNER: Hotel and airfare for two to the 2025 International Builders Show RUNNER UP: Private Washington winery excursion 3rd & 4th PLACES: Cash prizes

How to register Learn more and sign up at

biaw.com/biaw-bracket-battle/ or scan the QR code

Registration end date: March 5 *All members must register in order to join the bracket competition b u i l d i n g i n s i g ht | j a n u a r y/fe b r ua r y 2 0 2 4

Legal Update

Did City of Berkeley save natural gas? by BIAW Legal Team

On Jan. 2, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied the City of Berkeley’s (“Berkeley”) request for rehearing by the full court. The denial occurred nearly nine months after a three-judge panel determined that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act (“EPCA”) preempted Berkeley’s building code banning natural gas. In 2019, Berkeley adopted an ordinance to prohibit natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. Shortly thereafter, the California Restaurant Association (the “Association”) sued Berkeley claiming that EPCA and California state law prevent a natural gas ban of this kind. The trial court dismissed the case, but on appeal, the Ninth Circuit decided that, per EPCA’s preemption, Berkeley could not use the elimination of natural gas infrastructure as a means to reduce natural gas consumption.

So, what is EPCA preemption? Preemption asks whether a federal law exists that precludes or prevents a state or local government from acting in conflict with that federal law. EPCA’s preemption provision preempts state laws that concern energy use of appliances. Therefore, in its amended opinion, the Ninth Circuit acknowledged that this case turned on the meaning of “energy use” as applied to Berkeley’s natural gas piping ban.

The Road to City of Berkeley The 1973 Oil Embargo and resulting oil shortage led America to rethink its energy policy and natural gas 12

consumption. In 1975, EPCA became the country’s first comprehensive energy policy, which aimed to reduce American reliance on natural gas.

and it does not touch whether local jurisdictions have any obligation to maintain or expand the availability of a utility’s delivery of natural gas to meters.

Initially, EPCA focused on providing energy efficiency information for consumer appliances, hoping that better-informed consumers would naturally gravitate toward alternative fuels. Finding that providing general consumer information was not resulting in the federal government’s anticipated outcome, Congress enacted the National Energy Conservation and Policy Act amendment to EPCA to prescribe minimum energy efficiency standards for certain consumer appliances.

The Court has given us two truths to take forward in our fight against natural gas bans. First, states cannot ban natural gas appliances in building codes. Second, states cannot effectively ban natural gas appliances by making it impossible for gas to get from the utility meter to the appliance.

Then, in 1987, considering the conflicting policy created by state regulations of energy, EPCA was amended by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, which established federal minimum efficiency standards for many household appliances. The appliances include furnaces, kitchen ranges, and ovens, which many homeowners prefer to run by natural gas.

So, what now? The Court held that local jurisdictions cannot circumvent EPCA’s preemption of building codes that outright ban natural gas appliances by instead banning the means by which natural gas gets transported to those appliances. When Berkeley alleged that this decision would require local jurisdictions to affirmatively make natural gas available everywhere, the Court was clear that holding of this case is narrow; it addresses building codes specifically,

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On Jan. 23, 2024, BIAW and aligned partners filed a second amended petition for declaratory judgment against the State Building Code Council for their unlawful attempts to circumvent the Berkley decision. For updates on this case, sign up for BIAW’s weekly newsletter, the Hammer & Nail, at biaw.com.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information is for general informational purposes only. This article contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user, or browser; BIAW and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

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Washington Center for Housing Studies

PLANNING& Development in Washington State

A Survey of Cities and Counties

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by Andrea Smith Policy & Research Manager

With nearly 88% of households priced out of purchasing a medianpriced new home in Washington state, BIAW’s government affairs team works tirelessly to educate state lawmakers on how their decisions contribute to the state’s housing affordability crisis. BIAW’s Washington Center for Housing Studies gathers the most relevant and accurate information on the issues that ultimately drive up the final price of homes in our state. A recent report published by the Center studies disparities between local jurisdictions’ planning and development processes. “Planning and Development in Washington State, A Survey of Cities and Counties,” takes a close look at how changes to laws and regulations impact review times and how applicants and other state agencies may help to streamline these processes. The survey invited every city and county in the state to respond. Of 320 jurisdictions, 66 responded.

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Impact fees Perhaps the most striking finding in this study is the inconsistent application and adoption of impact fees and associated increases.

5 of the counties surveyed reported they charged impact fees on new development.

WA cities imposing impact fees

School impact fees were among the most common impact fee assessed.

Fire 12%

WA county total impact fee charges County

Avg for Single Family

Avg for Multi-Family

King County $35,359 $19,831 Kitsap County

$7,007

$71,000

Snohomish County

$5,434

$15,332

% of cities reported imposing no impact fees. However, of the cities indicating Only they did charge impact fees, the most frequently utilized fees are traffic and park.

