"A Passion for Prevention"

15920 W Valley Hwy, Seattle, Washington
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Our yearly fall conference traditionally focuses on accident and disability prevention, with an eye to current claims management issues as well.

Join us for a day of continuing education and networking, featuring key regulatory and corporate executives, legal experts, and industry thought leaders!

(as of 08/07/18)

8:00 a.m. -  L&I's Business Transformation - What it means for Self-Insurance
    > Joel Sacks, Director, Department of Labor & Industries

The Department of Labor & Industries is in the early stages of its Business Transformation initiative, an effort to streamline and modernize operations, improve customer service, and replace an inflexible, outdated technology system. This will be a multi-year, major dollar project. Find out from the top what is planned and how self-insured employers fit into it.

9:00 a.m. - Employer responsibility for safety - Not only your own employees!
    > Brian Padgett, Partner, K-Solutions Law

Experienced WISHA attorney Brian Padgett will deliver a reality check on the "Stute Decision," recent changes in the Department’s application of it, and the practical implications that it has for many Washington employers, as well as a call to action to re-energize and re-focus the core WSIA commitment to employee safety and accident prevention.

10:00 a.m. - Networking Break & Visit with Exhibitors

10:15 a.m. - From Prevention to Early Intervention: Reducing Costs and Burdens Related to Sprains and Strains
    > Michele Ritala, Health Benefits Program Manager, Puget Sound Energy
    > Kevin Rindal, President, Vimocity

In these case studies, hear how one major Washington-based self-insurer refused to accept the results of sprains and strains as simply a cost of doing business or an acceptable outcome for their employees. In this innovative collaboration with an industry partner, they developed and implemented a program that was met with an immediate positive response and lasting results of increased productivity, injury reduction and cost savings.

11:45 a.m. - Buffet Lunch - Networking & Exhibitors

12:45 p.m. - Early Intervention, All the Time
    > Jenny Haykin, Integrated Leaves & Accommodations Program Manager, Puget Sound Energy
    > Lynnda Dee English, Ergonomics and Vocational Consultant, Solutions Northwest, Inc.

Continuing and extending the conversation, take home tips from PSE's experience creating an absence and disability management program that integrates employer-provided leaves of absence, workers' compensation, accommodations, the Employee Assistance Program, medical case management, and ergonomics to improve worker outcomes and produce significant program cost reductions. 

1:45 p.m. - PTSD on the Job: New Risk Management Opportunities
    > Michael D. Harris, Ph.D., Clinical Director and COO, Pacific Rehabilitation Centers

Discussions about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, and mental health in general, can be uncomfortable. Dr. Harris will engage us in the conversation and help dispel the fear about PTSD by illustrating how workers can and do recover and return to work. He will also share his many years of experience working with military veterans and how the Veterans Administration and US Military are effectively helping soldiers return to productive and peaceful lives.

2:45 p.m. - Networking Break & Visit with Exhibitors

3:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Self-Insurance Rules Modernization
    > Jim Nylander, Program Manager for Self-Insurance, Department of Labor & Industries
    > Lisa Vivian, Principal, Eberle Vivian
    > Kris Tefft, Executive Director, WSIA

In early September, the Department will publish for public comment a series of proposed amendments to chapter 296-15, the administrative rules governing self-insurance, that together constitute the biggest overhaul to these rules in decades. These proposals could have the effect of dramatically changing the way the Department and self-insured employers handle matters from claims certification and continuing education to adjudication and issuance of orders and other claims-related communications, audit lookbacks, penalties, and more. This discussion will be one of the first presentations of the rules proposal where you can get your questions asked and answered before considering making official comments in the rulemaking process.

4:00 p.m. - Wrap up and Close

Continuing Education Credits

WSIA will award 6.5 continuing education credits (depending on final agenda) for the Washington Workers' Compensation Professional (WWCP) recertification. The following additional professional development credentials will be available to attendees:

• L&I CEU - Applied for
• CRC/CDMS - Applied for
• WSBA CLE - Applied for
  
• SHRM  recertification credits 
  

Pricing

WSIA Members - $225, full breakfast and lunch included

Additional members from same organization - $150 each

Non-members - $375 (Not a member? Click here to join today!)

Hotel Information

Embassy Suites SeaTac/Tukwila, 15920 W Valley Hwy, Seattle, Washington 98188

Click here for hotel information

Cancellation Information

A cancellation fee of $75 will be charged for cancellations received by September 7, 2018.  This is to offset the cost of room rental, reserved meals, and conference material production.

No credit will be given for cancellations made after September 7, 2018.