In an effort to make sure injured workers are aware of important changes to how they receive medical care, L&I this week is sending 45,000 letters to injured workers letting them know whether or not their doctor has joined the new workers’ compensation medical network.

October 24, 2012 | Read full story

L&I and its consumer outreach team will attend several home shows around Washington in the coming weeks to educate consumers on how to protect themselves from shady contractors, shoddy work and costly scams.

October 3, 2012 | Read full story

Do you have an innovative idea for improving workplace safety and health or helping injured workers get back on the job? If so, L&I would like to hear from you and may help fund your project.

October 1, 2012 | Read full story

Washington’s minimum wage will increase to $9.19 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2013, the Department of Labor & Industries announced today.

September 28, 2012 | Read full story

Construction compliance inspectors with L&I swept through Pierce County this past weekend, citing more than a dozen contractors for working without being registered, an infraction which carries a $1,000 fine for a first-time offense.

September 25, 2012 | Read full story

Preventing a young shooting victim from bleeding to death, wrestling with an armed assailant, and wading into a murky swamp to rescue a motorist are some of the heroic actions taken by men and women who provided critical aid when it was most needed. These heroes and more will be honored for their life-saving efforts.

September 20, 2012 | Read full story

L&I announced it is proposing no increase in the average rate for workers’ compensation insurance. If adopted, this would be the second straight year with no increase in workers’ comp rates.

September 17, 2012 | Read full story

The Department of Labor & Industries has cited the BP Cherry Point petroleum refinery in Blaine for six violations, including one "willful violation," of workplace safety and health rules related to management of pipeline and refinery processes.

August 30, 2012 | Read full story

Registration is open for the 61st annual Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference on Sept. 26 and 27 at the Spokane Convention Center.

August 27, 2012 | Read full story

L&I has reimbursed more than 1,000 employers almost $5.5 million to help retain injured workers in light duty jobs, but many businesses around the state remain uncertain how the program can benefit them.

August 23, 2012 | Read full story

If you work outdoors, the Department of Labor & Industries says to take steps to prevent heat-related illness, a condition that can cause serious illness or even death.

August 16, 2012 | Read full story

One year into its new Stay at Work program, L&I has reimbursed 568 employers with $2.5 million and helped 1,200 injured workers remain on the job, making it one of the fastest growing workers' comp programs in the United States.

June 15, 2012 | Read full story

If you know a real-life hero or heroine who saved a life this past year, the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board would like to hear from you.

June 7, 2012 | Read full story

Driving a forklift may look easy, but driving one safely requires the right training and experience.

May 24, 2012 | Read full story

Among those killed on the job in Washington last year were five young men under the age of 25, including one who was just 18. An average of 79 young men and women between 16 and 24 are hurt on the job every day across the state.

May 21, 2012 | Read full story

Do you have an innovative idea for helping injured workers return to work soon after an injury? If so, L&I would like to hear from you and may even help fund your project.

May 18, 2012 | Read full story

A homeowner in the Yakima area has fallen victim to an asphalt paving scam, prompting L&I to remind all property owners to protect themselves from unscrupulous contractors.

May 10, 2012 | Read full story

Construction industry workers, owners and supervisors have an opportunity to focus on industry-specific training at the fifth annual Construction Safety Day on Wednesday, May 2.

April 20, 2012 | Read full story

L&I ceremony April 26 to mark Worker Memorial Day

All are welcome to honor the men and women who died from a job-related illness or injury last year at the Department of Labor & Industries’ (L&I) annual Worker Memorial Day ceremony.

April 19, 2012 | Read full story

Washington has 51 workplace deaths in 2011 – a historic low

After years of steady decline, deaths in Washington state due to fatal workplace injuries fell to 51 in 2011, the lowest number of work-related deaths in the state's history.

March 14, 2012 | Read full story

L&I's medical provider network now accepting applications

The Department of Labor & Industries is now accepting applications for the statewide workers' compensation medical network that will launch in 2013. Network providers will care for injured workers covered by L&I as well as by self-insured employers.

February 15, 2012 | Read full story

L&I seeks public comment on rules for implementing medical network

The Department of Labor & Industries is seeking input from the public on draft rules for implementing portions of the workers' comp medical network that will launch in 2013. Specifically, the rules cover injured workers' visits to non-network providers — what L&I can pay for and who can decide to reopen a claim.

