Employers must step up until fixed

I could not agree with recent letters about Labor and Industries. L&I is very adversarial, at best.

My own son had a very serious back injury on the job and it took one-and-a-half years to get an MRI of his spine. He suffered much physically, as well as the abuse of having benefits cut and no place to turn. Even the food banks required that he present himself and he could not do that. Family and friends helped as much as they could.

While we attempt (or don’t attempt) to fix L&I, here is my counsel (from one who worked for a particular local subcontractor for 15-plus years as a one-gal office with up to 40 workers in the field). One of my most important tasks was to take care of the workers. Accidents happen. I always kept in close contact with an injured worker, finding out if he had a doctor of his choosing, was able to get any medication or physical therapy recommended, and that time-loss was forthcoming. They counted on me. I had friendly contacts with associations to which my employer belonged. I knew who and how to contact inside L&I to get issues resolved. I was always diligent and assertive.

Until L&I is fixed, employers must step up to the bat in this regard. In the end it is the most humane course of action.

Renee Langdeaux

Bothell