Information and resources to help our Member Districts support a safe and healthy work environment.
There’s a lot of information here. You can use the filtering buttons to limit your results to a specific category, or you may want to check out the Search and Popular Topic options to the right, to narrow down your results even further..
Report a Worksite Accident or Injury
How to report an injury. Tip: Press the big red button.
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2024 Education and Training Sessions
Join us for our 2024 training opportunities
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Workplace Safety Incentive
Our Workplace Safety Incentive subsidizes and encourages district improvements that directly support staff safety or reduction of workplace injury.
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Nurse Triage Hotline
Providing injured workers with 24/7 access to medical guidance and support for appropriate care.
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2023-24 PSWCT Annual Report
Welcome to the inaugural annual report of the Puget Sound Workers’
Compensation Trust and Unemployment Pool for the 2023-24 school year. The report is being issued at a very special time in our
history as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Trust.
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Employee Safety Health Handbooks Updated for 2024-25
2024-25 Employee Safety Health Handbooks available in multiple languages.
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Return-To-Work Incentive Program
Everything you need to know about the Return To Work Incentive Program
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Electronic Payments for Injured Workers
In addition to traditional paper checks, PSWCT offers injured workers the opportunity to receive payments electornically.
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Secure Messaging
Ensure that injured workers' personal information remains secure and protected.
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Sound Advice Newsletter | Fall 2023
Celebrating 40 Years plus value-added programs for your district.
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Strengthen Your Return-to-Work Culture
The Puget Sound Workers Compensation Trust and Unemployment Pool’s Return-to-Work Managers (RTWM) continue to support our school districts with implementation of return-to-work best practices.
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Accident Prevention Program (APP)
Within any workplace setting, injuries may occur. Districts should implement an Accident Prevention Program and train employees to reduce the chances of injury.
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2023 Education and Training Sessions
Join us for our 2023 training opportunities
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Employee Safety Health Handbooks Updated for 2023-24
2023-24 Employee Safety Health Handbooks available in multiple languages.
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Sound Advice Newsletter | Spring 2023
Learn more about the State of the Trust and value-added programs for membership!
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Key Milestones of the Workers’ Compensation Claim Lifecycle, Five-Part Series
Five-Part Series Begins May 25. Register now!
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Physical Ability Evaluation Program
Physical capacity testing to use during the hiring process to identify whether the selected candidate can safely perform essential physical functions.
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Employee Safety Health Handbooks Updated for 2022-23
2022-23 Employee Safety Health Handbooks available in multiple languages.
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Summer & Fall Training
Presentation materials for summer and fall trainings now available!
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Job Hazard Analysis
The What, Why, and How of Injury Prevention.
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Templates for Job Hazard Analysis
00 JHAs - Title Page & Table Contents 01 JHAs - Teacher, Paraeducator, Librarian, School Secretary, Administrator 02 JHAs -...
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What’s Your Baseline?
Noise-induced hearing loss, the type at issue in workers’ compensation claims, is completely preventable.
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Cleaning and Disinfecting Buses
How, Why, and What is necessary for school bus hygiene.
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Ergonomics Success Story: Orting School District
See how Loss Control supported this high school teacher working remote.
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Making Indoor Air Healthy
Improve air quality inside our schools.
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Return-To-Work Corner (RTW)
The numbers reflecting the impact of school closure on Return-to-Work.
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Transportation Hiring and Training Best Practices
Learn why school districts should reconsider the risks of filling driver gaps with unqualified staff or candidates.
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Electronic Whistles – An Innovative Way to Get Your Attention!
Electronic whistles eliminate the need to adjust your mask.
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Glossary of Terms
We invite you to walk with us as we work to eliminate the opportunity gab by becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization.
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COVID-19 Training Requirements for Employees
Vector Solutions' Training Courses are available now!
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IAQ and the Layered Approach to COVID-19 Protection
Because no single intervention is perfect, the multiple layer approach improves success.
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Return to Work Corner
Update on the RTW Incentive Program and $1.3M available to member districts.
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Emergency Heat Exposure Rule and New Rulemaking Process
New protocols in effect when temperatures reach or exceed 89° F.