Traffic 28%

None 15%

School 17%

Park 27%

32 cities reported the average impact fees charged for single and multi-family projects. WA city total impact fee charges* City

Avg for Single Family

Avg for Multi-Family

North Bend $40,000 $22,365 Redmond $33,364 $210,570

Average city total impact fees assessed:

8,505

La Center $21,704 $307,605 Auburn $20,000 $350,000

for single-family

Mill Creek $19,898 $14,197

*A complete list of reporting cities can be viewed in the full report at biaw.com/research-center

for multi-family

What we found: Impact fees vary widely throughout jurisdictions and can be changed at any time during the year. Impact fee deferral and reform bills (HB 2451, SB 6284 and SB 6285) BIAW supported would have helped address some of these inconsistencies and set parameters for implementing or increasing impact fees. One useful reform would be to set a deadline for fees to actually be used (such as within 10 years of collection).

51,578

The Legislature could also require jurisdictions to report data to the Dept. of Commerce to better inform legislators’ decisions in future sessions. The Legislature should also explore ways to reform impact fees that increase costs to add to city and county housing stock. Using the city average total of $8,505 in impact fees assessed on a home, we can estimate the true cost to the homebuyer over the lifetime of their 30-year mortgage (assuming an 8% interest rate) will

21,263.

reach $

What are impact fees? Local governments under the GMA are authorized (not required) to impose impact fees. Impact fees can fund new or expanded public capital facilities needed to directly address the increased demand for services created by a new development, but only in the categories of:

Parks

Fire

Traffic

Schools

Learn more about how impact fees drive up the cost of new homes in Washington at biaw.com/impact-fees. 16

Problems: • Local jurisdictions can charge different impact fee rates for singlefamily residences than they do for multi-family residences. • Not all jurisdictions collect impact fees or collect impact fees in all four categories. • Impact fees cannot pay for existing deficiencies, ongoing costs (example: maintenance, operations, salaries, etc.), or for growth outside the jurisdiction where the fees are collected. • Impact fees cannot be the sole source of funding for any capital improvement. • Currently, local jurisdictions have 10 years to spend or dedicate impact fees to projects.

Minimum lot size requirements Most jurisdictions reported having minimum lot size requirements of

2,400 sq. ft. or larger.

While there are sometimes good reasons for minimum lot sizes, such as to include mandatory setbacks, larger lot size minimums can disincentivize the development of smaller square footage homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

WA city minimum lot size requirements (sq. ft.)*

WA county minimum lot size requirements (sq. ft.)*

City

Min. lot size

County

Min. lot size

Clyde Hill

20,000

Spokane County

7,500

Medina

16,000

Snohomish County

7,200

Bainbridge Island

12,500

Columbia County

7,200

Brier

12,500

Garfield County

5,000

Lyman

12,500

King County

2,500

6,170 ft2

Average minimum lot size:

5,300 ft2

WA cities

WA counties

*A complete list of reporting cities and counties can be viewed in the full report at biaw.com/research-center

Lot splitting HB 1245 addressed minimum lot size requirements by increasing more affordable housing options and potential “starter homes” in cities through lot splitting. The bill passed the House on the first day of the 2024 legislative session but did not advance in the Senate. BIAW will continue to support lot-splitting legislation in the future.

Permit and re-zoning timelines Another notable finding in this study was that there was no consistency in jurisdictions’ permit or zoning change review processes. Regardless of re-zoning application type, the most frequent re-zoning timeframe for cities and counties referenced was + years from submission to approval. Counties generally reported taking more than two years to approve permits for townhomes and condo projects.

Inconsistent classification of “missing middle” housing types Through this study, we also sought to understand how counties tracked housing permits by type. We found some jurisdictions classify all missing middle housing types (condos, townhouses, ADUs, etc.) as multifamily, while others classify them as single-family, causing confusion. Currently, estimates of middle housing types vary because of the lack of uniform reporting. Redefining these classifications would allow for more precise data collection that legislators could then use to better inform their decisions.

Other key findings • Counties tend to employ double the planning and review staff that cities employ. • With some exceptions, the larger the jurisdiction, the more inspections they require per project.

The average approval timeline for single-family permits was months.

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The range in both cities and counties in time from application to approval varies greatly and adds unintended costs to the construction of housing units. For example, each week of delay adds $ to the sales price of a home. However, as one respondent pointed out, it’s not always the fault of the local jurisdiction. State agencies with a hand in project review and approval should also streamline their internal processes.

1,100

About the Washington Center for Housing Studies Dedicated to comprehensive analysis and research of housing trends, policies and challenges in Washington state and situated at the intersection of academia, government and industry, the Center plays a pivotal role in shaping the discourse and strategies surrounding housing attainability. The Center equips decision-makers with the knowledge and tools needed to address the complex and evolving housing policy landscape. The information in this report is self-reported data points and personal perceptions of respondents who work in departments such as planning, community development and code administration. To view the full report as well as the rest of the Center’s special reports, visit biaw.com/research-center.

