labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Washington employers have long complained about the high cost of doing business in the state, including workers’ compensation claims and insurance premiums. Now, they can take control of this annoying problem.

 

Employers in the state of Washington can sign up for free seminars on managing workers’ comp costs, claims and premiums sponsored by the state government.

 

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries or L&I is offering the free seminar, entitled “Introduction to Rates and Claims Management.”

 

The seminar is free, but registration is required. Participants can register online  or by calling 1-800-574-2829.

 

The half-day seminar will be presented on 17 different dates in locations across the state including Bremerton, Tukwila, Vancouver, Port Angeles, Kennewick and Mount Vernon.

 

The complete schedule of dates and locations is here.  The next workshop is in Kennewick on June 10, 2009. The final workshop this year is in Tacoma on December 9, 2009.

 

According to L&I, the workshop is an overview of basic workers’ comp claims management principles. Participants will learn: 

• How claims affect premium rates.
• The roles and responsibilities of employers, workers, physicians and claims managers.
• How to build an effective claims management strategy.
• How return-to-work can reduce claims costs.
• What resources are available through L&I to help you develop your safety and claims management programs. 

Under state law, all Washington employers must purchase no-fault industrial insurance coverage from L&I. The benefits offered include medial treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses. Workers who are unable to work after a workplace accident or an occupational illness may be eligible for partial wage replacement benefits.

 

Under the Washington state program, L&I manages the claims and pays benefits out of an insurance pool called the Washington State Fund. The fund pays for:  

• Approved medical, hospital and related services due to workplace injuries.
• Compensation for those who are temporarily unable to work full time.  

In return for paying the premiums, employers usually cannot be sued for damages when a work-related injury or illness occurs, although employers are still liable for criminal negligence.

 

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