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May 05 2014
Vigilant NewsWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

This just in! Vigilant retro program earns $8.4 million in refunds!

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) just released the refund data for workers’ compensation retro groups in Washington. Vigilant is very pleased to report a 34 percent refund on our group’s premium for the 2012-2013 plan year. This will result in $8.4 million in refunds, the largest amount in our group’s history. We…

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Apr 24 2014
HiringWashington

Spokane Washington Form I-9 Workshop this May 15th

Join us for a hands-on, practical look at how to complete and correct the form I-9. In our I-9 workshop you will learn everything you need to know about filling out the I-9 form accurately. We'll go through the motions in this interactive workshop including: Filling out sample I-9 forms,  Auditing the sample forms, and…

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Nov 21 2013
Wage and HourWashington

WASHINGTON: 2014 minimum wage to be $9.32 per hour

The minimum wage in Washington will rise from $9.19 to $9.32 per hour, effective January 1, 2014. The 13-cent increase was announced by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), which evaluates the minimum wage in the fall each year, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Tips: Washington employers aren’t required to…

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Nov 08 2013
Employee BenefitsWashington

New Association Health Plan Option in Washington!

We’re pleased to announce a new association health plan option in Washington: Vigilant Manufacturers’ Trust (VMT). Vigilant Manufacturers’ Trust is the only Regence BlueShield / Asuris Northwest Health association specifically designed for production-line manufacturing groups which will offer medical coverage through Regence BlueShield and Asuris Northwest Health. We will also offer Vision coverage through VSP,…

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Sep 18 2013
Drug and AlcoholQ&AWashington

Use of E-Cigarettes in the workplace

A: E-cigarettes, the common name for nicotine delivery devices, are not yet FDA approved. They do not produce smoke but water vapor which contains trace amounts of nicotine. The use of these devices is often referred to as “vaping.” For the past several years, e-cigarettes have been prohibited in public places in King County, pursuant…

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Sep 09 2013
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

L&I is paying employers to help injured workers stay on the job!

L&I is paying employers to help injured workers stay on the job! If you are an employer in Washington with an injured employee performing a light duty job, you could be reimbursed for 50% of the base wages you pay your worker, up to $10,000 or 66 days. Listen in as Vigilant member Eagle Group…

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Sep 05 2013
DisabilityQ&AWashington

Use of a Service Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation in Washington

A: You might. The use of a service animal by an employee at work is protected by the Washington Law Against Discrimination as an accommodation of the employee’s disability. The animal must be trained so that it is not a disruption in the workplace, and the animal’s presence must improve the employee’s ability to do…

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Jul 03 2013
Washington

WASHINGTON: Governor signs bill protecting employee social media privacy

Governor Jay Inslee has signed a bill that prevents Washington employers from asking an employee to provide a password, “friend” the employer, or alter privacy settings on personal social media accounts. However, an important carve-out allows employers to require content from a social networking site in the course of an investigation of illegal activity, work-related…

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Mar 14 2013
Q&AWashington

Can employees bring guns to work?

Q: There’s been a lot of media coverage about guns recently. As a Washington employer, can I prohibit employees from bringing guns to the workplace? A: Yes. Under Washington law, a private employer may have a policy that prohibits employees from bringing guns to the workplace, even if the employee has a concealed weapons permit….

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Jan 10 2013
Safety and HealthWashington

WASHINGTON: Workplace posters updated for 2013

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has issued changes to three required posters:  workers’ compensation, job safety and health, and employee rights. Employers are required to post the posters in conspicuous locations where employees can read them and to remove the previous editions. Major changes include: Injured workers must now see a network…

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Dec 06 2012
Safety and HealthWashington

WASHINGTON: L&I confirms no increase in 2013 workers’ comp rate

Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has announced that it plans to hold workers’ comp rates flat in 2013. Depending on claims history and cost of claims in their industry, employers may see their rates go up or down. L&I Director Judy Schurke credited the 2011 worker’s comp reforms and has indicated that L&I…

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Dec 05 2012
Q&AWage and HourWashington

Are My Independent Contractors Really Employees?

A: Be careful with your independent contractor classifications. The Washington Supreme Court recently adopted an “economic dependency” test, which means that if an individual is economically dependent on the company, he or she is considered an employee under the state minimum wage law. If these individuals work exclusively for you and perform work that is similar…

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