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cel

CTE ng i t a r b

Career and technical education in action by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

It’s no secret that Washington’s economy has a skills gap with nearly half of all jobs requiring skills training beyond the high school level. These jobs don’t necessarily require a four-year degree. That’s where Career and Technical Education (CTE) comes in. Every February, educators and skilled trades professionals team up to spotlight CTE Month. CTE programs start as early as middle school, then students can continue through high school and beyond. Homebuilders and homebuilding associations across Washington, including BIAW, support CTE in a variety of ways, to help address the growing workforce shortage in the homebuilding industry. 18

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Month

Olympia Master Builders (OMB) connects with United Way on evening upskilling program Prior to the pandemic, the United Way of Thurston County (UWTC) created the Education to Financial Stability Taskforce to break the cycle of poverty in the county. They discovered the difference in earnings between a non-skilled job and one requiring a technical certificate can be as high as $750,000 over a person’s career. Working with BIAW, OMB, South Puget Sound Community College, the New Market Skills Center and others, UWTC will soon be introducing an evening upskilling program where participants learn valuable trades skills using the National Association of Home Builders Home Builders Institute (HBI) curriculum and earn a pre-apprenticeship certificate.

Spokane Home Builders Frame the Future with Tiny Getaways Spokane Home Builders Association’s Frame Your Future Program has partnered with three local schools and the Spokane Tribe of Indians to build “Tiny Getaways” in the Spokane area. Condron Homes and Kelly Construction added finishing touches to a structure being built in Wellpinit with students from the tribe. Frame Your Future also partnered with Riverside High School’s advanced construction students to build a second tiny getaway, giving students hands-on experience they can use to pursue a career or just take care of their own homes in the future. The group currently has more projects underway.

Clark County builders present $120,000 to Vancouver Schools In early January, Clark County builders gathered to break ground for the 2024 GRO Parade of Homes in Vancouver. At the event, the Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIACC) Building Futures Foundation presented a $120,000 check to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. An anonymous donor provided the funds after attending the 2023 GRO Parade of Homes and learning how high school students needed more training programs to gain valuable construction trades skills. The funds will significantly enhance the construction program building at Hudson’s Bay High School. BIACC and Builders FirstSource of Vancouver also donated framing hammers for the upcoming workforce development event at Battle Ground High School led by Elizabeth Gomez of Bridge City Contracting. BIACC has hired a new staffer specifically to support their Building Futures Foundation and its mission to build the future workforce in Clark County. b u i l d i n g i n s i g ht | j a n u a r y/fe b r ua r y 2 0 2 4

SkillsUSA builds the future workforce SkillsUSA chapters are the backbone of Career and Technical Education, representing a robust community of nearly 400,000 students and educators across middle schools, high schools and postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSA students engage in hands-on learning across 140 occupational areas, spanning from 3-D Animation to Welding. They not only master industry-standard technical skills but also cultivate vital career-readiness attributes such as teamwork, communication, professionalism and leadership. More than 14.6 million diverse members have participated in SkillsUSA since its inception in 1965.

SkillsUSA Regionals SkillsUSA held its 2024 regional competitions in late January, and members of the Olympia Master Builders (OMB), Central Washington Home Builders Association (CWHBA), Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) and Master Builders Association of Pierce County all helped judge participant performances. CWHBA member Michael Canonge with Copper Hills Construction judged the carpentry competition at Yakima Valley Skills Center. Canonge competed in the SkillsUSA competition when he was in high school in Yakima, winning a scholarship and a variety of tools to help him start his career. Brian Burrow with the SHBA Frame Your Future Foundation volunteered at the Eastern Washington regional carpentry competition in Spokane, proctoring written exams and conducting mock interviews. Dan Garber with Redline Services Group, past president of Master Builders Pierce, judged the carpentry competition at the Pierce County Skills Center. OMB members, Daniel Doyle of Inspire Homes and Ryan Cantrell of Lifespan Construction, judged the carpentry competition at the New Market Skills Center in Tumwater. Maddy Cantrell, coowner of Lifespan Construction and others provided prizes. The Building Industry Association of Clark County also sponsored the regional carpentry competition in Portland.

