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WORKERS' COMPENSATION 101:
Overview, Warning Signs, and Strategies
Washington’s workers’ compensation system can feel complex—especially when a claim arises. In this webinar, Brian Padgett, provides a practical overview of how Washington’s workers’ compensation system works and how it has evolved.
He will outline proactive strategies employers can use before, during, and after a claim to reduce risk, manage costs, and avoid common pitfalls, and will identify key warning signs that may indicate an illegitimate or problematic claim—helping employers respond effectively while remaining compliant.
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 3
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM (Pacific Time)
💻 Where: Online – Free to attend |
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DOSH Gravity-Based Penalties Increase |
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Washington DOSH is increasing gravity-based penalties for serious violations effective January 15, 2026. These penalties are calculated using a gravity score (Severity × Probability), and the base penalty amounts are increasing by 4.92% for 2026.
2025 vs. 2026 Gravity-Based Penalty Amounts (Serious Violations)
Gravity 9 (High): $7,140 → $7,491
Gravity 6: $6,120 → $6,421
Gravity 4: $4,080 → $4,281
Gravity 3: $3,060 → $3,211
Gravity 2: $2,040 → $2,140
Gravity 1: $1,020 → $1,070
Bottom line: inspections opened on or after January 15, 2026 will be subject to these increased penalty amounts. |
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2026 Legislative Outlook |
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Recent Webinar Recap: In December, we hosted a free webinar on new employment laws taking effect in 2026 and 2027.
What We’re Expecting This Session: With a significant budget shortfall, lawmakers are likely to focus on clarifying, adjusting, and enforcing current laws rather than introducing broad new employer mandates.
Incremental Policy Changes: Legislators may continue to explore targeted adjustments to areas like paid leave, fair hiring, and workplace safety—focused on thresholds, notice requirements, and enforcement rather than new mandates.
Enforcement Focus: Budget pressures may increase attention on wage and hour compliance, safety oversight, and enforcement agency funding, which could mean more enforcement activity for employers.
Bottom Line for Employers: 2026 may bring fewer new laws but more enforcement.
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Watch Free Webinars on Our Website |
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Our most requested webinars are available as free on-demand recordings on our website, allowing you to revisit key topics and compliance updates at your convenience.
✅ WA State 2026 Employment Law Updates
✅ Kept on Salary and Light Duty Job Offers – Tools and Best Practices for Employers in Washington
✅ Facing An Active Threat: Preparation, Immediate Response, and Post Incident Management
✅ How to Navigate a DOSH Inspection (Washington State)
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The purpose of this newsletter is to provide general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Each situation is unique and legal advice must be tailored to the facts of the specific case or incident. This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation. Privacy is important to us. We will not sell, rent, or give your name or address to anyone. At any point you can select the link at the bottom of this newsletter to unsubscribe, or to receive less or more information. |
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