WA Offers Workshops on New Stay at Work Program

Tumwater, WA (WorkersCompensation.com) - The Department of Labor & Industries (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.

To help, L&I is holding workshops across the state to explain the new Stay at Work program, which provides up to half of a worker's base wages for up to 66 days or $10,000 per claim if the employer places their injured workers in light-duty or transitional work.

The free, 90-minute workshops provide an overview of the program, explain how to apply for the reimbursements, the requirements, benefits, and how participation can help reduce claim costs for participating businesses.

The current workshop schedule is:

• Yakima — Sept. 11 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. and 2 – 3:30 p.m., 15 W. Yakima Ave., Suite 100.
• Everett — Sept. 13, from 10 ­– 11:30 a.m., 729 100th St. SE.
• Kelso — Oct. 8, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. and 2 – 3:30 p.m., 711 Vine St.
• Everett — Nov. 8, from 10 – 11:30 a.m., 729 100th St. SE.
• Spokane — Dec. 11, 9 – 10:30 a.m. and 2 – 3:30 p.m., 901 N. Monroe St., Suite 100.
• Tukwila — Dec. 13 from 10 – 11:30 a.m., 12806 Gateway Drive South.

Ultimately, Stay at Work is projected to save $32 million annually by keeping workers on the job and reducing the chance of long-term disability. And getting injured workers out of their homes and back in the workplace has additional benefits — studies show that people off work longer than six months have only a 50 percent chance of ever returning to their job, while those who get back to work enjoy faster recovery times and improved lifelong health.

To sign up for a workshop or learn more about the program, visit www.StayatWork.Lni.wa.gov, or call 1-866-406-2482.

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