Save with a Claims-Free Discount from L&I
Every company with employees must buy workers’ compensation insurance, but you have control over how much you will pay. In Washington, employers purchase this insurance through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Much like a safe-driving discount, L&I offers a claims-free discount, between 10%—40%, for those employers who provide a safe work environment and avoid time loss for a 3-year period.
How could paying less premium affect your bottom line and give your business an advantage?
Creating a safe workplace and avoiding time loss can be accomplished with some helpful strategies. Your first step is building a strong and proactive safety program to reduce workplace injuries. Second, if an injury does occur, bring your employee back to work as quickly as possible. The best way to accomplish this is to provide a modified-duty job. There may be instances where your injured employee might not be able to return to work immediately. In those times, pay your worker their regular wage instead of letting L&I pay time loss. This is also called Kept on Salary (KOS).
Once you have reduced injuries and avoided time loss for three years, L&I will apply a claims-free discount to your account. Discounts vary and are predicated on the size of your company and the number of hours you report, with larger companies earning a greater discount.
We are here to help your company earn this discount year after year! For more information and assistance in putting together your safety program or modified-duty jobs, contact your ERNwest workers’ compensation team: ernwest.com/contact-us/