(1) All employees are afforded the full protection of RCW 49.17.160. WISHA defines an employee as "an employee of an employer who is employed in a business of their employer which affects commerce." RCW 49.17.020(4). WISHA does not define "employ"; however, the broad remedial nature of WISHA demonstrates a clear intent that the existence of an employment relationship, for purposes of RCW 49.17.160, is to be based upon economic realities rather than upon common law doctrines and concepts.

(2) For purposes of RCW 49.17.160, an applicant for employment could be considered an employee.