State employee vaccine mandate; how to verify your vaccination

 WSDA Human Resources Office

Photo courtesy of USDA

Gov. Jay Inslee’s Aug. 10 Proclamation 21-14 requires state cabinet agency employees to be fully vaccinated with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine by Oct. 18, 2021, as a condition of employment. This mandate applies to WSDA, and our Human Resources (HR) Office will verify employees’ vaccination status. 

The Attorney General’s Office has advised agencies not to retain digital images of individual’s vaccination cards. Therefore, HR will need to verify employee vaccination status by viewing each employee’s documentation in real-time over Microsoft Teams. 

Book an appointment

Employees will schedule a Teams video appointment with HR, using the “Bookings” scheduling tool set up for this purpose: WSDA Vaccination Verification Bookings. IT has also provided a direct link to the Bookings site via an icon loaded on computer desktops and agency-issued mobile devices.  

Attached is an instruction guide that walks you through the process of making an appointment with Bookings. Note that Bookings will not work properly on the Internet Explorer web browser. Use either Edge or Chrome to schedule your appointment.  If you have trouble opening Bookings, contact the IT Service Desk at ServiceDesk@agr.wa.gov or call 360-902-2008. 

Those who do not have easy access to Teams, or have other special circumstances (remote, shift schedules, etc.) will receive instructions from their division or program. 

How to verify

Each verification appointment will last no more than seven minutes. During the appointment, a member of HR staff will confirm your name, position and personnel ID numbers, division, and date of final COVID-19 vaccination. 

To verify vaccination status, you will need to show HR your proof of vaccination over video. Types of proof permitted: 

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.
• Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider or electronic record.
• State immunization information system record. 

Personal assurance of vaccination without documentation will not be accepted.

To efficiently process the volume of agency staff, these verification appointments will be kept brief. The HR reps will not be able to answer employees’ questions or take comments during these appointments. 

Questions and comments may be sent to the Human Resources Office mailbox at hresources@agr.wa.gov.  

Vaccination card questions

If you’ve lost your vaccination card, create an account and log in to MyIR (“My Immunization Registry”) to look up your COVID-19 vaccination record. Take a screenshot or photo of the information. You can also get help with your vaccination record by calling 833-VAX-HELP or emailing waiisrecords@doh.wa.gov.

Creating or purchasing unauthorized vaccine cards is illegal and punishable under federal law with penalties that may include fines and prison time.

Act now

If you are already fully vaccinated, schedule your verification appointment with HR as soon as possible. Please do not schedule an appointment until after receiving your last shot. 

Do not schedule a verification appointment if you plan to request an exemption from vaccination. That is a separate process. See more details in the Insider blog post State employee vaccine mandate; requesting exemption and accommodation. 

If you are not yet vaccinated, schedule a vaccination appointment or visit a drop-in clinic soon. Contact your health care provider, or find an appointment through the Department of Health’s Vaccine Finder tool. 

To be considered fully vaccinated by Oct. 18, you must have received your second dose of a two-dose vaccine or a single-dose vaccine by Oct. 4. If you get a two-dose vaccine series, you need get your first dose of Moderna by Sept. 6 or Pfizer by Sept. 13.

Vaccine information

Do you have questions about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines? Consult credible, official sources for information about safety, effectiveness and other concerns. 

From Washington State Department of Health:

• Answers to frequently asked questions 
• Myths vs. facts – What’s what and how to tell the difference 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

If you have additional questions you may contact WSDA Human Resources at hresources@agr.wa.gov. 

In summary: All state cabinet agency employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18 as a condition of employment. The WSDA Human Resources Office will verify employees’ vaccination status. This Insider blog post describes the process for verifying employees’ vaccination. 

Five win prizes in latest QUICK Award drawing

 Kathy Davis, Communications

Robert Flores

Five WSDA employees became eligible to select a prize because their names were randomly selected from the full list of all those receiving a QUICK Awards during the second quarter of 2021. Agencywide, employees handed out 48 awards to their coworkers, with 32 awarded in Eastern Washington and 16 in Western Washington.

QUICK Awards are presented by employees who see their peers demonstrating good work and service to others – either inside or outside the agency. Below are the prize recipients from the most recent drawing.