February 10, 2012 | Read full story

L&I seeks public comment on rules for Structured Settlements

The Department of Labor & Industries is holding four hearings to take public comments on rules pertaining to structured settlement agreements for workers' compensation claims.

February 2, 2012 | Read full story

Dealing with storm damage? Protect yourself from unqualified contractors

A week after a winter storm swept through much of Washington, downing trees and power lines, many homeowners are still cleaning up and repairing the damage.

January 26, 2012 | Read full story

L&I extends filing deadline to Feb. 3 due to storm slowdown

The state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is extending its quarterly filing deadline for State Fund employers to submit their workers' compensation premiums from midnight Jan. 31 to midnight Feb. 3.

January 25, 2012 | Read full story

Enforcement, education part of L&I effort to protect workers in primary metals industry

The Department of Labor & Industries has joined a national effort to improve safety at smelters, foundries and other metal processing facilities that make up the state's primary metals industry.

January 12, 2012 | Read full story

Hazardous drugs rule adopted, meeting set to discuss advisory committee

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has adopted the Hazardous Drugs rule, designed to protect health care workers from exposure to chemotherapy drugs and other hazardous drugs.

January 12, 2012 | Read full story

Businesses that help their injured workers stay on the job may be eligible for reimbursement: Stay at Work begins today

Employers who have provided light-duty jobs to injured workers may be entitled to a reimbursement from the state Department of Labor & Industries as part of a new program to keep injured workers at work and help employers make that happen.

January 10, 2012 | Read full story

Registration Open for 8th Annual Agriculture Safety Day

Registration is now open for the 8th Annual Agriculture Safety Day, which will be held on Feb. 22, 2012, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

January 5, 2012 | Read full story

New minimum wage takes effect Jan. 1

Washington's minimum wage increases 37 cents to $9.04 an hour beginning Jan. 1, 2012. Washington's minimum wage applies to workers in all industries, including agriculture, although 14- and 15-year-olds may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, or $7.68 an hour.

December 28, 2011 | Read full story

No increase for workers' compensation rates in 2012

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has announced there will be no increase in workers' compensation rates next year. This is the first time since 2007 that the agency has not increased its rates.

December 1, 2011 | Read full story

Investing in occupational health "best practices" improves outcomes for injured workers, study finds

A new study of occupational health care in Washington state shows that improving medical care for injured workers can dramatically reduce lost work time.

November 30, 2011 | Read full story

Public comment sought on new rule requiring serious hazards be fixed during appeal

The Department of Labor & Industries will hold two hearings to take public comments on a draft rule requiring employers to correct serious safety hazards when they receive L&I citations, even if they appeal the citation, unless a stay is granted.

November 22, 2011 | Read full story

Public comment sought on new L&I rule protecting health care workers

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is seeking public comment on a draft rule setting requirements for the handling of chemotherapy drugs and other hazardous drugs.

November 18, 2011 | Read full story

L&I proposes standards for medical providers who treat injured workers

The Department of Labor & Industries is seeking public comments on draft standards for health-care providers who treat injured workers.

November 9, 2011 | Read full story

New TIRES blog pushes safety for truck drivers

Truck drivers are exposed to a slew of hazards, from slips and falls to highway collisions. Now, the Trucking Injury Reduction Emphasis project, or TIRES, is rolling out a new tool to help keep truckers safe and on the road – the TIRES blog.

November 2, 2011 | Read full story

Workplace injury rates in Washington show continued improvement

Washington's job sites were safer in 2010, continuing a trend that began nearly a decade ago, according to survey results released today by the Department of Labor & Industries.

October 20, 2011 | Read full story

L&I moves public rate hearing to Renton Pavilion

The Department of Labor & Industries is relocating the venue for its public rate hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Originally scheduled for L&I's Tukwila location, the hearing will now be held at 1:30 p.m. in Renton at the Renton Pavilion, 233 Burnett Ave. South.

October 19, 2011 | Read full story

Water treatment plant in Anacortes - first municipal worksite to join L&I safety program

The City of Anacortes Water Treatment Plant, which supplies drinking water to 56,000 customers, has become the first municipal work site in Washington state to participate in the Safety Through Achieving Recognition Together (START) program.

October 17, 2011 | Read full story

Study shows L&I inspections improve safety and save money

A recent study of a decade's worth of inspection data suggests that a visit from the Department of Labor & Industries can be good not just for a company's workplace safety, but also its bottom line.

