Washington state Department of Labor & Industries News

Washington Workers’ Comp Scam Exposed by Gym Trips

A Washington man is being charged in a felony in a $28,000 workers’ compensation scam after a trip the gym seemingly exposed him. Omid Mohammadi Dashti, 41, of Renton, was charged with one count of first-degree theft. He’s accused of …

Washington Sawmill Fined $126K for 61 Safety and Health Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is levying more than $126,000 in fines for 61 reported safety and health violations by a lumber seller. Fox Lumber Sales buys leftover wood, cuts it down, and sells it for pallet …

Washington Farm Labor Contractor Fined $140K for Withholding Info From Workers

A Pasco farm labor contractor faces nearly $140,000 in fines for violations uncovered during a Washington State Department of Labor & Industries investigation that include withholding information from worker. According to the L&I, there are more than 250 licensed farm …

Washington Drafting New Ergonomic Rules for Airline Ground Crews

Scheduled airline ground crews, including baggage handlers and maintenance workers, file injury claims for work-related musculoskeletal disorders at more than 10 times the statewide average, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. WMSDs, which include strains, sprains …

Washington Paper Mill Fined Nearly $650K in Machine Operator Death

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited and fined a mill operator in Camas following an investigation into the death of a worker who was crushed by a packing machine that had no safety guards in place. The …

Washington Metal Fabricator Faces Felony in $340K Workers’ Comp Scam

A Washington man who claimed he was too injured to work while operating a metal fabrication shop faces a felony charge in an alleged $340,000 workers’ compensation scam. Travis Lee Johnson, 52, of Spokane Valley, pleaded not guilty recently to …

Washington Cabinet Shop Fined $187K for Safety Violations

A Ridgefield, Washington cabinet company has been cited for numerous safety violations including unguarded saw blades, spraying flammable glue next to ignition sources and not taking steps to lock down dangerous machinery. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries …

Washington Marble Contractor Fined $300K for Exposing Workers to Silica Dust

A Skagit County was fined nearly $330,000 for exposing workers to crystalline silica dust from cutting, grinding and polishing stone countertops. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited and fined A+ Marble & Granite LLC in July after …

Washington State Meter Reader Pleads Guilty in Workers’ Comp Scam

A 56-year-old former Washington State meter reader who claimed she was so traumatized from a workplace dog attack that she fainted at the sight of dogs has pleaded guilty in a workers’ compensation fraud case. According to a Washington State …

Washington Adult Home Operator Facing Felony Charge in Alleged Workers’ Comp Scam

A Spokane, Washington woman who ran an adult family home while claiming she was too injured to work faces a felony charge in a $60,000 workers’ compensation fraud case. Serah Kamau, 52, reportedly operated her business, Brookhouse Adult Family Home, …