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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-031 - Res. Amending the Mason County Personnel Policy aOa�- Resolution No. 03\ PERSONNEL POLICY WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Board of Mason County Commissioners for the coordination of county administrative programs,which is accomplished through the adoption of Policy;and WHEREAS, it is necessary and appropriate to make the below updates; Chapter 20-Accommodation for Milk Expression and Menstruation NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of County Commissioners of Mason County hereby amends Resolution 2025-019 Mason County Personnel Policy to include the updates attached.This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. DATED this day of dune ,2026. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON McKenzie Smitl ,Clerk of the Board Sharon Trask, iai+� APPROVED AS TO FORM: R dy Neatherlin,Commissioner Tim Whitit1,.Ciief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Pat Tarzwell,Commissioner Revised 6_2026 Chapter 20 -Lactation Accommodation and Sanitary Construction Worksite Policy Purpose This policy establishes Mason County's compliance obligations for providing break time and space for the expression of breast milk under RCW 43.10.005 and chapter 49.92 RCW (effective January 1, 2027), and for providing sanitary accommodations for construction workers under RCW 49.17.530 and WAC 296- 155-140. Scope This policy applies to all covered employees of Mason County who require accommodation for lactation in county offices or at construction worksites.This policy is compliant with RCW 43.10.005 and effective January 1,2027 RCW 49.92) Policy 1.1 Break Time Mason County shall provide reasonable break time each time an employee has a need to express breast milk,for up to two years after the birth of a child.Break time for this purpose is in addition to meal and rest periods required under chapter 49.12 RCW. Employees shall not be required to use paid leave during break time or travel time to express milk during work. 1.2 Location Mason County shall provide a private location, other than a bathroom, for an employee to express breast milk, if such a location exists at the place of business or worksite. If no such space exists,the County will work with the employee to identify a convenient location and work schedule that meets their needs. 1.3 Storage and Security a. Where reasonably available,the County will provide access to hygienic refrigeration for the storage of expressed milk. To maintain hygiene and avoid confusion with other stored food items, expressed milk should be stored in a closed, opaque container or insulated bag in shared refrigerator space. b.Employees are responsible for securely storing any necessary equipment(breast pump, storage containers, etc.) at their workstation or in another storage area agreed upon with their manager, and for keeping milk expression areas clean using antimicrobial wipes. 1.4 Requesting Accommodation Revised 6_2026 a.Employees shall notify their supervisor or Human Resources of the need for lactation accommodation as early as practicable.Human Resources will identify appropriate space and coordinate scheduling with the employee's department. b.An employee may be requested to provide written certification regarding the need for reasonable accommodation, except for the accommodations described in 1.1 and 1.2 above. 20.6 Section 2—Sanitary Workplace Accommodation (Construction Worksites) RCW 49.17.530 and WAC 296-155-140 require employers in the construction industry to provide reasonable accommodations for workers who menstruate, express milk, or both. 2.1 Accommodations for Expressing Milk The following accommodations apply to workers who express milk and engage in construction activities,to ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment: a. Flexible Scheduling—Workers will be allowed flexible work schedules, including breaks,to provide time for milk expression. b. Private, Sanitary Space—An area that is private, sanitary, and lockable where possible (other than a bathroom)will be provided for expressing milk. This space will be free from intrusion. c. Milk Storage—Where reasonably available,the County will provide access to hygienic refrigeration for the storage of expressed milk. To maintain hygiene and avoid confusion with other stored food items, expressed milk should be stored in a closed, opaque container or insulated bag in shared refrigerator space. d. Employees are responsible for the secure storage of their own milk expression equipment (breast pump, accessories, storage containers, etc.) in a personal locker,vehicle, or other location designated by the employer. The County is not responsible for loss of or damage to personal equipment stored in these locations. e. Hand and Equipment Hygiene—A convenient water source for cleaning hands and milk expression equipment will be provided in a private location near the expression area. 2.2 Accommodations for Menstruation The following accommodations will be provided on all construction worksites for workers who menstruate: a. Bathroom Facilities—A bathroom will be available, either a minimum-sized portable chemical toilet or access to a permanent structure with a bathroom. The bathroom will have an internal latch to ensure privacy and prevent inadvertent entry. Revised 6_2026 b.Adequate Time—Workers will be given sufficient time to accommodate clothing adjustments when using bathroom facilities. c. Menstrual Hygiene Products—Pads,tampons, and similar products will be provided at no cost, either stocked in designated or gender-neutral bathrooms, or provided as individual kits for workers who need them.