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Connecting kids to construction Even before students have opportunities to choose CTE classes, there are several ways for them to explore the world of construction. Four local homebuilding associations help support hands-on activities in their communities throughout the year. Mark your calendars to check out these events:

Dozer Day Yakima April 20-21, 2024 State Fair Park, Yakima

Construction in Motion May 4, 2024 Kitsap County Fairgrounds, Bremerton

Dozer Day Puyallup May 18- 29, 2024 Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup

Dozer Day Vancouver Oct. 5-6, 2024 Clark County Fairgrounds, Vancouver

Technical advisory committees offer opportunities for influence, insight and engagement Many builders and remodelers across Washington contribute their time and talent to local CTE technical advisory committees. Through this work, they’re developing the next generation of trades workers needed to build and remodel homes in our state. Technical advisory committees give builders, remodelers and others in our industry an opportunity to provide input and guidance to the education community at skills centers, community and technical colleges and universities. What’s expected of you?

Active participation, commitment and accountability ■ Actively engage in meetings, discussions, and activities related to the advisory group’s objectives ■ Attend meetings regularly ■ Be prepared by reviewing relevant materials and completing assigned activities ■ Contribute to discussions by sharing insights, perspectives and ideas ■ Know your involvement and input are valuable

Expertise and knowledge ■ Bring expertise, knowledge or experience in a specific area ■ Share valuable insights and recommendations ■ Provide guidance on industry-specific issues

Objective and constructive feedback ■ Provide objective and constructive feedback in a respectful manner to improve the learning environment ■ Review and give input on policies, programs, initiatives, or strategies

Collaboration and teamwork ■ Actively listen to others ■ Consider different perspectives ■ Find common ground to reach consensus or make recommendations

Confidentiality and trust ■ Respect sensitive information or discussions requiring confidentiality ■ Maintain a high level of trust within the group ■ Ensure a safe environment for open and honest dialogue

Representing stakeholders ■ Represent the interests and perspectives of the residential construction industry ■ Keep industry issues in mind when participating in discussions and decision-making processes

Interested in getting involved? For more information, contact BIAW Education and Workforce Development Director Al Audette at (360) 352-7800 x 105 or ala@biaw.com.

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DEALING

WITH

THEFT

ON THE JOBSITE

by Hannah Cassara Content Specialist

Every year, builders lose billions of dollars due to jobsite theft. The losses from theft affect builders’ bottom lines, drive up costs due to replacement, and create unnecessary delays for families waiting to move into new homes. Not only do builders absorb the cost of replacing the stolen materials, but most times,

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the project will be put on hold while they wait for items to be available again and reschedule subcontractors, further multiplying the cost of the loss. These delays are not just costly to the builder but also to the homeowners waiting to move into their new home. Families can be displaced while they wait for their new homes to be finished, adding even more cost.

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Builders are getting robbed daily and just giving up hope because we feel helpless in the fight against property crimes. These losses just add to the cost of housing. — Kurt Wilson, Soundbuilt Homes

Scott Walker, member of the Master Builders Association of Pierce County and vice president of Rush Residential in Gig Harbor, says his company experiences jobsite theft on a weekly basis. He said to recover those losses, as much as $30,000 to $40,000 extra can be tacked onto the final price of each home sold.

“The cost of the theft is going to be built into each and every home that is sold in the future,” Walker said. With 88% of households in Washington already unable to afford a median-priced home, these additional costs worsen the problem, pricing out even more families.

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Rush Residential, Gig Harbor On Oct. 23, 2023, at 1:30 am, a Rush Residential jobsite in Puyallup lost at least $7,000 in wiring, sheetrock and plywood. Walker shared his story and security camera footage with KIRO 7 News to raise awareness of this growing issue. In the footage, thieves are seen arriving at the neighborhood where the jobsite was located in a white box truck and later carrying loads of materials from the site to the truck. In footage Walker shared from another site, thieves are seen tampering with security cameras before stealing materials. “Jobsite theft does not discriminate by zip code. It is in every plat, custom homes, large plats, they all get hit,” Walker said.

Scott Walker of Rush Residential recently shared his company’s costly experiences with jobsite theft on KIRO 7 News. (credit: KIRO7.com)

Soundbuilt Homes, Puyallup Soundbuilt Homes in Puyallup has battled the consequences of jobsite theft many times over the years. Owned by Kurt Wilson, a member of the Master Builders Association of Pierce County, the company had 13 cases of reported theft in 2023 alone. Wilson said they have seen a recent rise in thieves cutting and stealing exposed copper heat pump lines. They have also recently had temporary construction fencing stolen. In one instance, thieves drove through the temporary fencing to break into a jobsite storage container, stealing light fixtures and other items. And on a jobsite in Spanaway, thieves spotted items laid out by electricians through windows before shattering a sliding glass door to steal the home’s entire light package and trim materials. “Builders are getting robbed daily and just giving up hope because we feel helpless in the fight against property crimes. These losses just add to the cost of housing,” Wilson said. “We catch people on our own, turn over the evidence, and the criminals either don’t get prosecuted or get off with a slap on the wrist even though the crime rises to a felony level.”

