You may recall that L&I published its first report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) as required by RCW 49.17.520, titled, Industries and Risk Classifications Eligible for Ergonomic Rulemaking: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (wa.gov). Long-term care is an industry that can be regulated but it is low on the list. This means that while L&I is […]
Ergonomics – WMSD Regulations Read More »
Wet surfaces present hazards to everyone—including you, the staff and customers. Surfaces get slippery from mopping floors, wet weather conditions, spills and various activities that require the use of water (e.g., dishwashing). Slipping on a wet surface can cause bruises, strains, sprains, cuts, fractures and even head injuries. That’s why it’s important to take steps
Preventing Wet Surface Hazards in the Restaurant Read More »
Winter is here and with it comes skiing, sledding, and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Whether travelling mountain passes, the Palouse, or just the hills of Puget Sound, it’s a great time to remind ourselves of what we can do to be safe on the road. Here are a few tips to follow this winter:
An Increase is Expected Labor and Industries (L&I) recently announced proposed 2024 base rates for each of Washington’s 300 industrial insurance risk classifications. When considering all risk classes in the state, the proposal amounts to an average 4.9% increase, although specific risk classes may see rates move higher or lower than that. Much of the
L&I Announces Proposed 2024 Rates Read More »
With Fall comes your first look at 2024 industrial insurance rates. L&I will announce proposed base rates for each of Washington’s 300 industrial insurance risk classifications at the end of September or the beginning of October. Notification of final rates is then sent out in December. Base insurance rates vary by risk class and industry
L&I Proposed 2024 Rates are Coming Soon! Read More »
Falls are Costly The GRIP Retro group continues to see falls as one of the costliest, but preventable, injury types within the program. Over the past five years, falls have accounted for over $24 million in workers compensation costs. Here are data points from the 5-year fall review. Falls to lower level and falls on
GRIP 2017-2022 Injury Data Read More »
Helpful tips for keeping you on your feet. Wet floors, spills and excess clutter can mean disaster for employees, causing many to suffer lost pay and serious pain every year. Injuries caused by slips, trips and falls range from sprained or strained muscles and joints, to broken bones and head injuries. There are several
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls Read More »
The Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended April 10 at midnight. This means the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) is no longer in effect. COVID-19 Guidance in the Workplace This changes COVID-19 requirements for most employers in the group. Employers with 50 or more employees on site no longer have to track positive
COVID-19 Workplace Requirements & Claims – After April 10, 2023 Read More »
Many workplace slips, trips, and falls are preventable by implementing a number of workplace design modification measures and training. Workplace Environmental Condition Modifications Worksite environmental conditions can be modified or improved to reduce or eliminate hazards that lead to slips, trips, and falls. Specific elements of your worksite design that can be improved to prevent
Slip Trip & Fall Prevention Tips Read More »
Being safe is an attitude. Of course, safety means surrounding and supporting a safe work environment through the various rules, regulations, processes, and training established and guided by a partnership between the company and employees. However, when it comes down to it, being safe always starts with the individual and is based on attitude. Many
Think Safe, Work Safe Read More »