October 7, 2011 | Read full story

Washington's minimum wage to increase to $9.04 next year

Washington's minimum wage will increase to $9.04 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2012, the Department of L&I announced today.

September 30, 2011 | Read full story

L&I offering grants for innovative safety and health projects

Have an innovative idea for training, equipment or some other way of improving workplace safety and health? There may be a grant waiting for you.

September 29, 2011 | Read full story

Two electrocutions in two weeks: a reminder of hazards posed by power lines

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is investigating two separate deaths within two weeks involving workers electrocuted by high voltage power lines. While the incidents remain under investigation, they serve as an important reminder of the hazards associated with working around power lines.

September 23, 2011 | Read full story

L&I proposes lowest workers' comp rate increase in five years

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) today proposed its lowest workers' compensation rate increase in five years.

September 20, 2011 | Read full story

60th Governor's Safety and Health Conference coming to Tacoma

Tunnel boring, refinery investigations, and the impact of Japan's nuclear reactor accident are among the topics that will be covered at the 60th Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Conference held this year at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center on Sept. 28 and 29.

September 20, 2011 | Read full story

Underground economy fight takes national stage

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) strengthened its commitment to fighting the underground economy today by signing a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Labor, partnering in the battle against improper classification of employees.

September 19, 2011 | Read full story

L&I says reforms create opportunity to restore workers' comp reserves

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) asked the Workers' Compensation Advisory Committee (WCAC), made up of business and labor stakeholders, for input on restoring the workers' compensation reserve funds that have been drawn down over the past three years.

September 12, 2011 | Read full story

Heroes to be honored at 60^th Governor's Safety Conference

Some waded into frigid waters, others raced against the flames of burning vehicles but all of them provided critical aid when it was most needed and, later this month, they will all be honored for their life-saving efforts.

September 7, 2011 | Read full story

Forklift rodeo coming to Western Washington

Professional forklift drivers in Western Washington are invited to Boeing's Auburn Facility on Aug. 20 for the third and final qualifying forklift rodeo before the statewide competition next month.

August 9, 2011 | Read full story

Late filing penalties waived following computer slowdown

Employers will not be penalized for late online filing of an industrial insurance quarterly report following a recent computer slowdown at L&I.

August 2, 2011 | Read full story

Worker's death leads to citation for Department of Natural Resources

L&I has cited the Department of Natural Resources for five serious safety violations following an investigation into the death of Samuel Gaydeski, a heavy equipment operator for DNR. The citation carries a proposed penalty of $16,650.

July 29, 2011 | Read full story

Death of corrections officer leads to citation, fine for DOC

As a result of its investigation, L&I today is citing the DOC for two serious violations of state workplace safety rules and one repeat of a serious violation. The total proposed penalty is $26,000, nearly the maximum amount allowed under L&I's penalty structure.

July 27, 2011 | Read full story

WSDOT worker’s death leads to citation, fine for safety violations

L&I has concluded its investigation of the Jan. 16, 2011, death of Billy Rhynalds, a maintenance technician for the state Department of Transportation, citing WSDOT for four serious safety violations.

July 18, 2011 | Read full story

Summer brings cautions for warm weather work and other hazards

While sunshine and warm weather have been absent for much of the state this spring, summer begins today and the state Department of Labor & Industries wants to remind both workers and employers to be careful of this season’s particular hazards.

June 21, 2011 | Read full story

Teen safety program takes speaker on the road

A Longview man who lost his arm in a workplace accident more than a decade ago will be the guest of a national bottling company this week, thanks to his work as a safety advocate with the Department of Labor & Industries.

June 16, 2011 | Read full story

Historic workers' compensation bill signed today

Washington employers who provide temporary work that allows an injured worker to "Stay at Work" while recovering from an injury will be eligible to be reimbursed for half of the worker's wages.

June 15, 2011 | Read full story

Workplace safety conference seeks nominations for lifesaving awards

Know someone who saved a life this past year? The Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board would like to know.

June 7, 2011 | Read full story

Beginning next week, professional forklift drivers across the state will begin competing in a series of contests leading to a final competition at the 60th Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Conference to determine the best forklift driver in the state.

June 3, 2011 | Read full story

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is warning homeowners in the Tri-Cities area that con artists offering asphalt paving and driveway seal coats may be operating in the area.

