The L&I Preferred Worker Program helps employ workers who cannot return to their old jobs and their old employers because of job injuries.
Employers Benefit The Most From The Preferred Worker Program.
- L&I covers the employer’s claim costs for any new injury or occupational disease to the preferred worker during the 3-year certification period.
- State Fund employers who subsequently injure a preferred worker are not charged claim costs nor penalized with a higher experience rating.
- Self-insured employers are reimbursed for claim costs if they injure a preferred worker.
- Workers certified as preferred workers qualify their employers for even more benefits. The hiring employer could be reimbursed for the following:
- Half (50%) of the base wage is paid to the preferred worker for up to 66 days or $10,000 within a consecutive 24-month period.
- Up to $2,500 for tools and equipment.
- Up to $400 for worker clothing
Injured Workers Who Qualify As A Preferred Worker May Benefit.
- It is a benefit that a preferred worker will be cheaper to hire and thus more valuable to a new employer who understands the Preferred Worker Program.
- It is not a benefit that a preferred worker is an injured worker and may be covertly discriminated against because of this status. Said another way, the favored status of a preferred worker may not be viewed favorably by some employers.
- It is not a benefit if two “related employers” scam you. Some employers might use the program to permanently end medical care and time loss, while shifting the risk of future injury to a “free claim”.
- It is not a benefit that a preferred worker may be less safe on the new job because their employer pays nothing extra if they injure that worker.
How Injured Workers Qualify As A Preferred Worker.
- Injured worker’s State Fund claims must be open or recently closed (within the last 60 days).
- Injured workers must have medically certified permanent restrictions preventing a return to the job of injury. See Preferred Worker Request Form, Part A.
How Employers Hire a Preferred Worker.
- Complete a Preferred Worker Request Form. Part B.
- Complete and submit an intent to hire preferred worker form within 60 days of hire.
Need More Information?
- See RCW 51.32.095(4)
- Talk to your vocational counselor
- Contact L&I preferred worker desk 1-800-845-2634
- Schedule a free consultation
Are You Developmentally Disabled?
If so, it may be easier for you to qualify as a preferred worker. Contact L&I for details. 1-800-845-2634