Why This Measure Matters​

A safe workplace protects County employees from preventable injuries and supports uninterrupted delivery of public services. L&I claim frequency is a potential indicator of workplace procedures and facility safety. It is worth noting that claims are going to happen and the fact that they happen do not mean a workplace is unsafe.  However, claim numbers that are lower than the average number of claims of comparably sized employers generally reflect safer environments, more effective training, and improved safety practices.

Reducing claims benefits both employees and taxpayers: lower claim frequency reduces future L&I premium rates, minimizes the cost of employee downtime, and maintains stable staffing levels across essential departments. A strong safety culture directly contributes to employee morale, operational continuity, and the County’s capacity to serve residents effectively.

What’s the Story?​

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data published in 2025, local governments in Washington with workforces similarly sized to Skagit County (250–999 employees) average 6.0 L&I claims per 100 employees each year. With an average of 842 employees in 2025, a county our size would typically expect around 50 claims annually.

Except for 2022, when COVID-19 cases were included in the totals, Skagit County has consistently remained below this statewide average.

Note: Most L&I claims are not major accidents; they typically involve common workplace injuries such as strains, slips, trips, or falls.

Target

Fewer than 50 claims per year.

Reporting Frequency​

Annually