News & Data Center

Washington one of the top states for workplace safety according to federal report

Washington remains one of the best states for workplace safety and health according to a report from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. For 2017 our state had the ninth lowest fatal occupational injury rate in the nation.

Minimum wage climbs to $12 in 2019 as mandated by voter-approved initiative

The minimum wage in Washington will increase to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2019, for workers age 16 and older.

Workers’ compensation insurance in Washington will see biggest price drop in a decade

The price of workers’ compensation insurance in Washington will take the largest drop in more than 10 years on January 1.

Spokane-area man sentenced to pay nearly $94K in workers’ comp scam

A Spokane County businessman has been ordered to repay the state and federal governments close to $94,000 for stealing disability benefits.

Wage violations, false payrolls mean Bonney Lake firm banned from bidding on public construction projects

A Bonney Lake construction firm and its owner are permanently banned from bidding or working on public projects in Washington as the result of a recent settlement with the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) over wage violations and false reporting of payroll records.

L&I; seeks input on latest proposal to change overtime rules in our state

Washington's Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) has released preliminary draft rules that spell out possible changes for salaried workers in our state. Changes to these rules will mean more employees will be entitled to overtime, minimum wage and paid sick leave.

L&I; hands Vancouver firm large fine for multiple trenching, excavation violations

Washington's Department of Labor & Industries has fined a Vancouver construction company that specializes in excavation and trenching $126,400 for multiple safety violations.

Workplace heroes to be honored for saving lives while on the job

This week in Spokane, 30 Washington workers will be honored for reacting to emergencies and saving lives during their workdays. The Governor's Lifesaving Awards will be presented at the annual Governor's Safety and Health Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

L&I; proposes significant drop in workers' comp rates for 2019

The price of workers' compensation insurance in Washington will likely drop significantly in 2019. Today the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) proposed a 5 percent decrease in the average premium employers pay for the coverage.

Little Caesars fined more than $40,000 for teen worker violations in University Place

A Little Caesars Pizza restaurant franchise faces $42,000 in fines for youth labor law violations, including allowing teenagers to work too many hours without a rest period on more than 100 separate occasions.

Business owner ordered to pay nearly $12K in workers' comp scam

The co-owner of a former housecleaning business in Snohomish County must pay more than $11,700 for her role in a scheme to avoid paying workers' compensation insurance.

Taco Bell franchise fined for violating teen worker laws at several restaurants

A Taco Bell franchise owner has been fined nearly $120,000 by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) for repeated violations of teen worker laws over several years at a half-dozen Western Washington restaurants.

Serious injuries at two worksites lead to fines and citations for National Products, Inc.

A Seattle company that manufactures electronics mounting systems and other products is facing more than $250,000 in fines for multiple serious and willful worker safety and health violations.

News from the Washington Attorney General's office: Contractor sentenced for criminal wage theft, false reporting of workers' comp payments

A Maple Valley contractor and his company must pay back more than $25,000 in unpaid wages in addition to unreported workers' compensation insurance after a joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Edmonds asbestos removal company fined more than a quarter-million dollars for exposing workers and the public to unsafe conditions

An Edmonds-based asbestos removal contractor has been cited by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) for multiple willful safety violations for improper handling of asbestos. Along with the citations, the company faces fines totaling $229,700.

Bellevue firm barred from public projects; failed to pay $140,000 to workers

Quality Construction has been barred from seeking contracts on public works projects after failing to pay workers more than $140,000 for their work on two elementary schools.

Workers' compensation benefits to increase by 5 percent

For most workers injured on or before July 1, 2017, time-loss and pension benefit payments will increase by 5 percent based on the change in the state's average wage as announced by the Washington State Employment Security Department on June 27.

It's summer job season – L&I; encourages parents to make sure teens get training and know their rights

Summer jobs are often considered a rite of passage for teenagers. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of young adults suffer workplace injuries or worse.

Crackdown on illegal contractors in Washington finds nearly 50 violators

Surprise sweeps for unregistered contractors in Washington this month resulted in nearly 50 citations in three days.

L&I; grants available for workplace safety projects and Return-to-Work initiatives

Do you have a great idea to help make Washington workers and workplaces safer? If so, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) may be able to help turn that idea into a reality.

