Governing for Results 13 - Washington State Digital Archives

Department of Labor and Industries
Department Identifies Non-Compliant Contractors
Labor and Industries depends on local building departments to verify that
contractors are registered with the agency before granting building permits.
These status checks were not always occurring. And, even if a contractor is
registered, building departments don't have the ability to see if contractors need
to pay industrial insurance premiums. Many contractors are not paying these
premiums for workers.
Aberdeen's regional office began working with local counties and municipalities in
Grays Harbor and Pacific County. Each month, they report on the building
permits granted. Each contractor is checked for registration and reporting of
worker hours. Cross-checks also are done with the Department of Employment
Security. Compliance inspectors check the contractor's site if there are any
questions. If no worker hours are reported, the case is referred to field auditors
for investigation or audit. In just two months, the following results were achieved
from the Aberdeen office.
Results
★ 46 contractors were referred to Field Auditors; 32 contractors were referred to
Compliance Inspectors.
★ Six accounts were opened with anticipated premiums of $49,000 annually.
★ Three $1,000 infractions were issued for unlicensed/suspended contractors.
★ Two safety violations were referred to the agency's Safety Compliance
section.
★ 15 accounts will be audited.
★ Estimate 30 new accounts a year will pay premiums of more than $244,000.
Team Name: Regional Services - Aberdeen Service Location
Team Members: Sharon Vlastelica, Linda Hathway, Linda Beerbower, Steve
Dalthorp, Paula Kerr, Carolyn Randall
CONTACT: Carolyn Randall, (360) 533-8222
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