(1) RCW 49.17.160 prohibits discharge of, or discrimination against, any employee because the employee has "instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to WISHA." Proceedings that can arise specifically under WISHA include inspections of worksites under RCW 49.17.070, employee contest of an abatement date under RCW 49.17.140, employee initiation of proceedings for promulgation of an industrial safety and health standard, employee application for modification or revocation of a variance under RCW 49.17.080, employee judicial challenge of a standard, and employee appeal of board of industrial insurance appeals order under RCW 49.17.140. In determining whether a "proceeding" is "related to" WISHA, the considerations discussed in WAC 296-360-100 are also applicable.

(2) An employee need not directly institute a proceeding. It is sufficient if he or she sets into motion acts of others that result in proceedings under or related to WISHA.