Lifesaving awards honor workplace heroes -- nominations open now

The Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board presents awards to workplace heroes at its annual conference, and now's the time to nominate people for the 2018 Governor's Lifesaving Awards.

News from the Governor's office: State's new Equal Pay Opportunity Act takes effect today

Starting today in Washington, employees are legally required to receive equal pay and career advancement opportunities, regardless of gender. The changes are a result of the Equal Pay Opportunity Act, sponsored by Rep. Tana Senn and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in March. The new regulations update Washington’s equal pay law, which was established in 1943.

Jail time for unregistered contractor who botched jobs and cheated customers in Pierce County

Three Pierce County couples thought they were hiring someone who would improve their homes and property. Instead, they wound up paying thousands of dollars for a big mess. The unregistered contractor who left them with unfinished and shoddy concrete work has been sentenced to 150 days in jail.

"Safety Stand-Down" campaign helps prevent construction falls and saves lives

Each year falls cause more disabling injuries and deaths in Washington than any other workplace hazard, and construction workers die from falls more than workers in any other industry. Sixteen workers died at Washington construction sites in 2017; ten of those were from falls.

Agricultural bosses and supervisors will get valuable labor law training at seminars

Agricultural supervisors and crew bosses with the right training can help ensure employers that hire workers with H-2A visas follow the law.

Plumber in hot water over workers' comp scam gets 45 days in detention

An Auburn plumber who lied about working while he was receiving disability payments has been sentenced to serve 45 days in detention.

Washington's fallen workers to be honored at April 26 Ceremony

More than 60 fallen Washington workers will be remembered by their families and friends and honored by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) at an April 26 memorial ceremony in Tumwater.

Construction Safety Day is a life saver -- this year's event is planned for May 11 in Puyallup

Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in Washington. In 2017 the construction field saw more workplace fatalities and injuries than any other occupation in our state. Falls are always a leading cause of injury and death at construction sites, both here and nationwide.

Crime Victims' Rights Week event in Tumwater offers information and resources

This year's Crime Victims' Rights Week theme is "Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims." L&I; and the state departments of Commerce and Corrections are co-sponsors.

Dental hygienist pleads guilty for lying to state in workers' comp case

A Lynnwood woman has been sentenced to community service after admitting she lied when she claimed she wasn't working while receiving workers' comp benefits.

Dollar Tree stores cited again and fined maximum for putting workers at risk

For the second time in less than two years, Dollar Tree Stores Inc., faces stiff fines for workplace safety violations at two of its stores. The company faces $306,000 in state penalties.

Improving safety on the job saves lives and money -- March 6 workplace safety seminar features business and industry leaders

Workplace safety leaders from around Washington will be among the speakers at a one-day seminar on March 6, hosted by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;).

L&I; cites and fines Sarbanand Farms for missed breaks and late meal times

A Sumas-area farm faces nearly $150,000 in state and local fines in connection with violations related to missed employee breaks and late meal periods. It's the largest penalty ever assessed by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) for these types of violations.

Asbestos violations put hotel construction workers at risk and result in large fine

A Seattle hotel owner who knew his building contained asbestos decided to cut corners and save money by removing it using untrained workers. As a result, the Seattle Pacific Hotel has been cited for multiple egregious safety and health violations and faces $355,000 in fines for exposing the workers to asbestos hazards.

Agriculture safety conference coming in Feb. to Yakima and Wenatchee

Washington's annual Agriculture Safety Day is happening in two Eastern Washington locations again this year, thanks to the enthusiastic 2017 turnout. The February event, now in its 14th year, is put on to help meet the specific safety and health training needs in the agricultural industry.

Construction company owner faces manslaughter charges over worker's trench death

Criminal manslaughter charges filed on Friday against the owner of a Seattle–area construction firm make a clear statement about the responsibility of companies to keep workers safe on the job, and the serious consequences if they knowingly don't.

Former restaurant manager in Seattle charged in $90K disability scam

A man who managed Seattle restaurants for nearly three years while illegally receiving more than $91,000 in workers' comp benefits is facing a felony theft charge.

