# RCW 49.12.005: RCW 49.12.005: Definitions

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S005

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 49.12.005
- **Heading:** RCW 49.12.005: Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 49 / Chapter 12 / Section 005

## Text

For the purposes of this chapter: (1) "Department" means the department of labor and industries. (2) "Director" means the director of the department of labor and industries, or the director's designated representative. (3)(a) Before May 20, 2003, "employer" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, business trust, legal representative, or other business entity which engages in any business, industry, profession, or activity in this state and employs one or more employees but does not include the state, any state institution, any state agency, political subdivision of the state, or any municipal corporation or quasi-municipal corporation. However, for the purposes of RCW 49.12.265 through 49.12.295 , 49.12.350 through 49.12.370 , 49.12.450 , and 49.12.460 only, "employer" also includes the state, any state institution, any state agency, political subdivisions of the state, and any municipal corporation or quasi-municipal corporation. (b) On and after May 20, 2003, "employer" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, business trust, legal representative, or other business entity which engages in any business, industry, profession, or activity in this state and employs one or more employees, and includes the state, any state institution, state agency, political subdivisions of the state, and any municipal corporation or quasi-municipal corporation. However, this chapter and the rules adopted thereunder apply to these public employers only to the extent that this chapter and the rules adopted thereunder do not conflict with: (i) Any state statute or rule; and (ii) respect to political subdivisions of the state and any municipal or quasi-municipal corporation, any local resolution, ordinance, or rule adopted under the authority of the local legislative authority before April 1, 2003. (4) "Employee" means an employee who is employed in the business of the employee's employer whether by way of manual labor or otherwise. "Employee" does not include an individual who is at least sixteen years old but under twenty-one years old, in his or her capacity as a player for a junior ice hockey team that is a member of a regional, national, or international league and that contracts with an arena owned, operated, or managed by a public facilities district created under chapter 36.100 RCW. (5) "Conditions of labor" means and includes the conditions of rest and meal periods for employees including provisions for personal privacy, practices, methods and means by or through which labor or services are performed by employees and includes bona fide physical qualifications in employment, but shall not include conditions of labor otherwise governed by statutes and rules and regulations relating to industrial safety and health administered by the department. (6) For the purpose of chapter 16, Laws of 1973 2nd ex. sess. a minor is defined to be a person of either sex under the age of eighteen years.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 49.12.005 RCW 49.12.005: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S005.md)
- [RCW 49.12.010 RCW 49.12.010: Declaration.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S010.md)
- [RCW 49.12.020 RCW 49.12.020: Conditions of employment—Wages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S020.md)
- [RCW 49.12.033 RCW 49.12.033: Administration and enforcement of chapter by director of labor and industries.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S033.md)
- [RCW 49.12.041 RCW 49.12.041: Investigation of wages, hours and working conditions—Statements, inspections authorized.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S041.md)
- [RCW 49.12.050 RCW 49.12.050: Employer's record of employees—Exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S050.md)
- [RCW 49.12.091 RCW 49.12.091: Investigation information—Findings—Rules prescribing minimum wages, working conditions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S091.md)
- [RCW 49.12.101 RCW 49.12.101: Hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S101.md)
- [RCW 49.12.105 RCW 49.12.105: Variance order—Application—Issuance—Contents—Termination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S105.md)
- [RCW 49.12.110 RCW 49.12.110: Exceptions to minimum scale—Special certificate or permit.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S110.md)
- [RCW 49.12.121 RCW 49.12.121: Wages and working conditions of minors—Special rules—Work permits.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S121.md)
- [RCW 49.12.123 RCW 49.12.123: Work permit for minor required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S123.md)
- [RCW 49.12.124 RCW 49.12.124: Actors or performers—Work permits and variances for minors.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S124.md)
- [RCW 49.12.130 RCW 49.12.130: Witness protected—Penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S130.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T49_C12_S005. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.