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Apr 22 2026
Vigilant NewsWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

We’re Hiring – Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager

We are seeking an experienced, full-time Washington Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager to join our team. This role is responsible for providing strategic advice and counsel in the management of claims for employers enrolled in our Washington Workers’ Compensation programs. If you enjoy this work, you know it can look very different depending on where you…

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Apr 21 2026
CaliforniaOregonSafety and Health

Now Is The Time To Train Employees On Heat Illness

Spring is the time for annual heat illness prevention training, before the weather really heats up. California, Oregon, and Washington require training before employees will reasonably be expected to perform work that could expose them to heat illness. Annual retraining is only required in Oregon and Washington, but we recommend it in all locations where…

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Apr 20 2026
Employee ClassificationsWashington

Know how to respond to an L&I risk classification audit

We’re aware of several Washington employers who have recently received audit notices from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to review their risk classifications. Let’s run through what this means, what you should do if you are audited, and how to stay prepared in case you’re next on the list. Why is…

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Apr 15 2026
Washington

Washington Governor signs new law to ban noncompete agreements

On March 23, 2026, Governor Bob Ferguson signed SHB 1155, a new law that bans noncompetition covenants (agreements) and clarifies nonsolicitation agreements in Washington. Beginning on June 30, 2027, all noncompete agreements are considered void and unenforceable, regardless of when they were signed. This is significant since the ban applies retroactively and voids all existing noncompete…

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Apr 06 2026
Employee BenefitsLabor RelationsWage and Hour

More Washington bills signed from 2026 legislative session

More bills from the 2026 Washington legislative session have been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. We previously reported on several bills from this session; here are four additional laws of interest to employers: SSHB 2105 Immigrant Worker Protection Act: Within 5 business days of receiving a notice of an I-9 inspection, employers must post and…

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Mar 20 2026
Leave LawsWage and HourWashington

Washington Governor signs 2026 employment legislation

Washington’s 2026 legislative session ended on March 12, 2026, with Governor Bob Ferguson signing multiple employment-related bills into law. ESB 6106 Washington WARN Act notice content: Modifies the notice requirements of the Washington mini-WARN Act to protect employee names from disclosure to coworkers. The names of affected coworkers are no longer required to be included…

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Feb 13 2026
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

L&I rates are up—but your future costs don’t have to be

L&I’s 4.9% rate increase for 2026 highlights what employers already know: some workers’ comp costs are out of your hands. But the idea that “workers’ comp is just a tax you can’t avoid” is a myth. You actually have several high-impact tools within your control—tools that can directly reduce your premiums. Here are five controllable…

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Jan 26 2026
Wage and HourWashington

WASHINGTON Q&A: Rising cost of missed meals and rest periods

Question: We keep hearing about lawsuits against companies for not complying with Washington’s meal and rest period requirements. What’s really the financial risk and what can we do about it? Answer: The financial risk is substantial. Class action lawsuits have become prevalent in Washington, claiming nonexempt (hourly) employees are owed penalties and damages for missed…

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Jan 05 2026
Employee BenefitsLeave LawsWashington

In Washington Health benefits may need to start during paid leave

As of January 1, 2026, several important changes to Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WPFML) have taken effect (as we previously reported), including expanded health benefit coverage, which will affect employees whose leave crosses over from the end of 2025 into the beginning of 2026. Currently, health benefits continue if there’s at least one…

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Dec 20 2025
Leave LawsWashington

WPFML: New rules, model notices, and other changes

2026 is ringing in changes to the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave law (WPFML) with new rules published by the Employment Security Department (ESD) and new model notices for Washington employers to send out to employees. As we previously reported, WPFML was amended to expand job restoration rights and continued health insurance coverage for…

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Dec 19 2025
Leave LawsOregonWashington

Q&A: Does sick time cover flood evacuation in Washington & Oregon?

Question: The area where our business is located is under a level 3 (go now, shut the business) evacuation order from the county’s office of emergency management due to flooding. Can employees use their paid sick leave while we’re closed? Answer: If you’re located in Oregon or Washington, then yes, employees are allowed to use any available paid…

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Dec 08 2025
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

L&I transitions reimbursement applications to online submission

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is phasing out acceptance of Stay at Work and Preferred Worker wage and expense requests submitted by fax or mail for injured workers. Instead, these wage and expense applications should be submitted online through your “My L&I” account page. L&I has stated that…

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Is My Company Eligible?

If you are a manufacturing or agriculture employer in Washington and committed to keeping your employees safe and working, you may be eligible for Vigilant's workers' compensation Retro or claims management programs. To see if you qualify fill out our release form now, or contact us.

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