Cassie Cichorz – Plant Protection, Pest Program, Olympia
Cassie's leadership and dedication was essential for WSDA's first ever Asian Giant Hornet Seminar as she assembled a robust group of speakers with great topics for upcoming AGH season for 91 state workers, education employees and volunteers from 26 states, and three countries for this two-day virtual meeting. Job well done Cassie! - Jason Gambill

Cassie Cichorz with an 
Asian giant hornet nest.

Robert Flores – Administrative Services, Information Technology, Olympia
Robert went out of his way to try to restore a much needed software program on my computer. A lot of great detective work and amounted to a successful outcome. Thanks Robert. - Ashlee-Rose Ferguson

Richard McCabe – Commodity Inspection, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Othello
For following up on F&V staff safety concerns in the Othello/ Royal City/ Moses Lake areas during the COVID 19 event. Dealing with difficult customers and providing a safe work environment for staff. Thank you Richard! – Brenda Buckmiller

John Rivas – Commodity Inspection, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Pasco
For working with a new auditee, making them feel comfortable during their first audit. Quoting from this customer’s email: “Thank you so much for your help in sending the paperwork and scheduling the audit in the middle of your busy schedule. John Rives was respectful and patient and friendly, making me feel more comfortable and able to focus on the audit… Overall I had a pleasant experience with your outfit, very professional and responsive.” – Lonnie Marlin

Richard McCabe

Maria Valle – Commodity Inspection, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Yakima
Maria assisted the Seed Program by offering two (staff) from F&V to work for us to issue phytosanitary certificates. The staff are conscientious workers with the seed stakeholders and were proficient, accurate and timely… I appreciate having the open door with F&V to assist with our needs during an unforeseen vacancy… Thank you for being so easy to work with and know that we are here to assist as a good neighbor anytime. – Paula M. Moore

Congratulations to all WSDA employees, listed below, who were recognized with a QUICK Award from a colleague between April 1 and June 30, 2021. 

Eastern Washington
Lonnie Marlin, Michael Romias, Addie Siebol, Ricardo Cisneros, Oli Silva, Anthony Pleasant, Mike Daniels, Amanda King, Kevin Sauve, Jeff Sterbenz, Kim Gohl, Julie Barboza, Annette DeLong, Mark Buechler, Ken Crow, Brianna Hallenbeck, Brandy Thompson, Casey Litt, Larry Southard, Claudia Lozano-Saucedo, Sarah Pugh, David Bryson, Erin Coyle, Jim Nelson, Robert Newell, Tracy Boosinger, Kevin Melone

John Rivas

Western Washington
Kathy Bernard, Sidney Black, Cody Buchanan, Sapphitah Dickereson, Rachel Furth, Nick Johnson, Stacy Laney, Candice Lyall, Robin Mesier, Carol Schmidt, Eddie Simons, Roger Smith, Cajsha White 

September 30 next drawing deadline

When you catch one of your coworkers doing something special for staff or customers, why not let them know with a QUICK Award? You can find the award form on the intranet. Forms are also available from your division coordinator or agency receptionists.

In summary: WSDA staff presented 48 QUICK Awards during the second quarter of 2021. Five names were randomly drawn to receive prizes. See who they are and why they were recognized by their colleagues. Insider now also lists all employees who received QUICK Awards during the previous quarter.

New rules aim to protect outdoor workers from wildfire smoke

 Kathy Davis, Communications 

Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Natural Resources.

With nearly double the rate of wildfires reported across Washington State still early in this fire season, new rules aim to help protect outdoor workers from the health risks of being exposed to wildfire smoke. 

On July 16, the state Department of Labor & Industries filed emergency rules that spell out responsibilities for employers, including state agencies like WSDA, to identify harmful smoke risks, notify employees, and eliminate or reduce workers’ exposure. The rules took immediate effect, while L&I proceeds with the process to make them permanent. 

“In past wildfire seasons, we’ve had little guidance to address our workers’ concerns about smoke exposure,” said Ron Hussung, WSDA’s Safety Program manager. “These L&I rules give us clarity around when we’re most at risk and specific steps we need to take as an employer.” 

These new rules apply specifically to people working outdoors. They exempt worksites within enclosed buildings and vehicles with windows and doors mostly kept closed (except for entry and exit) and air-filtration systems. 