Colfield Contracting, Walla Walla In June 2022, Colfield Contracting, Inc., a Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities member located in Walla Walla, lost two utility trailers left at a jobsite to thieves. While they managed to recover the larger trailer, both doors were damaged, and 24

all the valuable items inside were stolen. They lost over $30,000 worth of tools and equipment. According to a company representative, the jobsite where the trailers were stolen was secluded at the end of a road and not easily seen from the main road. The incident caused them to miss a full day of work, which was spent purchasing replacement tools to keep the project going to meet their deadline. Their insurance claim covered the loss of the smaller trailer but not the loss of its contents. Law enforcement filed a basic report of the incident, but no results came from their efforts. “It is so demoralizing for us to work so hard only to be set so far backward,” the representative said.

WA’s struggling law enforcement According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Washington is the worst state in the nation for police staffing per capita and has held that title for over a decade. Violent crimes take precedence over misdemeanor-level crimes, such as property crimes, because there simply isn’t enough staff to respond to them. Stephanie Caylor, property manager for Soundbuilt Homes, said they once reported $1,000 of stolen plywood only for authorities to tell them it wasn’t worth their time pursuing. And when officers do

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respond, she said it is usually not nearly as quickly as they would like. Of Soundbuilt Homes’ 13 reported theft cases last year, none have produced any outcome. Caylor said the company was previously enrolled in a theft protection program between Master Builders Pierce and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. The program was tasked with periodically patrolling communities for suspicious activity. However, the agreement ended in 2021 when the program was forced to make cutbacks due to a lack of staffing.

Clearing barriers for law enforcement Local government leaders report that police reform bills approved in 2021 have contributed to an increase in crime by restricting law enforcement’s ability to pursue people involved in crimes. A spokesperson from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department recommended builders concerned about property theft support changes to the state’s pursuit laws as a way to make it easier for law enforcement to act. Endorsed by the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS), Initiative 2113 would remove some of the restrictions passed in 2021 and allow law enforcement more freedom to pursue those suspected of property and other crimes. Unless the Legislature chooses to pass I-2113, it will appear on the November ballot for voter approval.

Take action now to deter thieves moving forward by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

While determined thieves work hard to thwart all efforts to protect jobsites from nefarious activity, builders can discourage more casual or lazy criminals using some simple deterrence measures. Central Washington Home Builders Association member and past BIAW Second Vice President Ryan Moore, Commercial Insurance Advisor for HUB International, offers the following recommendations:

■ Keep jobsites fenced and lit after hours. Criminals don’t like to work under a spotlight.

■ Lock up tools and materials in a secure location. Avoid leaving things out in the open or unattended for a period of time.

■ Make sure to lock doors and windows once they’re installed in a home.

■ If you’re building a larger subdivision, consider hiring a part-time security company to do occasional drivethroughs, which can drastically reduce crime rates. A Builder Magazine story from June 2022 echoed warnings about leaving materials easily accessible. They also recommended:

Taking inventory of larger, more expensive equipment Founded in 2001, the National Equipment Register (NER) manages a national database that records equipment theft and ownership records. The register also assists insurers and works with law enforcement agencies. Focusing primarily on heavy

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equipment theft, NER offers a HELPtech database for companies to register their machinery. Companies can purchase their IRONwatch GPS tracking system and use the IRONcheck system to check to see if anyone previously reported machinery stolen or to report a theft.

Marking tools with identifying information Builder Magazine recommends marking tools, equipment, and machinery with your company name, location, and identification number. Both Builder Magazine and others suggest placing these markings in both conspicuous and inconspicuous places both to deter theft and make it harder to obscure the information if things are stolen. The City of Kennewick also suggests painting all your larger equipment a distinctive color and including your company name or logo all over. The Kennewick Police Crime Prevention program worked with the Home Builders Association of the Tri-Cities and Tri-Cities Crime Stoppers to reduce thefts and increase accountability for thieves. Additional tips include:

■ Posting signs ■ Investing in surveillance cameras ■ Limiting jobsite access using padlocks and keycodes ■ Conducting thorough background checks of all employees and subcontractors who have access to the site

■ Limiting your inventory on-site and relying on “just-in-time” deliveries

Jobsite theft does not discriminate by zip code. It is in every plat, custom homes, large plats, they all get hit. — Scott Walker, Rush Residential

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Professional Women in Building Council gains ground in Washington

BIAW Past Second Vice President Luellen Smith led a Professional Women in Building informational meeting at the 2024 BIAW Winter Board Meeting with more than 50 men and women in attendance.

by Janelle Guthrie Communications Director

As BIAW Imm. Past Second Vice President Luellen Smith steps up to chair the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Council at the International Builders Show in February, she’s spearheading an effort to establish a state Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council in Washington as well. Washington currently has three PWB Councils in the state. A group of women at the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) formed the state’s first PWB Council in 2005, Olympia Master Builders launched its council just before the pandemic, and the Building Industry Association of Clark County chartered its council in 2023. Members of all three councils, as well as others interested in establishing a BIAW PWB Council, met at the BIAW Winter Board Meeting in Tacoma for the inaugural PWB introduction meeting. 26

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Laying the groundwork At the introductory meeting, members discussed plans for establishing a future BIAW PWB Council, including introducing bylaw changes in late 2024 or early 2025. “I am excited to contribute to the growth and impact of PWB within BIAW by formally establishing a state council,” Smith said. “Having formal meetings at BIAW’s board meetings will allow us to share resources, encourage leadership development, and strengthen the framework for our local HBA PWB councils to thrive.”