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The “Right to Understand” Law
The "Right to Understand" Law is designed to protect employees in school settings.
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Keeping Hazardous Chemicals in Schools Safe
Do you know where the hazardous chemicals are found in schools?
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The Added Value of Accident Investigations
The What/Why/How of Accident Investigations.
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Industrial Hygiene Services
Learn more about the IAQ program provided to members.
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Custom Safety & Compliance Training Development
Contact PSWCT Staff to develop training programs that help prevent work-related accidents.
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Risk Reduction Program
Review our list of risk reductions programs aimed at reducing exposure to risk.
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Risk Management / Loss Control Services
Summary of Loss Control and Risk Management services provided through PSWCT.
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Ergonomics: Services & Evaluations
Loss Control Consultants can review workstation set ups and make appropriate adjustments and/or recommendations.
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Wildfire Smoke Emergency Rule
New rules taking effect to control exposure, protect, and train employees to the hazards of wildfire smoke.
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WA State Emergency Heat Exposure Rules Increases Protection for Outdoor Workers
LNI introduced a new rule for preventing heat-related illness in employees when temps reach 100.
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Preparing Your Workspace for Summer Break
Keeping teachers safe as they prepare to end the school year.
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Return-to-Work (RTW) Programs: Savings Evident
Read the latest update from Aliza Hauser about the Return to Work Incentive Program.
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PSWCT-UP Website Has A New Look!
If you haven’t visited our web site recently, it’s time to check in!
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The Unemployment Pool Welcomes Riverview School District
Welcome Riverview School District to the Unemployment Pool!
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Out in the Field with Loss Control
PSWCT Consultants, Elizabeth Jakab and Jessica Guy offer a glimpse from behind the scenes at school districts.
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Shout – Out to Elizabeth Jakab, Our Industrial Hygiene Consultant
Shout out to Industrial Hygiene Consultant, Elizabeth Jakab.
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Deep Dive into Telephonic Case Management
Learn why Telephonic Case Management is the future.
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Congratulations to Nikkia McCormick, the Trust’s Newest Claims Consultant!
Congratulations to Nikkia McCormick on her promotion.
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Success Story – Snoqualmie Valley SD High School Lab Transformation
Snoqualmie Valley SD putting safety first in Chemicals Lab.
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Workers’ Compensation COVID Resources
Links and other Workers' Comp resources to know about related to COVID-19.
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Unemployment and COVID
Employment Security Department Resources for Districts during COVID.
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Education Workers: Is COVID Covered Under Workers Compensation?
Our Claims Administration Director answers common questions about COVID and Worker Compensation eligibility
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SafeSchools Training is Now Vector Training K12 Edition
SafeSchools has changed its name!
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Choosing New, Effective Products for Schools
Do new cleaners, disinfectants, and products meet the CDC's recommended "Protective Benefit" rule?
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Return to Work Corner
The benefits of the RTW program is seen in Best Practices and Financial incentives!
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Vector Solutions Online Training
Discover the library of Vector Solutions Training options.
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Reporting IW Healthcare Benefit Amounts
Proper reporting of Injured Worker Healthcare Benefit Amounts (SEBB)
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Updated Dept Of Health Guidance
New guidance from Washington State Department of Health, March 11, 2021
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Emergency Eye Washing & Showers
Increased use of cleaners and disinfectants mean an increase in eye exposure to chemicals.
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RTW Corner
Welcome Eatonville School District - latest addition to the Return-To-Work incentive community!
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Safer Cleaner & Disinfectant Choices
How to determine the best choice for cleaning products in your school district?
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Cybersecurity: Staying Safe While Working Remotely
Watch a 30-minute clip exploring the Five Things Mama Taught You About Cybersecurity.
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Unemployment Pool Welcomes Vashon Island School District
Welcome Vashon Island School District to the Unemployment Pool.
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Prevent Slips & Trips w/a Floor Mat Program
What can we do as employers to protect our employees, students, and visitors from slips and falls? One of the best places to start is with a proper floor mat program.
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New Rules for IMEs
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6440 (ESSB 6440) concerning independent
medical evaluations (IMEs) for industrial insurance claims.
