10th Annual Return to Work Summit

9:00 a.m. to Noon PDT
An Online Event

Return to Work Toolbox & Beyond

Join professionals from across Washington State and beyond for this year's Return to Work Summit — a half-day virtual event focused on innovation, strategy, and emerging tools in vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work (RTW) services. Whether you're a vocational counselor, claims manager, employer, lawyer or healthcare provider, this summit will provide cutting-edge updates and practical guidance to elevate your operations.

Why Attend?

Gain Expertise: Understand the latest trends and techniques in RTW strategies.
Network with Professionals: Connect virtually with industry experts, peers, and potential collaborators.
Practical Insights: Leave with actionable knowledge and tools to improve RTW outcomes for injured workers.

Event Agenda

9:00 – 10:30 AM | Ergonomics and Human Factors in Risk Management and Loss Reduction

Presenter: Zachery Collins, CPE, Division Manager, Apex Companies, LLC

Musculoskeletal injuries remain one of the costliest risks facing employers today. This session breaks down the fundamentals of ergonomics and human factors, showing attendees how to spot injury risk factors before they become claims. From low-cost PPE fixes to full engineering controls, Zachery Collins walks through real solution strategies and how to build a business case that gets leadership buy-in. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing program, this session delivers a practical roadmap for reducing risk and protecting your workforce.

10:30 – 11:30 AM | Ask JAN, We Can Help

Presenter: Tracie DeFreitas, Program Leader, Training Director, JAN

Navigating workplace accommodations doesn't have to be a solo effort. This session introduces the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) as a free, expert resource for employers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other stakeholders working through accommodation challenges. Attendees will see firsthand how JAN partners with organizations to identify practical, effective solutions, turning a complex process into a collaborative one.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Tools for Your RTW Toolbox

Presenter: Cory Turner, CRC, Vocational Connections, Inc.

Free, powerful, and often overlooked! The Department of Labor and Industries website is packed with tools that can strengthen any return-to-work program. Cory Turner shares how to find and apply these resources to support smoother, more effective RTW outcomes for employers and employees alike.

$129 for WSIA members | $169 non-members

Sponsorship Opportunities

Got news, updates, services, or anything you want to share with Washington's self-insured community? Want to support the event and WSIA's broader work? We've got sponsorship recognition space throughout our lead-up to the seminar, including opportunities on camera during the event. See the Sponsorship Opportunities and if you would to work out a custom package that's perfect for your company contact Kari Heinold.

This workshop is perfect for all vocational service providers in the State Fund and Self-Insurance, as well as workers' compensation professionals who work with vocational counselors and want to know more about the vocational rehabilitation system:

Workers' Comp risk & program managers
State Fund & Self-Insured claims managers
Retrospective Ratings Group managers
Human Resources
Safety Professionals
Attorneys & Paralegals
Health Care Professionals

Continuing Education Credits

WSIA will award 3 continuing education credits for the Washington Workers' Compensation Professional (WWCP) recertification. The following additional professional development credentials will be sought for attendees:

L&I CEU - We have applied for 3 credits
CDMS and CRC - We have applied for 3 credits
SHRM recertification 3 credits

$129 for WSIA members | $169 non-members

Cancellation Information

No credit will be given for cancellations made after September 4, 2026.

WSIA