General Contractor Gina Carlson with her team at the Olympia Master Builders’ 2023 Remodeling Excellence Awards. (l-r: Chris Ruef, Tim Forhan, Carlson and Rick Haws)

Why PWB? Joining a local PWB council or becoming a national at-large member opens doors to a supportive network, Smith says. General Contractor and winner of multiple state and national remodeling excellence awards, Gina Carlson of Dunamis Interiors and Design Build actively participates in events like Contractors Roundtable at the Olympia Master Builders. She credits PWB with encouraging women to succeed in the industry. “With over 30 years in the construction industry under my belt, I have experienced the value or my worth as a woman as

well as other women I’ve had the privilege to work with,” Carlson said. “We need more of a good thing, and PWB fills that need.” Whether you’re connecting locally or nationally, PWB provides a platform to share insights about residential construction, Smith said. “If you find yourself in an area without an established PWB Council, fear not—you can still join as an NAHB member and access the PWB community, resources and national events. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of PWB.”

Benefits of PWB

■ Discounts on PWB event registration online and in-person ■ Free Building Women magazine subscription ■ Free listing in the National Association of Home Builders Council Membership Directory ■ Access to various national recognition programs, scholarships, grants and awards ■ Networking and social events throughout the year ■ Opportunity to mentor future women leaders in the construction industry How to join Members of MBAKS, OMB and BIACC can join their local PWB Councils by contacting their local associations. Members of other local associations may join the NAHB PWB Council as an At-Large Member. Learn more at: www.nahb.org/nahb-community/councils/professional-women-in-building-council FYI: PWB isn’t just for women, anyone is welcome to join PWB.

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Local Happenings

[1] BIAW President Jay Roberts installs 2024 Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities (HBATC) President Jason Wilkinson of Prodigy Homes, Vice President Jen Schneider of Schneider Construction, Secretary/Treasurer Joel Tanasse of Fred’s Appliance Kennewick, Board Member Matt Mahany of Soft Water Specialists LLC, and Board Member John Mattson of American Rock Products at the HBATC General Membership Meeting on Jan. 24. [2] Master Builders Association of Pierce County (MBAPC) presented 2024 MBAPC Immediate Past President Dan Garber of Redline Services Group with the 2023 President’s Award during the MBAPC 2023 President’s Gala & Awards Celebration, presented by Laer Enterprises, on Dec. 14, 2023, at Silver Cloud Point Ruston. [3] Melissa Brewer of M.B. Design received the Central Washington Home Builders Association (CWHBA) 2023 Remodeler of the Year award during the Anchored in Excellence CWHBA Gala, presented by Les Schwab Tire Center on Dec. 14, 28

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2023, at the Yakima Valley College Conference Center. The event honored industry leaders and installed CWHBA’s 2024 leadership. CWHBA Government Affairs Director Andi Hochleutner presented the award. [4] The Lower Columbia Contractors Association (LCCA) installed its 2024 officers during its annual installation event on Feb. 8, 2024, with BIAW 2021 President Tracey Doriot leading the ceremony. [5] 2024 Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) President Trevor Johnson (left) of Blackwood Builders Group was installed along with the rest of the 2024 MBAKS leadership during the 2023 MBAKS Holiday Gala and Installation of Officers on Dec. 14, 2023, at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. 2023 MBAKS President Traci Tenhulzen (right) of Tenhulzen Residential ended her year as president and was installed as the 2024 Immediate Past President.