Washington one of the top states for workplace safety according to federal report

Washington remains one of the best states for workplace safety and health according to a report from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. For 2017 our state had the ninth lowest fatal occupational injury rate in the nation.

Minimum wage climbs to $12 in 2019 as mandated by voter-approved initiative

The minimum wage in Washington will increase to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2019, for workers age 16 and older.

Workers’ compensation insurance in Washington will see biggest price drop in a decade

The price of workers’ compensation insurance in Washington will take the largest drop in more than 10 years on January 1.

Spokane-area man sentenced to pay nearly $94K in workers’ comp scam

A Spokane County businessman has been ordered to repay the state and federal governments close to $94,000 for stealing disability benefits.

Wage violations, false payrolls mean Bonney Lake firm banned from bidding on public construction projects

A Bonney Lake construction firm and its owner are permanently banned from bidding or working on public projects in Washington as the result of a recent settlement with the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) over wage violations and false reporting of payroll records.

L&I; seeks input on latest proposal to change overtime rules in our state

Washington's Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) has released preliminary draft rules that spell out possible changes for salaried workers in our state. Changes to these rules will mean more employees will be entitled to overtime, minimum wage and paid sick leave.

L&I; hands Vancouver firm large fine for multiple trenching, excavation violations

Washington's Department of Labor & Industries has fined a Vancouver construction company that specializes in excavation and trenching $126,400 for multiple safety violations.

Workplace heroes to be honored for saving lives while on the job

This week in Spokane, 30 Washington workers will be honored for reacting to emergencies and saving lives during their workdays. The Governor's Lifesaving Awards will be presented at the annual Governor's Safety and Health Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

L&I; proposes significant drop in workers' comp rates for 2019

The price of workers' compensation insurance in Washington will likely drop significantly in 2019. Today the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) proposed a 5 percent decrease in the average premium employers pay for the coverage.

Little Caesars fined more than $40,000 for teen worker violations in University Place

A Little Caesars Pizza restaurant franchise faces $42,000 in fines for youth labor law violations, including allowing teenagers to work too many hours without a rest period on more than 100 separate occasions.

Business owner ordered to pay nearly $12K in workers' comp scam

The co-owner of a former housecleaning business in Snohomish County must pay more than $11,700 for her role in a scheme to avoid paying workers' compensation insurance.

Taco Bell franchise fined for violating teen worker laws at several restaurants

A Taco Bell franchise owner has been fined nearly $120,000 by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) for repeated violations of teen worker laws over several years at a half-dozen Western Washington restaurants.

Serious injuries at two worksites lead to fines and citations for National Products, Inc.

A Seattle company that manufactures electronics mounting systems and other products is facing more than $250,000 in fines for multiple serious and willful worker safety and health violations.

News from the Washington Attorney General's office: Contractor sentenced for criminal wage theft, false reporting of workers' comp payments

A Maple Valley contractor and his company must pay back more than $25,000 in unpaid wages in addition to unreported workers' compensation insurance after a joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Edmonds asbestos removal company fined more than a quarter-million dollars for exposing workers and the public to unsafe conditions

An Edmonds-based asbestos removal contractor has been cited by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) for multiple willful safety violations for improper handling of asbestos. Along with the citations, the company faces fines totaling $229,700.

Bellevue firm barred from public projects; failed to pay $140,000 to workers

Quality Construction has been barred from seeking contracts on public works projects after failing to pay workers more than $140,000 for their work on two elementary schools.

Workers' compensation benefits to increase by 5 percent

For most workers injured on or before July 1, 2017, time-loss and pension benefit payments will increase by 5 percent based on the change in the state's average wage as announced by the Washington State Employment Security Department on June 27.

It's summer job season – L&I; encourages parents to make sure teens get training and know their rights

Summer jobs are often considered a rite of passage for teenagers. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of young adults suffer workplace injuries or worse.

Crackdown on illegal contractors in Washington finds nearly 50 violators

Surprise sweeps for unregistered contractors in Washington this month resulted in nearly 50 citations in three days.

L&I; grants available for workplace safety projects and Return-to-Work initiatives

Do you have a great idea to help make Washington workers and workplaces safer? If so, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) may be able to help turn that idea into a reality.

