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Employers sought for claims program

The Spokesman-Review

Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries is looking for employers to take part in a pilot program that allows workers to file injury claims through their bosses, rather than only through their physicians.

The current system, where employees file claims only through their doctors, can result in delays getting the paperwork to the state, according to the department Web site. By having injured workers file complaints through their bosses, the employer knows immediately what’s going on and can arrange either to temporarily move employees to a light-duty job or let them take time off while keeping them on salary, department spokesman Robert Nelson said. That could allow the worker to continue drawing a paycheck, and, because it wouldn’t require the state paying out for the claim, the employer would avoid paying more in premiums in the long run or losing a claims-free discount, he said.

The two-year project, which begins Jan. 1, 2007, will register 500 small, medium and large employers in 2007. Some 200 are now registered.

Those interested in taking part in the project should call (306) 902-6201 or go to www.employerreporting.lni.wa.gov.

Addy, Wash.

Smelter equipment to be auctioned

Heavy equipment and other surplus items at the former Northwest Alloy Inc. plant will be sold at a public auction Sept. 27 and 28.

Alcoa closed the magnesium smelter in late 2001, when executives decided that they could buy the metal more cheaply from foreign suppliers.

The two-day auction takes place at 1560A Marble Valley Basin Road in Addy, Wash. A full list of items and other details can be found at www.michaelfox.com.

Washington

FCC to hold ownership hearing

The Federal Communications Commission said Friday it will conduct a public hearing on media ownership issues in Los Angeles Oct. 3.

The agency is considering whether to eliminate a ban on cross-ownership of broadcast stations and newspapers, whether to increase the number of radio and television stations a company may own in a single market and other rules.