Labor & Employment

Washington State Fines Roofing Companies $1.4 Million for Fall Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued $1.4 million in fines to five construction companies for serious fall protection violations over the last four months. Falls from heights remain the most cited serious workplace safety violation in the state.

Bus Driver Charged with Workers' Comp Fraud

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that a Renton bus driver faces a felony theft charge for allegedly collecting over $50,000 in workers' compensation benefits while working other jobs. The charges were filed by the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

Seattle Company Fined for Asbestos Safety Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has fined Seattle Environmental Services LLC over $200,000 for knowingly exposing workers to asbestos and misleading investigators. The company ignored numerous safety rules during an asbestos removal project, putting workers at serious risk.

Prepaid Card Report on Workers' Compensation Payments

The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) has released a final report examining the use of prepaid card programs for workers' compensation indemnity payments. The report considers recommendations for the continuation of such programs.

CHSWC Releases 2025 WOSHTEP Advisory Board Annual Report

The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) has released the 2025 Worker Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program (WOSHTEP) Advisory Board Annual Report. The report evaluates the use and impact of programs aimed at reducing job-related injuries and illnesses among California workers.

California Teens Learn Workplace Safety and Rights at Leadership Academy

The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency highlighted the 22nd annual Young Worker Leadership Academy, which educated teens on workplace safety and their rights. The event aimed to prepare young workers to recognize hazards and advocate for fair treatment, reflecting the state's commitment to informed workforce entry.

DWC Updates Official Medical Fee Schedule

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has updated the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioner Services. The update incorporates new Medi-Cal rates and corrects existing sections, and is effective for services rendered on or after March 1, 2026.

Cal/OSHA Fines Company $212,850 for Amputation Accident

Cal/OSHA has issued penalties totaling $212,850 to All FAB Precision Sheetmetal, Inc., following an investigation into a workplace amputation accident. The company was cited for multiple violations, including willful and repeat serious accident-related violations related to machine guarding.

Labor proposes rule clarifying employee, contractor status

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to clarify the distinction between employees and independent contractors under federal wage and hour laws. This proposal would rescind the 2024 final rule and revert to an analysis similar to the one used in 2021, aiming to simplify compliance for employers and ensure worker protections.

DOL Cites Adonel Concrete for 9 Violations After Fatal Injury

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Adonel Concrete Corp. with nine serious violations following a fatal workplace injury. The company faces $58,604 in proposed penalties for inadequate machine guarding and other safety failures.