The rule sets the standard for dangerously poor air quality at 2.5 PM (particulate matter), which means suspended solid or liquid particles are at or below 2.5 micrometers in diameter. The fine particles at this level are the most concerning hazard because they get deep into the lungs, worsening conditions like asthma, and affecting heart health.

Employer responsibilities 

WSDA managers and supervisors will now be responsible for monitoring air quality conditions in the areas where employees are working outdoors. They can check websites such as the EPA's AirNow website or state Department of Ecology's Air Monitoring Network and download mobile apps like "EPA AirNow" or "Air Quality WA." 

When workers are at risk of exposure to hazardous levels of wildfire smoke, employers must take actions to eliminate or reduce their exposure. These measures may include:

• Moving work to enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles where the air is adequately filtered.
• Moving employees to areas with lower smoke exposure.
• Reducing work intensity.
• Providing additional rest periods.
• Providing employees with respirators, such as an N95 or a KN95 disposal mask, at no cost for voluntary use when levels of particulate matter are high.

The WSDA Safety Office is contacting agency supervisors to help them obtain the supplies they need to keep workers safe from smoke exposure, according to Ron. Since use of respirators for this purpose is voluntary, no medical exam or fit test is required, he noted.

Although it’s not required, WSDA and L&I recommend taking action to reduce employee exposure to dangerous air at even lower levels of particulate matter, especially for workers with asthma or other lung conditions.

The new rules also require employers to train employees and supervisors about wildfire smoke. WSDA staff should view the 15-minute wildfire smoke training video on L&I’s website.  

In summary: With nearly double the rate of wildfires reported across Washington State still early in this fire season, new rules aim to help protect outdoor workers from the health risks of being exposed to wildfire smoke. On July 16, the state Department of Labor & Industries filed emergency rules that spell out responsibilities for employers to identify harmful smoke risks, notify employees, and eliminate or reduce workers’ exposure. Learn more in this Insider blog post. 

Produce Safety Program celebrates five years and a new leader

Kathy Davis, Communications

Dr. Connie Fisk

In 2017, WSDA welcomed a brand new program to the agency. Funded by a five-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Produce Safety Program was created to help Washington State comply with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. 

When FSMA was signed into law in 2011, it represented sweeping reform to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it. 

The Produce Safety Program just received approval for another five years of FDA funding. And the program heads into their next phase with a new leader at the helm. Dr. Connie Fisk started as the program manager on June 28. 

Connie is a recognized national leader in produce safety extension and outreach. She most recently supported growers, trainers, and regulators as the Northwest regional extension associate for the Produce Safety Alliance at Cornell University where she worked on curriculum and resource development and mentored PSA trainers about best practices. 

Connie said, “I am passionate about equipping produce growers with the information and skills they need to provide safe, high-quality crops for market, and to comply with government requirements.”

Along with training and outreach, the Produce Safety Program inspects farms and enforces the federal rule. The Produce Safety Rule includes requirements for on-farm practices to reduce risks associated with the quality of water used on produce, soil amendments, animals (domestic and wild) on the property, and worker health and hygiene. 

Karen Ullmann and Kelly Morales compare inspection notes.

In just five short years, this committed program team has taken great strides in carrying out their purpose. Below are some key accomplishments. 

Education

• Conducted 65 On-Farm Readiness Reviews, non-regulatory, educational assessments that help farms comply with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.  
• Trained approximately 1,700 growers on FSMA through the program’s support of 60 FDA-recognized trainings statewide. 
• Conducted 30 additional produce industry presentations and attended over 150 statewide conferences, regional workshops and grower meetings.

Compliance 

• Established the agency’s first produce safety inspection program and began compliance activities in 2019  
• Conducted over 90 Produce Safety Rule inspections in just two years, including one shortened by the pandemic and wildfires
• Developed an inventory of 2,740 produce farms from multiple public sources, along with individual outreach and mass-mailer campaigns 
• Verified compliance status of 43% of farms in the new database, FoodPro, shared with the Food Safety Program. FoodPro provides greater customization and enables electronic on-farm inspections.

Looking ahead, the program’s strategic priorities include continued education, outreach, and technical assistance to the state’s produce industry, and focusing regulatory inspections on quality and national consistency.

Jill Wisehart and Beth Lorence offer educational material
at an outreach event.

“As WSDA’s produce safety role grows in national influence, Connie is the right leader for the job,” noted Steve Fuller, assistant director of the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. 

