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Showing posts for: Washington

Nov 01 2024
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Workers’ comp claim Valid? Mastering how to know.

We often hear from members that one of the most frustrating aspects of Washington workers’ compensation is claim validation (i.e. verifying that the employee’s injury or illness occurred during the course of their employment). Oftentimes, it feels like an employer is on the hook for an employee’s injury, even if the injury happened off duty…

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Oct 22 2024
Wage and HourWashington

More Washington cities announce minimum wage rate increases

The cities of Renton, Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila recently announced their new minimum wage rates that go into effect on January 1, 2025. Unincorporated King County has not yet announced its new minimum wage rate, but we will keep members informed when the new rate is released. Renton minimum wage: The City of Renton’s new…

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Oct 07 2024
Wage and HourWashington

WASHINGTON: Noncompete salary thresholds rise for 2025

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) announced increases to the minimum salary thresholds for noncompete agreements, which will take effect on January 1, 2025. Washington law prohibits noncompete agreements with individuals who earn less than the applicable annual salary threshold. L&I publishes separate thresholds for employees and independent contractors which are both adjusted…

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Oct 07 2024
Wage and HourWashington

WASHINGTON: Minimum wage and exempt salary increases in 2025

The state of Washington has announced increases to the minimum wage rate and the exempt salary thresholds for employees, effective January 1, 2025. These increases impact several state wage requirements that you’ll want to be aware of if you have employees in Washington. The cities of Bellingham and Burien have also announced their minimum wage increases for…

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Sep 20 2024
Safety and HealthWashington

Washington L&I issues new rules for voluntary use of PPE

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has adopted three new permanent rules allowing employees who aren’t required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to voluntarily use PPE to protect themselves from noise, dust, or possible infectious or contagious diseases. PPE includes items such as “face masks, filtering-facepiece respirators, goggles, helmets, head covers, gloves,…

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Sep 20 2024
ArizonaCaliforniaOregon

H-2A worker protections back for some

On September 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it was moving forward with its far-reaching H-2A worker protection rule (also known as the Farmworker Protection Rule) in every state where it isn’t blocked, including Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. As we previously reported, a federal court blocked the Farmworker Protection Rule in 17…

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Sep 03 2024
CaliforniaOregonSafety and Health

States updating wildfire smoke rules to match EPA’s new AQI levels

Effective May 6, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adjusted the cutoff points in its color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI), which is used as a reference for wildfire smoke rules in California, Oregon, and Washington. The EPA’s updates to the AQI change what concentrations of PM2.5 (Particulate Matter measuring 2.5 micrometers) in the air correspond…

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Jul 31 2024
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Why forecasting your L&I premium is a must

Financial forecasting is crucial for any employer, especially when it comes to managing major expenses. Since workers’ comp costs are among the top expenses for manufacturers, it’s no doubt accurate L&I premium forecasts can provide significant benefits. What are these benefits and why do we strongly suggest that “let’s forecast your premium” should be one…

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Jun 07 2024
Safety and HealthVigilant NewsWashington

Vigilant issues historic Washington Retro distribution

A few weeks ago, Vigilant sent retro distribution checks to members that participate in our Washington Workers’ Compensation Retro program. We are delighted to share that this year’s retro distribution was the largest in the history of Vigilant’s program! Vigilant remains fiercely committed to stewarding a program that carefully balances refund maximization while also providing…

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May 23 2024
WashingtonWorkers’ Comp

How many claims are too many for your claims manager? 📂📂📂

Managing claims effectively, whether internally or through a TPA, requires a manageable workload for claims managers. Is your claims manager dealing with too many cases? Understanding how overwhelming caseloads can affect claims handling is essential, impacting outcomes and costs. Let’s review some of the top problems with claims overload: Claims fail to receive enough attention…

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Apr 25 2024
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Four workers’ comp red flags we’d never, ever ignore

We’re workers’ comp experts and here are four things we’d never, ever ignore if we were an employer in Washington. Brandon Dion, CFO at Vigilant  |  Dan Beaty, VP Workers’ Comp at Vigilant Rising EMF/premiums. This probably indicates a systemic problem that requires attention. It could be due to a variety of factors such as…

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Apr 05 2024
Labor RelationsLeave LawsWage and Hour

WASHINGTON: Governor signs 2024 bills

The Washington legislature’s regular session adjourned on March 7, 2024, and Governor Jay Inslee has signed several employment-related bills into law: SHB 1905 (pay equity): Expands Washington’s existing pay equity law beyond gender to also include membership in a long list of protected classes: age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin,…

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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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