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School Health & COVID Safety Guide
Joint agency guidance developed by representatives of the Office of Superintendent of Public
Instruction (OSPI), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Labor & Industries
(L&I), local superintendents, and labor organizations.
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Safety Bulletin Board
An attractive, well-organized safety bulletin board can help promote safety in the workplace.
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Healthy Air for Healthy Schools
Poster from the DOH on products to use or avoid to improve classroom air quality.
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EPA Guidance & Training Opportunities
Subscribe to receive direct from the source pertinent information about ongoing EPA issues that relate to Indoor Air Quality at school.
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DOSH Directive on Emergency Eye Washing Facilities
L&I guidance on Emergency Eye Washing facilities.
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Cheers to Peers!
Cheers to Issaquah School District’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Group!
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10 Tools of Engagement!
10 Actions to keep your employees engaged at work.
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A “HIP” Alternative
The hip vacuum is a lightweight, compact, and ergonomically shaped alternative vacuum that can maximize operator agility and cleaning ability.
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Updates on Reasonable Assurance
The Washington State Legislature updated several sections of the RCWs at the request of Employment Security (RCW 50.44).
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Changes in Law Concerning Obesity Discrimination
Implications for employers range from employment determinations and offers to reasonable accommodation decisions.
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Here’s What You’re Saying About Our Services!
Pool Administration, Claims Management, and Risk Management Survey results.
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Indoor Air Quality: New School Year – The Perfect Time to Create A Healthier School Environment
Indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools helps students and staff to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity and test scores.
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Shout-Outs to School Districts
Best Practices and Safety Success.
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Wildfire Smoke Guidance
Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Local Public Health & Safety Officers.
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Shout-Outs to Our Districts!
Cheers to Issaquah SD Peers and RTW Kudo's to Mukilteo SD.
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Don’t Start Your Summer Vacation with an Injury
Careful thought and planning are needed to develop safe and efficient ways to perform these everyday activities.
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3-Day Deadline on Claim Reporting
Read about the requirements of the PIR Form.
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Update on Washington Reasonable Assurance Rules
As you may have heard, there are changes coming to Reasonable Assurance. The U.S. Department of Labor published federal guidance...
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Districts Heat Stress Program
Washington State requires that all employers with employees exposed to outdoor temperatures above applicable levels implement a heat stress program.
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How to Prepare for On-Site Audiograms
Find here tip sheets to assist our districts in preparing for on-site audiograms.
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PSWCT Survey Results: Claims Management
Are we meeting your needs in the areas of claims handling and communication, staff interactions? Survey results are in!
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PSWCT Introduces Return-to-Work Incentive
Puget Sound Workers’ Compensation Trust (PSWCT) implemented a Return-to-Work Incentive effective March 1, 2019. This incentive is designed to be...
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Stay Safe this Winter!
How we remain safe when navigating through the hazardous conditions winter brings.
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Weekly Unemployment Benefits Increased
The Employment Security Department reported in June that Washington’s average annual wage grew by 5.0 percent in 2017 to $61,887—representing...
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Revised Accident and Claim Reporting Process
Revised Incident Submission Form Explained.
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A Guide to Unemployment Forms
By now you have noticed that the Washington State Employment Security Department has revised and renamed several common unemployment forms....
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Wildfire Season is Here
Activity guide during fire season and ventilation recommendations for schools and buildings.
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Stay Healthy During Flu Season
The best way to reduce the risk of exposure to the flu virus in the workplace is to use basic hygiene precautions and follow our recommendations.
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6 Steps to a Basic Accident Investigation
Accident investigations are an opportunity to uncover safety problems and correct them before they reoccur.
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L&I Rule Violations – The Top 10 List You Don’t Want to Make
The most common safety and health rules cited during L&I inspections.
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Return-to-Work Program
We know that returning injured employees to work in a timely manner improves outcomes both for the employee and the...
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Introducing Our New Return-to-Work Program!
We know that returning injured employees to work in a timely manner improves outcomes both for the employee and the...
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Music to My Ears? Audiograms for Music Teachers
We encourage your music department staff to participate in PSWCT’s free annual on-site audiograms.
