WashingtonHarassment Training Requirements

Washington state does not have a general law mandating harassment training for all private-sector employers. However, specific industries, such as hospitality, janitorial, and security services, are required to provide harassment training under the Washington State Sexual Harassment Prevention Law (RCW 49.60.515-540). Additionally, employers are encouraged to provide regular harassment training to comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

Under RCW 49.60.515-540, the following industries must provide harassment prevention training:

• Hotels, motels, and retail establishments with at least one employee
• Security guard entities
• Property services contractors (e.g., janitorial or building maintenance companies)

For covered industries, harassment training must include:

• The definition of sexual harassment under Washington law (RCW 49.60).
• Examples of prohibited workplace behavior.
• Information about the employer’s internal reporting process.
• Legal rights and protections for employees, including how to file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Anti-retaliation protections for employees who report harassment.
• Resources for support, including crisis hotlines and legal aid organizations.

Employers in these industries must:

• Train all employees on harassment prevention and reporting procedures.
• Provide panic buttons to isolated workers, such as housekeepers or night-shift security guards, to protect against assault or harassment.
• Adopt a sexual harassment policy and provide it to all employees.

For covered industries:

• All employees must receive training within the first year of employment.
• Supervisors and managers must receive additional training on how to handle complaints and prevent harassment in the workplace.
• While the law does not specify a recertification requirement, best practices recommend annual refresher training to ensure compliance and reinforce a respectful workplace culture.

Yes. Employers in the hospitality, janitorial, and security industries must:

• Document all training sessions, including dates and attendance records.
• Maintain records of panic button distribution.
• Keep records of their written anti-harassment policies.

These records should be retained for at least three years in case of audits or complaints.

Failure to comply with Washington’s harassment training requirements may result in:

• Penalties from the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC).
• Liability in harassment-related lawsuits.
• Fines or other enforcement actions, particularly for failing to provide panic buttons or written policies in covered industries.

While general workplace harassment training is not mandated for all employers, Washington’s anti-discrimination laws apply to all workplaces with one or more employees. Small businesses can benefit from providing training to prevent harassment claims and foster a respectful work environment.

The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) enforces workplace harassment and discrimination laws. Employees can file harassment complaints within six months of the incident.

• Washington State Human Rights Commission Contact Information:
  • Website: www.hum.wa.gov 
  • Phone: (360) 753-6770
  • Address: 711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 402, Olympia, WA 98504

Emtrain offers customized, legally compliant harassment training for Washington employers. Our training includes real-world workplace scenarios, industry-specific compliance solutions, and tools to help businesses track and document training completion.