May 19, 2011 | Read full story

L&I has created an easy way for insurance companies to create, cancel and reinstate general liability insurance certificates online for contractors registered in Washington state.

May 12, 2011 | Read full story

Citing a steady decline in workload due to the poor economy in Northeast Washington, the Department of Labor & Industries announced today that it will close its service location in Colville. The closure takes effect May 27.

May 11, 2011 | Read full story

Worksite safety for home renovation crews and the hazards of confined spaces are among the topics to be covered at the fourth annual Construction Safety Day on Wednesday, May 4.

April 20, 2011 | Read full story

Parents, spouses, children and other relatives of those who died from a job-related illness or injury last year have all been invited to the Department of Labor & Industries' (L&I) annual Worker Memorial Day ceremony, being held April 28.

April 20, 2011 | Read full story

A new bill signed by Governor Chris Gregoire today will require businesses in Washington state to fix workplace hazards even when they appeal a citation from L&I.

April 15, 2011 | Read full story

One of the long-standing ironies in the health industry has been that the chemotherapy drugs that cancer patients and others depend upon for treatment can harm the medical providers caring for them.

April 14, 2011 | Read full story

L&I warns homeowners of seasonal asphalt paving scam

As spring temperatures rise, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is warning Washington homeowners of a seasonal asphalt paving scam that may pressure you to repair your driveway.

April 13, 2011 | Read full story

L&I fines Pasco company $99,000 after worker is caught, hurt in conveyor

A lack of training and proper safety devices left workers in a Pasco dried foods company scrambling to shut off a conveyor system last September after a worker became caught in the machinery, a Department of Labor & Industries investigation has found.

April 7, 2011 | Read full story

L&I launches campaign encouraging homeowners to hire registered contractors

As spring and summer remodeling projects begin, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is launching a statewide radio advertising campaign urging homeowners to protect themselves from being taken advantage of by unregistered contractors.

April 11, 2011 | Read full story

New opportunities to learn farming in Skagit, San Juan counties

Small farms need help, and would-be farmers need a place to learn. A new pilot project brings the two groups together in Skagit and San Juan counties.

Mar. 21, 2011 | Read full story

Spokane Man found guilty of stealing workers' compensation benefits

An anonymous tip led to a guilty verdict for a Spokane man accused of stealing more than $30,000 worth of workers’ compensation benefits the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced today.

Mar. 17, 2011 | Read full story

L&I fines Puyallup firm $437,300 in asbestos exposure cases

The action deals with two abatement projects the company undertook last year at the former Lynnwood High School and a building in Olympia used by the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

Feb. 25, 2011 | Read full story

Workplace deaths rise across the state, agriculture tops the list

Workplace deaths in Washington state climbed in 2010, with 86 men and women killed due to job-related trauma, according to a report on work-related fatalities the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) released today.

Feb. 17, 2011 | Read full story

Papé Machinery in Kelso earns safety and health recognition award

Papé Machinery Inc. in Kelso has become just the second worksite in Washington state to be recognized for safety through the new Safety Through Achieving Recognition Together program, (START).

Feb. 14, 2011 | Read full story

Workers’ compensation insurance premiums increase by 12 percent

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) today announced a final decision to increase workers’ compensation premium rates by an average 12 percent or 6.5 cents per hour for 2011.

Jan. 28, 2011 | Read full story

L&I’s fraud-fighting program collects $137 million

The fight against fraud by the Department of Labor & Industries’ Fraud Prevention and Compliance Program brought in $137.4 million in 2010.

Jan. 18, 2011 | Read full story

Public hearings on workers' comp premium rate increase to be held Jan. 4

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will hold rate hearings in Tacoma and Spokane concerning the proposed 12 percent workers’ compensation premium rate increase that was announced in November.

Dec. 29, 2010 | Read full story

New minimum wage takes effect Jan. 1

Washington’s minimum wage increases 12 cents to $8.67 an hour beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

Dec. 28, 2010 | Read full story

Elevator inspectors work to keep holiday shoppers safe

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means: you’ll be logging time in big department stores along with lots of other shoppers.

Dec. 9, 2010 | Read full story

A caution from L&I: Do-it-yourself electrical generator hookups can be very hazardous!

Important consumer information from Ron Fuller of the Washington Department of Labor & Industries, the state's Electrical Chief.

Nov. 24, 2010 | Read full story