Wash. LnI Refunds $78 Million in Workers’ Comp Premiums

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is returning more than $78 million in workers’ compensation premiums to Washington employers and associations enrolled in retrospective rating plans.

29 professional organizations and trade associations will be receiving checks from L&I and distributing the refunds to member employers who participate in their programs. The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) will get the largest check—nearly $29 million.

The Retrospective Rating program is an optional program within the state’s workers’ comp system. It allows qualified employers and associations to earn refunds for reducing workplace injuries by meeting agreed upon goals such as safety education, hazard reduction and improved management of claims from injured workers.

Since the Retrospective Rating program began in 1981, the program has refunded more than $1 billion to participants. Refunds are distributed four times a year.

Employers can participate in retrospective rating on their own or through group plans sponsored by professional organizations or trade associations. Employers have four opportunities to enroll in the program each year. Depending on their performance, employers could see refunds as early as 10 months after an enrollment period.

Nearly 16,000 employers currently participate in retrospective rating options. While most receive a refund, some don’t meet their goals and have to pay more. L&I has assessed seven program participants, with worse-than-expected safety records, an additional $4.8 million in premiums.

For more information, visit the retrospective rating program Web site or contact Frank Romero at (360) 902-4835.