Lifesaving awards honor workplace heroes -- nominations open now

The Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board presents awards to workplace heroes at its annual conference, and now's the time to nominate people for the 2018 Governor's Lifesaving Awards.

News from the Governor's office: State's new Equal Pay Opportunity Act takes effect today

Starting today in Washington, employees are legally required to receive equal pay and career advancement opportunities, regardless of gender. The changes are a result of the Equal Pay Opportunity Act, sponsored by Rep. Tana Senn and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in March. The new regulations update Washington’s equal pay law, which was established in 1943.

Jail time for unregistered contractor who botched jobs and cheated customers in Pierce County

Three Pierce County couples thought they were hiring someone who would improve their homes and property. Instead, they wound up paying thousands of dollars for a big mess. The unregistered contractor who left them with unfinished and shoddy concrete work has been sentenced to 150 days in jail.

"Safety Stand-Down" campaign helps prevent construction falls and saves lives

Each year falls cause more disabling injuries and deaths in Washington than any other workplace hazard, and construction workers die from falls more than workers in any other industry. Sixteen workers died at Washington construction sites in 2017; ten of those were from falls.

Agricultural bosses and supervisors will get valuable labor law training at seminars

Agricultural supervisors and crew bosses with the right training can help ensure employers that hire workers with H-2A visas follow the law.

Plumber in hot water over workers' comp scam gets 45 days in detention

An Auburn plumber who lied about working while he was receiving disability payments has been sentenced to serve 45 days in detention.

Washington's fallen workers to be honored at April 26 Ceremony

More than 60 fallen Washington workers will be remembered by their families and friends and honored by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) at an April 26 memorial ceremony in Tumwater.

Construction Safety Day is a life saver -- this year's event is planned for May 11 in Puyallup

Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in Washington. In 2017 the construction field saw more workplace fatalities and injuries than any other occupation in our state. Falls are always a leading cause of injury and death at construction sites, both here and nationwide.

Crime Victims' Rights Week event in Tumwater offers information and resources

This year's Crime Victims' Rights Week theme is "Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims." L&I; and the state departments of Commerce and Corrections are co-sponsors.

Dental hygienist pleads guilty for lying to state in workers' comp case

A Lynnwood woman has been sentenced to community service after admitting she lied when she claimed she wasn't working while receiving workers' comp benefits.

Dollar Tree stores cited again and fined maximum for putting workers at risk

For the second time in less than two years, Dollar Tree Stores Inc., faces stiff fines for workplace safety violations at two of its stores. The company faces $306,000 in state penalties.

Improving safety on the job saves lives and money -- March 6 workplace safety seminar features business and industry leaders

Workplace safety leaders from around Washington will be among the speakers at a one-day seminar on March 6, hosted by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;).

L&I; cites and fines Sarbanand Farms for missed breaks and late meal times

A Sumas-area farm faces nearly $150,000 in state and local fines in connection with violations related to missed employee breaks and late meal periods. It's the largest penalty ever assessed by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I;) for these types of violations.

Asbestos violations put hotel construction workers at risk and result in large fine

A Seattle hotel owner who knew his building contained asbestos decided to cut corners and save money by removing it using untrained workers. As a result, the Seattle Pacific Hotel has been cited for multiple egregious safety and health violations and faces $355,000 in fines for exposing the workers to asbestos hazards.

Agriculture safety conference coming in Feb. to Yakima and Wenatchee

Washington's annual Agriculture Safety Day is happening in two Eastern Washington locations again this year, thanks to the enthusiastic 2017 turnout. The February event, now in its 14th year, is put on to help meet the specific safety and health training needs in the agricultural industry.

Construction company owner faces manslaughter charges over worker's trench death

Criminal manslaughter charges filed on Friday against the owner of a Seattle–area construction firm make a clear statement about the responsibility of companies to keep workers safe on the job, and the serious consequences if they knowingly don't.

Former restaurant manager in Seattle charged in $90K disability scam

A man who managed Seattle restaurants for nearly three years while illegally receiving more than $91,000 in workers' comp benefits is facing a felony theft charge.