March 2012 | L&I's Small Business Liaisons, Celia Nightingale and Aaron Hoffman Call: 1-800-987-0145. Fax: 360-902-5420. Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.gov.

"Stay at Work" Program a win-win for employers and workers

L&I’s new Stay at Work program has reimbursed Washington employers more than $1 million and helped injured workers return to work sooner in transitional, light duty jobs since January 2012. Employers are telling us that they are glad to see a program that benefits both employers and employees.

Light duty jobs can help injured workers recover faster, which can help an employer save money on their workers’ comp premiums.

Eligible employers can be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of the injured worker's base wage for up to 66 days of light duty actually worked or up to $10,000 per claim for each medically-approved transitional job they provide, whichever comes first. An eligible employer also can be reimbursed for the cost of training, tools and clothing the worker needs to perform the transitional job, up to certain limits

Want to know if your business is eligible? Visit the Stay at Work website at: www.StayAtWork.Lni.wa.gov.

Free training is available. To find the dates and locations of the next training events, please visit: Introduction to the Stay at Work Program. Or, you can sign up for a webinar at this link: Introduction to the Stay at Work Program Webinar.

Employers can sign up to get email updates about upcoming events, Stay At Work presentations, updates and information by joining the listserv at this link: Stay At Work email list.

Check out our YouTube video at: Washington’s Stay at Work program.

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Workplace fatalities at an historic low; more common at small businesses

Last year 51 people died on the job in Washington State – the fewest on record. The previous low was in 2009 when 65 workers died on the job.

Small employers represent a disproportionate share of fatalities. Firms with fewer than 20 workers employed 25.5 percent of all workers in Washington in 2011, but had 35 percent of workplace deaths. By comparison, firms with 20 or more workers employed 74.5 percent of all workers in Washington in 2011 and had 57 percent of all workplace deaths (employer size couldn't be determined for 8 percent of the fatalities.)

Among all employers, these are the top three “traumatic incident fatalities” by percentage:

• 37 percent involving a motor vehicle.
• 16 percent involving accidents with machinery.
• 16 percent involving aircraft.

Among all employers, these are the traumatic incident fatalities (by percentage) when the age of the victim is known:

• 25 percent in the 50-59 age group.
• 22 percent in the 30-39 age group.
• 18 percent in the 20-29 age group.

For more information on Washington workplace fatalities in 2011, visit Washington FACE 2011 Work-Related Fatalities Report.

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L&I can help you build a safe workplace

Take advantage of these no-cost services from L&I:

• Create your Accident Prevention Program (required by law) using L&I’s templates as a guide. You can find templates by selecting this link.
• Learn directly from safety experts. Use L&I’s no-charge, confidential safety consultation services. Request a contact from one of our consultants at www.SafetyConsultants.Lni.wa.gov, contact L&I's Small Business Liaison or your nearest L&I safety consultant.
• Find dozens of training pamphlets, videos and PowerPoint presentations on the L&I Web site at www.Lni.wa.gov/Safety.

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Worker Memorial Day

L&I will host the annual Worker Memorial Day ceremony April 26 to honor the memory of the workers who died in 2011 from job-related injuries or illnesses. The event, at L&I headquarters in Tumwater, is Washington's official commemoration and is one of many held in communities across the nation. L&I has hosted this ceremony for the past 18 years to recognize fallen workers, their families and friends.

(Photo: L&I Director Judy Schurke joins families in ringing the Worker Memorial Garden brass bell at the conclusion of the agency's 2009 ceremony.)

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Keep up using L&I's new Facebook page

You asked for easier ways to connect with L&I and we responded. Check out our new Facebook page where employers can get news and tips, ask us questions, sound off, or just tell us how we are doing.

Find us at www.facebook.com/LaborAndIndustries.

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RESOURCES

"Employer's Intro to L&I" coming to 5 cities in April

Business owners and managers can learn about employment and regulatory issues, and how to prevent unnecessary costs, by attending L&I’s “Employer’s Introduction to L&I” class.

What small business owners say about this free class:

“Lots of good info in short amount of time.”

“Very informative presentation … this was an important tool for us to be effective and responsible.”

“This was a very useful seminar. I’m leaving with good reference materials and contact numbers for future questions.”

Free workshops will be offered in:

• Tukwila, April 4, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Yakima, April 10, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Vancouver, April 11, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Everett, April 12, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Tumwater, April 18, 9 a.m. to noon.

For complete information about the workshops, visit Employer’s Introduction to L&I.

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