So the next time you enjoy some fresh Washington-grown produce from a farmers market or grocery store, consider the importance of the Produce Safety Program. As they gear up for the future, they will continue to help state fruit and vegetable growers safeguard the food supply for all consumers. 

In summary: Five years ago, WSDA welcomed a brand new program to the agency. In that time, the Produce Safety Program has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. And the program heads into their next phase with a new leader at the helm. Meet Dr. Connie Fisk, who started as the program manager on June 28. 

Wilderness First Aid training prepares employees for field emergencies

Jason Gambill, Safety Office

Nathan Chambers pretends to have a medical
emergency as other employees practice how to respond. 

Many WSDA employees work alone in isolated outdoor areas. Whether doing inspections, collecting samples or other field work, they may be navigating trails and hazardous terrain. Having the skills to treat an injury or illness in such an environment is a safety priority. 

That’s why the agency’s Safety Program has begun providing Wilderness First Aid training for our staff. The two-day course, provided by the vendor Northwest Response, includes one day of classroom instruction and a second day in an outdoor location that simulates wilderness conditions. 

The first of these trainings was held on May 24-25 in the Olympia area. Staff participating in this inaugural training represented the Plant Pathology Lab, Pesticide Compliance, Dairy Nutrient Management Program and the Safety Program. 

Wilderness First Aid
students practice dragging a
patient to safety. 

Participants spent the first day in a Cleveland Building conference room learning about types of injuries and treatment methods. The second day, they got to practice in simulated situations at Priest Point Park.

The instructor for this course believes in making these simulations as real as possible,  even using fake blood and makeup to create real looking wounds. Course participants were taken by surprise when they cut open the pant legs of an “injured” colleague to reveal an open fracture wound.

“The training was really good,” said Rusty Sauls, Pesticide Compliance Program.  

“We reviewed what to do with different injury or illness situations and then performed the treatment in real life scenarios, including spinal injuries, diabetic shock, broken bones and even compound fractures. We had to decide whether and how to move a person using the proper method and perform the proper treatment.”

Rusty Sauls acts as patient in 
Wilderness First Aid scenerio.

The Safety Program is funding these training opportunities. We’ve listened to employee input from the annual State Safety Survey indicating they wanted more specialized training for the types of work WSDA does.  

The course requires at least ten participants and access to a classroom and a public park or other outdoor setting for the hands-on portion of training. The vendor is willing to travel to other areas of the state.

Telissa Wilson tries on 
a warming thermal suit. 

“This is a type of course and opportunity every employee should attend, because these skills are very valuable in everyday life,” Telissa Wilson, Plant Pathology, said.

For more details about this training, visit the Northwest Response website. Contact the Safety Program at agsafety@agr.wa.gov if you or your program is interested in attending or scheduling Wilderness First Aid training. 

In summary: The Safety Program has begun providing Wilderness First Aid training for our staff.  The first of these was held on May 24-25 in the Olympia area. Staff participating represented the Plant Pathology Lab, Pesticide Compliance, Dairy Nutrient Management Program and the Safety Program. The two-day course includes one day of classroom instruction and a second day in an outdoor location that simulates wilderness conditions. 

Blanche Sobottke combined many skills for long career

 Communications Office

Blanche in her home office.

When Blanche Sobottke retires from WSDA at the end of June, she’ll leave behind a trail of evidence showing you can build a career by transferring skills from one profession to another. Her resume’ describes her professional history as “a useful mix of science, art, engineering, management, public service and private practice.”  

Over 20 years of that history was spent at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), where she began as a park planner, supervised a team of graphic designers, and finished out as the agency editor. 

”Despite my own yard being in desperate need of attention, my landscape architectural training created a good foundation for all the jobs that followed,” Blanche said. 

“There are some basic principles that apply equally to the design of a park or publication,” she continued. “You want things to flow. You want people’s attention to go to the right places and the parts to support each other. You need to see both the big picture and the small details, and how they work together.”

WSDA projects

Blanche had been freelancing for a couple of years when approached by WSDA in 2009 to help the Food Safety Program create guidance materials and write a plan for the as-yet-to-be-developed Rapid Response Team. 

Blanche knew nothing about food safety, but had been exposed to emergency response and the Incident Command System while at DNR. She had the writing skills needed and the timing was right.