[6] The Kitsap Builders Association (KBA) installed its 2024 Board of Directors during the 2024 Installation Brunch on Nov. 10, 2023, at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club in Bremerton. (l to r) Jerad Rains, Megan Shay, Kellen Bond, Jake Carter, Brady Mueller, Ellen Ross-Cardoso, Steve Sego, Ron Perkerewicz, Eric Peterson, Bethanie Hernandez, Mark Eisses, Kane Fenner, Brandon Wieschhaus, Jake Able (photo credit: Amanda McGlynn, The Kitsap Life). [7] The Olympia Master Builders (OMB) Christmas Party took place on Dec. 8, 2023, at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake. During the event, BIAW Communications Director Janelle Guthrie led the installation of the 2024 OMB Executive Officers and Chris Winters took the lead as OMB’s 2024 president. [8] The Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA) 2024 board and president were installed at SICBA’s annual Christmas Party and Installation Banquet held Dec. 12, 2023, at the Swinomish Yacht Club in La Conner. (l to r) Jason Joiner of People’s Bank, Bob Johnson of Ward Johnson Masonry & Tile, Gary Wray of Laser Construction, Becki Bell of WaFd, April Moore of Mountain Pacific Bank, Kim Piazza of John Piazza Jr. Construction & Remodeling, Dee Dee Swartz of Olympus Containers, Hugo Prado of PNW Construction and Energy Services, Charles Locke of Back in the Woods Works, Josh Williamson of True Bearing Built, and Kathy Sanchez of Northwestern Mutual. [9] The Building Industry Association of Clark County and GRO broke ground for the 2024 GRO Parade of Homes in Vancouver on Jan. 3, at Reserve at Lake River. Alongside the groundbreaking, the Building Futures Foundation presented a $120,000 donation to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. b u i l d i n g i n s i g ht | j a n u a r y/fe b r ua r y 2 0 2 4

ROII: The first line of defense against workplace injuries by Leah Jaber ROII Marketing Manager

As an employer, you want to do everything you can to keep your employees safe. You probably already have a number of safety protocols in place, but do you know why they’re so important? Or what happens when those protocols break down?

to-work experience. Businesses that participate and share our goal can earn an average refund of 38 percent on their L&I workers’ comp premiums. Only ROII has returned over $500 million in refunds to participating companies since 1982.

That’s where we come in. We’ll help you identify risks and offer suggestions for alternative safety measures or equipment to help prevent injuries from happening. At ROII, we believe that a safe workplace is not only better for employees—it’s better for business. Our goal is to help you eliminate injuries through improvements in workplace safety and preventative strategies. If an employee is injured, we’ll help you help them get better quicker with a successful return-

There are no hidden fees or charges when you choose ROII. We’re one of the most trusted names in the industry, and we’re here to give you the best possible experience. If you’re interested in keeping your company and employees safe while earning outstanding refunds, get started at ROII.com.

IN-HOUSE SERVICES YOU CAN COUNT ON What’s the best part of ROII? We know it’s hard to pick just one thing. While ROII offers more services than you can shake a 2x4 at, here’s a peek into some of our participants’ favorites:

Claims Assistance

Safety and Prevention

Risk Management

Return-to-Work

Our seasoned claim reps go straight to L&I on your behalf to get claims closed quicker. Rest assured; we’ll keep a pulse on your claim every step of the way.

The best injury claim is the one that never happens. Because prevention is our top priority, we’re here to help you develop and implement effective safety strategies.

Our job is to identify risks and assist you with implementing preventative measures to avoid claims from happening. If a claim does occur, we offer strategies to help control the severity and cost of the injury.

Our goal is to keep injured workers engaged in the recovery process and connected with their employers to help ensure better outcomes. Each claim is unique, as is our customized return-to-work strategy approach.

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TESTIMONIALS

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At Rush, safety is a top priority for our team so participating in a retro program is a smart business move. ROII helps our company with safety and claims, and we can earn sizeable refunds. Our participation also benefits the construction industry on a state and local level. It’s a win-win and critical to our success.

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— Scott Walker Rush Residential, Gig Harbor

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When it comes to safety and prevention, the field reps at ROII know their stuff. With their help, we were able to decrease our claims by over half after implementing a stretch program on the jobsite and after long drives. The visit didn’t cost me a thing, but because of this small change, we will be receiving our highest refund this plan year.

— Deacon Band Band Construction Inc, Spokane

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— Stephanie Stremler Creative Stoneworks, Inc., Bellingham

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I heard about ROII 10 years ago, but all I saw was paperwork. As my business grew, I realized the benefit far outweighed the paperwork. We’re always safe, so why not get rewarded for it?

— Luke Shifflett Titan Builders, Sequim

The BIAW ROII program has been an integral part of our business. Our team has access to a vast field of knowledge and support for workplace safety and claims management. In addition to these resources is a sizable refund check on premiums paid to L&I. I cannot imagine existing without this program.

We had a tricky claim that could have cost us over $160,000. Our ROII claim representative was there with us every step of the way, and the support that ROII gives us is invaluable. Even after the claim was closed, they came out to help us with best hiring practices, and they are coming out to have a staff safety training day. We couldn’t have done it without them! — Joe Anderson Anderson Landscaping, Wenatchee

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The care they take to help me with a claim or even answering a simple question is unmatched. It’s great knowing the experts at ROII have my back.