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Ventilation for Pottery Kilns
Pottery rooms can contain often toxic and flammable paints and solvents that are present in most art areas.
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New Product Alert: Forearm Forklift
Check out the Consumer Reports video to discover if the forearm forklift might be right for your district.
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Seasonal Safety – Tips for Fall
Be aware of seasonal hazards that can catch you by surprise.
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Mandatory Asbestos Program Requirements
Read on for a summary of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requirements.
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Keep Classrooms Healthy Year-Round
Guide to maintaining a healthy classroom.
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Have a Safe Start for New Employees
Here are factors that may have a causal relationship to new employee injuries.
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Strategies for an Aging Workforce
The increased aging workforce presents a few considerations for employers.
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Reporting Significant Injuries and Fatalities to L&I
While devastating injuries are very infrequent in the educational environment, it is still important that districts understand and abide by all reporting requirements.
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Spot the Hazard: Work Stations
Can you spot all the hazards in this work station?
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Re-Work Your Work Station
While Seated. While Keyboarding.
While Talking. While Pausing.
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Cafeteria Tables: A Hazard Hiding in Plain Sight?
Aging and malfunctioning lunchroom tables can be a major cause of strains and other serious injuries.
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Keep Your Teen Workers Safe!
A teen's first job can be dangerous if employers don’t take the proper precautions to make sure their young workers understand how to properly perform the tasks they are assigned.
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Prevent Back Strain with Table Mopping
Many district custodial and food service staff are now using microfiber cleaning systems and a method commonly referred to as “table mopping.”
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Modified Duty Job Offers
By: Dana Tumenova, J.D., Claims Attorney It is well-known that early return-to-work reduces the cost of a workers’ compensation claim....
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2016-17 Employee Health & Safety Handbook Available
The 2016-17 Employee Health & Safety Handbook is now available in Word and PDF.
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A+ Reasonable Assurance Letters
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, we know many districts are caught in a flurry of activity,...
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Here Comes the Sun: Implement Heat Stress Programs by May 1
While sunshine and warm temperatures are a welcome sight, it is important to remember that working outdoors in hot weather is a health hazard.
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Local Incident a Good Reminder about Science Laboratory Hazards
Train staff who handle hazardous chemicals and have necessary policies and procedures in place to help them handle unexpected events.
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Spring into Safety!
During this time of outdoor repair and replanting, it’s important to remember to follow proper safety procedures.
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Carbon Monoxide in Schools
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that may not be noticed by building occupants.
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Spot the Hazard
Safety can be fun. And to help you have fun with safety, we are introducing a new feature in Sound...
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Summertime is Not Benefit Time
A few criteria that Employment Security looks at when determining if benefits should be allowed.
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Weird Science? How About Safe Science!
Teaching science is important for engaging students, but experiments also come with a great deal of responsibility.
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Cracking the Case: Effective Accident Investigations
Getting at the root cause of why an accident happened requires a very different skill set.
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6 Steps for a Great Safety Committee
A Safety Committee is a requirement of your district's Accident Prevention Program.
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Top 10 Tips for a Successful Unemployment Hearing
The Letterman Show may be over, but the Top Ten List lives on at the Puget Sound Unemployment Pool. Our hope...
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Candles and Indoor Air Quality
Although candles add a welcoming warmth, they can also contribute to indoor air pollution.
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Employers Scrutinized for Misclassifying Employees
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the misclassification of employees as independent contractors is a serious problem. Employers who...
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“Magic Carpets” Key to Safety
Entry mats or walk-off mats that allow you to “walk off” debris and wetness minimize slips and falls.
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Dates + Distribution = Successful Reasonable Assurance
Dates plus distribution equals a successful reasonable assurance letter.
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Your Lesson Plan for Safety
Download a Hazard Identification Plan.
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Spotlight: Tahoma School District
Tahoma School District’s indoor air quality and safety standards are benefiting from a partnership between the maintenance supervisor and the purchasing and risk agent.
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Legal Corner: Ensure Timely, Accurate Claim Filing
Case Study: The importance of filing timely and accurate claims.
