Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 053 - Workforce Services, Department of
The Wyoming Administrative Code for Agency 053 - Workforce Services, Department of (DWS) is a comprehensive set of regulations that govern a wide array of programs and services aimed at supporting Wyoming's workforce, employers, and communities. The DWS is a crucial state agency that plays a vital role in ensuring workplace safety, facilitating employment and training, and providing benefits to those who have lost employment, been injured on the job, or become disabled.
Given the broad scope of the DWS, its administrative code is structured into numerous sub-agencies and chapters, each addressing specific areas of responsibility. This reflects the merger of various state agencies into the DWS in 2011, integrating a diverse range of services.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas and examples of sub-agencies/chapters you would find under Agency 053:
I. Workforce Programs & Development:
Sub-Agency 0001 - Apprenticeship Utilization Program: Rules related to apprenticeship programs, promoting skilled trades and workforce development.
Sub-Agency 0003 - Office of Manpower Planning & Coordination: Likely covers strategic planning and coordination of workforce development efforts.
Sub-Agency 0017 - Workforce Development Training Fund: Regulations for the administration of grants and funds aimed at training and upskilling the workforce, assisting employers with training new or existing employees.
Sub-Agency 0023 - Vocational Rehabilitation - General: Rules governing vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful careers and independence.
Workforce Centers: While not a separate sub-agency, the administrative code would underpin the operations of the statewide Workforce Centers, which serve as central hubs for job seekers and employers, offering job search assistance, resume support, career counseling, and recruitment services.
II. Workplace Safety & Health (OSHA & Mining):
The DWS incorporates the functions of the Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the State Mine Inspector's Office. This means a significant portion of the administrative code is dedicated to workplace safety.
Sub-Agency 0006 - OSHA - Agriculture: Specific safety rules for agricultural workplaces.
Sub-Agency 0007 - OSHA - Anchor Testers: Regulations for anchor testing.
Sub-Agency 0008 - OSHA - Construction 1926: Adoption and enforcement of OSHA construction standards.
Sub-Agency 0009 - OSHA - Information Practices: Rules regarding information and record-keeping related to OSHA.
Sub-Agency 0010 - OSHA - Laundry & Dry Cleaning: Safety rules for these specific industries.
Sub-Agency 0011 - OSHA - Oil & Gas Well Drilling: Specific safety regulations for the drilling industry.
Sub-Agency 0012 - OSHA - Oil & Gas Well Special Servicing: Rules for specialized oil and gas well services.
Sub-Agency 0013 - OSHA - Oil & Gas Well Services: General safety rules for oil and gas well operations.
Sub-Agency 0014 - OSHA - Practice And Procedure: Rules outlining OSHA inspection, citation, and appeal procedures.
Sub-Agency 0015 - Wood Harvesting: Safety regulations for wood harvesting.
Sub-Agency 0025 - OSHA - General Industry 1910: Adoption and enforcement of general industry OSHA standards.
Sub-Agency 0026 - OSHA - Letters of Agreement: Rules for specific agreements related to OSHA.
Sub-Agency 0027 - OSHA - Workplace Safety Contracts: Regulations for programs that assist employers in enhancing safety training or purchasing safety equipment (e.g., Safety Improvement Fund).
Sub-Agency 0004 - Mining Inspector: Rules related to mining inspections and safety.
Sub-Agency 0005 - Mining Council: Rules related to the Mining Council.
III. Benefits and Support Services:
Sub-Agency 0018 - Unemployment Insurance: Comprehensive rules governing the unemployment insurance program, including eligibility, claims processing, benefits determination, employer contributions, and appeals.
Sub-Agency 0019 - Workers' Compensation - Medical Commission: Rules related to the Medical Commission for Workers' Compensation.
Sub-Agency 0020 - Workers' Compensation Commission: Regulations pertaining to the Workers' Compensation Commission.
Sub-Agency 0021 - Workers' Compensation Division: Rules for the administration of Workers' Compensation claims, employer services, and safety programs designed to assist workers injured on the job and provide protection against workplace accidents.
Disability Determination Services (DDS): While DDS is a state-level agency, its functions are integrated within DWS, so regulations related to determining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits would be covered.
IV. Labor Standards & General Administration:
Sub-Agency 0024 - Labor Standards: Rules for enforcing state labor laws, resolving wage claims, fair employment practices, child labor laws, and regulating employment referral businesses. This includes chapters on "FAIR EMPLOYMENT RULES" and other labor-related issues.
Sub-Agency 0002 - General Agency, Board or Commission Rules: Covers general administrative rules applicable across the department, such as public records requests, privacy, and general operational procedures.
Sub-Agency 0016 - Research & Planning: Rules related to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of labor market information.
Sub-Agency 0022 - Quality Child Care: Rules related to childcare quality programs, such as the "WY QUALITY COUNTS! EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM."
How the DWS Regulates Workforce Programs:
The Department of Workforce Services regulates through:
Promulgation of Rules: Developing, adopting, and enforcing the detailed administrative rules found in Agency 053, which implement state statutes and federal mandates.
Licensing and Certification: Where applicable, regulating specific entities or professionals (e.g., employment referral agencies, or potentially certain training providers).
Auditing and Compliance: Overseeing compliance with unemployment insurance and workers' compensation tax obligations, conducting audits, and investigating potential fraud or non-compliance.
Investigation and Enforcement: Investigating complaints related to labor standards, workplace safety violations, and benefit fraud, and taking appropriate enforcement actions, including penalties.
Grant Administration: Establishing criteria, application processes, and reporting requirements for various workforce development grants (e.g., Workforce Development Training Fund).
Program Oversight: Setting standards and monitoring the performance of programs like Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Compensation, and Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure they meet legal requirements and effectively serve their intended populations.
Data Collection and Reporting: Requiring employers and program participants to provide data, which is then used for research, policy development, and public reporting on labor market trends and program effectiveness.
How to Access the Wyoming Administrative Code for the Department of Workforce Services:
You can access the full text of these rules through official Wyoming government sources:
Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) Website: The DWS website (dws.wyo.gov) is the primary resource for information about the department's programs and often provides direct links to its administrative rules. Look for sections like "Statutes & Rules," "Legal," or "About DWS."
Wyoming Secretary of State - Administrative Rules System: The Wyoming Secretary of State's office maintains the official, searchable database of the Wyoming Administrative Code. You can search by agency number (053) or by the agency name "Workforce Services, Department of."
Always refer to the most current version of the code from an official source, as rules can be updated periodically.
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