Retrospective Rating is a financial incentive program sponsored by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L & I) and available as an option for Associated Industries members. If you, as an employer, use good safety practices, the program may return a portion of your workers' compensation premiums each year.

That sounds too good to be true. How much do we get back? It depends on a number of factors including – for instance – how well you and other members of the group do at managing safety and the cost of claims. While both individual company experience and the Retro group experience determine yearly refunds, over the years, A.I. Retro Group members have enjoyed considerable cost savings. In fact, since A.I. began offering the program in 1989, some A.I. retro members, through our merit-rated distribution plan, have earned as much as 64 percent return on their workers’ compensation premiums. And − in total − the A.I. Retro Group has received refunds of more than $23,800,000.

In addition to the millions of dollars in refunds that have been returned to our Retro Group members, employers have saved money as their experience factors have been reduced through a combination of A.I. safety training and consultation programs and – of course – their own hard work.  

How does it all work? You apply to join our group. We accept companies who have a minimum of $5,000 per year in premiums and a better-than-average claims history. After acceptance, you continue paying premiums to Labor and Industries (your premiums will not be raised or lowered by participating in the plan.)

To take full advantage of the Retro Program, our participants then work to develop policies and procedures that result in fewer and fewer serious injuries and claims. To help with this process, we offer excellent programs in safety, claims management and return-to-work.

Ten months after the close of each coverage year, Labor & Industries makes the first “premium adjustment,” comparing the group’s premiums to the group’s losses. If losses are less than premiums, a refund is given to the group. There are currently three adjustments each plan year. Refunds are distributed to members based on individual performance.

To learn more about our popular Retrospective Rating Program, contact our Safety and Risk Management department by phone, FAX, email or this form.

Associated Industries ATT: Safety Services
1206 North Lincoln, Suite 200
Spokane, WA 99201

Jim Gurnea
Vice President Safety Services
Phone: 509.326.6885  Ext. 223
Fax: 509.777.2642
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Susan Willard
Retro Program Coordinator/Claims Manager Safety Services
Phone: 509.326.6885  Ext. 222
Fax: 509.777.2650
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Judy McMillian
Claims Manager Safety Services
Phone: 509.326.6885  Ext. 227
Fax: 509.777.2175
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Ed Longmire
Administrative Assistant Safety Services
Phone: 509.326.6885  Ext. 224
Fax: 509.777.2172
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