— Pam Kulcinski River City Enterprises, Vancouver

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ROII Safety Services

Condition your workforce for safety by Bob White ROII Safety Services Director

As the safety director for ROII, I have the opportunity to research more injury cases than many people. Even though our job at ROII deals with injury claims, it is heartbreaking for us when a severe injury or fatality occurs. Seeing life-changing injuries and their effects on families leaves us asking, “Why did this happen?” or “How could this have been avoided?” Sadly, the answer is all too often: no one thought to consider the element of safety. Safety rules, regulations, training and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) all have their place in the picture of safety. However, unless employees think to use this training, knowledge and equipment, they do not serve their purpose. Many employers tell me:

“Even after our weekly safety meetings and other training we provide for our employees, they still forget to put on their safety glasses, hook up fall protection, wear their hard hats or secure their ladder.” Any seasoned L&I safety inspector will tell you, “The biggest reason we write employers so many safety citations are because employees seem to get tunnel vision when they do a task. They are concentrating on their task, and they simply forget about safety.” So, after years of researching injury claims, the million-dollar question began to stir within me.

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As an employer, how do you cause an employee to consider the element of safety as an automatic second-nature response every time they perform a task? Can an employee be conditioned to widen their ‘tunnel vision’ enough so that the element of safety comes to mind automatically? Can you blame employees for forgetting about safety when they haven’t been trained in a way that builds good safety habits? Safety has to become part of who you are in a way that changes your mindset when you look at a task. I built ROII’s Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety to get at the root causes of why most accidents occur that the safety industry seldom talks about. It is a safety class like no other.

Upcoming classes: Free to ROII participants March 21 | 9 am - 12 pm Yakima March 26 | 9 am - 12 pm Vancouver April 10 | 9 am -12 pm Online April 30 | 9 am -12 pm Bellingham To join a class, visit biaw.com/classes.

ROII Safety Services Director Bob White has served the members of BIAW since 1999. In 2011, he was appointed as safety services director for BIAW’s ROII program, helping participants work safer and avoid costly workers’ compensation claims and safety violations.

If you are an ROII participant and would like to receive regular safety updates, or have ideas for safety topics, please contact Bob at (360) 352-7800 ext. 109 or bobw@biaw.com. Not an ROII member? Learn more about ROII at roii.com.

EDUCATION ROII believes that education plays a pivotal role in preventing workplace injuries by arming employees with the know-how to steer clear of potential dangers. When workers are educated about safety protocols, equipment usage, and risk factors, they’re more likely to make informed decisions that contribute to a safe work environment. Think of it like giving someone a roadmap to navigate a hazardous terrain. Education provides the guidance needed to avoid

pitfalls which can lead to fewer accidents. It’s not just about ticking off compliance boxes; it’s about instilling a practical understanding that can be applied daily. Well-educated employees become proactive guardians of their own safety and that of their colleagues, creating a workplace culture that prioritizes safety through shared knowledge and awareness. In essence, education serves as the cornerstone for building a safer and accident-resistant professional landscape.

UPCOMING ROII-SPONSORED CLASSES Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety March 13 | HBATC - Kennewick DOSH Inspections: Don’t be Caught Unprepared March 14 | SHBA - Spokane

W! NE Heat-Related Illness Awareness March 15 | Online DOSH Inspections: Don’t be Caught Unprepared March 20 | KBA - Bremerton Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety March 21 | CWHBA - Yakima Help Minimize Risk: Condition Your Workforce for Safety March 26 | BIACC - Vancouver

Register at: biaw.com/classes ROII-sponsored classes are free to ROII participants b u i l d i n g i n s i g ht | j a n u a r y/fe b r ua r y 2 0 2 4

ROII Safety Services

Can you spot the safety violations? Test your safety knowledge and see if you can find the safety violation(s) below.

Bob White, ROII Safety Services Director Your attention to safety could save lives! Find the safety violation(s) in the picture above and email it to me at bobw@biaw.com for a chance to win a prize.

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Want to level up your safety game? Get started at roii.com/inquiry

HEALTHY WORKFORCE NEEDS A

FOUNDATION BIAWHealthTrust.com

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Building Industry Association of Washington 300 Deschutes Way SW, Ste. 300 | Tumwater, WA 98501 (360) 352-7800 | BIAW.com |

Empower and inspire the next generation of builders

Contribute to the Washington Home Builders Foundation The Washington Home Builders Foundation (WHBF) was founded in 2012 by BIAW to address educational and workforce needs within the building industry through charitable activities. The Washington Home Builders Foundation empowers and inspires the next generation of builders by advancing building-related education, unlocking academic opportunities and career possibilities while fostering a culture of innovation, enthusiasm and excellence in the building industry. Since its inception, the Washington Home Builders Foundation and BIAW have awarded over $830,000 in scholarships and grants. The Washington Home Builders Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization as classified by the Internal Revenue Code. Your donations may be eligible for charitable contribution tax deductions.

Look good, do good. All purchases from our BIAW Swag Shop help fund the Washington Home Builders Foundation.

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