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Jan 03 2017
Q&ATermination & ResignationWage and Hour

Can we deduct from a final paycheck for a missing laptop?

A: If you are in the State of Washington, there is a narrow window that would allow you to withhold the cost of the laptop from his final paycheck, but the penalties are high if you get it wrong. You can deduct from final pay for breakage or loss of equipment if it was caused…

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Dec 15 2016
Leave LawsWashington

Significant changes to paid leave requirements in Spokane Washington

Here are the key changes that employers should be aware of: Sunset provision: ESSL will automatically sunset on December 31, 2017, or the date the State of Washington implements Initiative 1433, whichever occurs later. I-1433 contains a statewide paid leave requirement; see our alert on this new law for more information. Enforcement: For 2017, the…

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Nov 07 2016
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

WASHINGTON: L&I proposes workers’ comp rate increase for 2017

L&I reviews rates every fall to ensure that they are sufficient to cover expected claim payouts, account for wage inflation, and appropriately build the contingency reserve fund. However, because 0.7 percent is an average, some risk class increases will be higher and some will be lower. A few industries with higher rates include: Food processing…

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Sep 12 2016
Wage and HourWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Q&A: Washington injured workers’ attending providers

A: They all can! However, they must be registered in Washington Labor & Industries (L&I) network. Q: In Washington, which of the following types of providers can be an injured workers' attending provider? Advanced RN Practioner (ARNP) Physician's Assistant (PA) Chiropractic (DC) Naturopathy (ND) Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Dentistry (DDS or DMD) Optometry (OD) Podiatry (DPM)

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Apr 07 2016
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

On-demand webcast on safety recordkeeping and reporting for Washington employers

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has posted an on-demand webcast explaining the requirements for recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses. The agency describes it as a “24-minute fun and entertaining ‘talk show format’ presentation.” The recording is available on the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)’s visual learning website, www.EyeOnSafety.info,…

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Nov 30 2015
DisabilityWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

More flexibility coming for vocational rehabilitation benefits in Washington

The Department of Labor & Industries announced that it will be implementing changes in its vocational rehabilitation benefits, in response to action taken by the Legislature earlier this year. The new rule will offer greater flexibility and customization as well as allow a longer period of time for workers eligible for retraining to opt out…

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Nov 23 2015
DisabilityLeave LawsQ&A

What is the law regarding pregnancy time off in Washington?

A: Yes, under Washington law if you have at least eight employees you must give your pregnant employee a leave of absence for the entire time she is sick or temporarily disabled due to pregnancy or childbirth. This law applies to all pregnant employees, regardless of their position, pay, number of hours worked, or length…

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Oct 21 2015
Safety and HealthWashington

Washington Employers: Safety & health poster has been updated

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is mailing an updated version of its mandatory safety and health poster to employers. The date shown in the bottom right-hand corner is “09/15.” You may also download an online copy. It must be displayed where employees can see it. For information about federal and state poster…

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Oct 20 2015
Wage and HourWashington

Washington Employers: You don’t have to “police” employee meal breaks

Washington employers can let out a collective sigh of relief due to a recent federal district court decision reaffirming that they are not required to “police” employee meal breaks to make sure employees are taking them. Employers are only required to give employees a meaningful opportunity to take the meal period. Washington’s meal period regulation…

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Oct 08 2015
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Stay at Work reimbursement process changes coming to Washington in October.

The Washington Legislature is making it easier and faster for companies to apply for wage and other reimbursements online beginning in mid-October. This is an enhancement of the “Stay at Work Program” approved in 2011, which demonstrates the Legislature’s strong support for assisting employers in keeping their workers safe and healthy through early return to…

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Sep 28 2015
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

5 Reasons to Offer Early Return-to-Work to Injured Employees

After a workers’ comp claim is filed, light and/or modified jobs for every employee injured is beneficial for 5 primary reasons. 1. Plain and simple: People, who return to work faster, get better faster. Study after study shows that work promotes the healing process. 2. Time loss benefits are the largest avoidable cost of a…

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Sep 24 2015
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

WASHINGTON: L&I proposes 2016 workers’ comp rate increase

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has just announced a proposed 2% average base rate increase for 2016 workers’ compensation coverage. Proposed rates are based on several factors, including expected claim costs, the size of the contingency fund, and the inflation of wages. Of note, companies involved in miscellaneous wood products manufacturing…

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