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Start the School Year Injury-Free!
Back-to-School Set-Up Safety Checklist.
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Back-to-School Safety, Easy As A, B, C
Here are a few easy "A, B, Cs" on how to stay healthy and injury-free throughout the year.
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Protecting Music Teachers’ Hearing
A good resource for districts to use when they are establishing safety protocols for music and band teachers
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Legal Corner: Determining “Good Cause”
Case Study: Good Cause Unemployment.
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Staying Safe During End-of-Year Clean-Up!
There are a number of tasks directly linked to injuries, so specific measures should be implemented for those most at risk of injury.
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Unemployment Wage Verifications Made Easy
You asked about Wage Verification forms and we answered!
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Maintaining a Healthy Classroom
As a unique environment, classrooms need lots of attention and conscientious management to be kept healthy and contaminant-free.
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Pest Control Resources
Resources on the EPA website covering pest management in schools, protocols, training, and education.
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EPA School IAQ Assessment Mobile App
Learn about the EPA APP that helps you conduct building walkthroughs and download checklists.
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Water and Mold Remediation in Schools
Proper preparation and planning prevents panic and guarantees a good outcome for both health and safety, and the District’s budget.
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Injury Prevention for Special Education Staff
Injury prevention in the Special Education environment a focus of the Trust.
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Legal Corner: Unemployment Case Review
Case Study: Make sure that your rules make sense and are regularly and clearly communicated to your staff.
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Ergonomic Tips for Technology Devices
When hunched over at a 60 degree angle, you're putting a 60 pound strain on your neck. All that weight is bad for your neck and spine.
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Spring Clean Your Way to Safety
Even a simple box left in the wrong place in district rooms and buildings can lead to an accident.
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Our Favorite Number is Zero
Zero Incident Culture happens when safety planning is a habit.
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Hearing Conservation Program (Onsite Audiograms)
Check out our free audiology testing program.
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Hold the Phone!
We've got the facts about texting and driving. Just Don't Do It.
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Save the Date to Check Alarms
What you need to know about checking alarm batteries.
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Substitutes and Reasonable Assurance
Learn why substitutes with reasonable assurance will not be allowed benefits during scheduled school breaks, including summer break.
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Unemployment Information Resources
The following links provide meaningful information about unemployment benefits. Employer Taxes Report Fraud Training Benefits Program
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Employee Misconduct
Learn about misconduct and the effect on unemployment benefits.
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Good Cause
What are the 12 Good Cause reasons that allow for unemployment benefits?
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Unemployed Worker Handbook
Employment Security Department's Unemployment Handbook.
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Determining Liability and the Base Year
The base period employer claim is sent to any employer who paid wages to the claimant during the base period. Learn how the base period is defined.
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Report Benefits Fraud
Links to understanding Benefits Fraud and how to report it.
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Worksite Safety Surveys
We conduct courtesy safety surveys of work areas to identify hazardous conditions or violations of safety standards. Loss Control will...
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Claims Analysis
Leverage statistical analysis from claims data to identify the causes that produce the greatest number of injuries. Special emphasis in...
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Safety Program Development
We assist districts in the development and implementation of federal and state mandated safety programs. Monitor OSHA and WISHA for...
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Safety Compliance Training
We provide training resources to district supervisors to support their meeting of compliance and safety goals.
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Translation Services
Our District staff and injured workers represent a broad array of cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. If English is not...
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Worker Compensation Claims Management
Since 1984, Puget Sound Workers' Compensation Trust have provided the highest quality of services in the area of workers’ compensation claims management.
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Payment for Lost Wages
Time Loss Compensation. Learn if you are eligible and how to receive compensation.
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Required Employee Safety Training
A listing of some of the essential areas that districts need to provide safety training.
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Supervisor Safety Information
A list of some of the principal responsibilities that supervisors have in the area of health and safety and information to help reach safety goals.
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Indoor Air Quality
What is indoor air quality (IAQ)?
How is a school environment different?
Why have a school IAQ plan?
Answers to these questions and more!
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Forms for Leave and Reimbursements
Leave Claim FormComplete this form if you missed work due to your injury and return to your school district.IME Travel...
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