“During the recession, there was a freeze on personal service contracts. Most of my clients had been state agencies. This opportunity came along, and it meant I wouldn’t have to chase work in Olympia while trying to help my elderly mom in Ohio. I had no desk in the NRB, but with a laptop and cell phone, I could work from anywhere. I felt very fortunate. Still do.”

Over time, the work expanded. The Fee Workgroup needed assistance. The Honey Bee Workgroup needed a writer and facilitator. The Director’s Office needed help with a Results Washington presentation and a new strategic plan. 

Strategic planning

Blanche's early agriculture experience in Ohio.

“I got the call about the strategic plan because I had been recommended as a freelancer. They didn’t know I was already an employee, but being one made it much easier for everyone,” Blanche noted. 

Eventually, Blanche and the strategic planning function moved to the Performance and Planning Management Office, and other projects across the agency came her way. 

“The wide variety of projects and subjects I’ve worked on has been the best thing about my career path. I haven’t felt boxed in, and I’ve learned a lot. I also like that a lot of my work has been to help make things better, whether by renovating an interpretive trail or helping someone rewrite a paragraph. And I’ve met some great people along the way.”

Though she’s retiring, Blanche is looking ahead. When asked about her plans for retirement she’ll tell you, “Clean my house. Work in my yard. Take care of my mom. Make a little art. Play a little music. Just putting one foot in front of the other and seeing what comes next.”

WSDA wishes you all the best ahead. Thanks Blanche!

In summary: When Blanche Sobottke retires from WSDA at the end of June, she’ll leave behind a trail of evidence showing you can build a career by transferring skills from one profession to another. Her resume’ describes her professional history as “a useful mix of science, art, engineering, management, public service and private practice.” Read about her professional journey in the latest Insider blog post.  

Six WSDA labs will move to new custom-designed facility

Kathy Davis, Communications

Architect's image of new lab rooms in L&I building.  

By fall of next year, six WSDA laboratories will relocate to a brand new building in space custom-designed for their work. 

Two years ago, the Legislature included $53.2 million in the capital budget for the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to construct the Safety & Health Laboratory and Training Center in Tumwater near the L&I headquarters. 

Since the project was conceived, WSDA has been partnering with L&I to co-locate in the building with our own lab space.  

All four Food Safety and Consumer Services Division labs will move from their current spaces in the building on Cleveland Avenue in Tumwater. They include the food microbiology, dairy, animal feed, and emergency response/research laboratories. 

Drawing of aerial view of new building. 

In addition, the plant pathology lab on Cleveland, and the entomology lab currently housed in the Natural Resources Building will relocate to the new L&I facility. Both of these labs are part of the Plant Protection Division. 

Not designed for labs

The “Cleveland building” (as it’s known) was originally a warehouse and not designed to accommodate modern labs. The aging building has developed problems with electrical and HVAC systems. 

The floor of the second story, which was added, is unstable requiring lab equipment to be continually recalibrated. Staff have to carry boxes up and down narrow stairways because the building has no elevator. 

“We’ve done all we can with a converted canning facility,” said Brad White, assistant director of the Plant Protection Division, referring to the Cleveland building. “We cannot add further infrastructure without prohibitive costs.”

Plant Protection staff will be able to add new molecular diagnostic processes that require a higher degree of sanitation and air handling.

Two views of front entrance. 

UPDATED 

Groundbreaking Nov. 1

“When it’s all done, we’ll have a bright, brand-new building at relatively low cost,” said Steve Fuller, assistant director for Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. “We expect this to set up our lab operations for success over the next three to four decades.” 

“The new facility is designed as a laboratory, so materials receiving, storage and cleanup will be much easier and safer. Laboratory equipment will be solidly housed and protected,” Brad said.

“Ultimately, we have seen what our people can do with less-than-ideal conditions, and I’m excited about what they can do in top-flight accommodations,” he added. 

L&I has scheduled a groundbreaking event for Nov. 1, 2021 and WSDA leaders will be on hand to make comments. 

In summary: By fall of next year, six WSDA laboratories will relocate to a brand new building in space custom-designed for their work and being constructed by the Department of Labor & Industries in Tumwater. Since the project was conceived, WSDA has been partnering with L&I to include lab space we could lease. All four Food Safety and Consumer Services Division labs will move in, as will the plant pathology and entomology labs with the Plant Protection Division.