The Division of Workers’ Compensation Expands Services at the District Offices

Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in March, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has worked hard to ensure the continuity of its services to the workers’ compensation community. District offices continue to hear all cases either via teleconference or by video.

In an additional measure to keep DWC and the workers’ compensation community safe, DWC has not accepted any walk-in documents or walk-through documents since March. Documents have only been accepted via e-filing, JET filing or by mail during this time. Recently, DWC issued a Newsline further encouraging the workers’ compensation community to file documents by e-filing or JET filing due to the limited availability of staff in our district offices.

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) recently issued an en banc decision suspending Regulation Section 10789(c) on walk-throughs. This change allows DWC, effective January 11, to now offer a “walk-through alternative” in the Lifesize video conferencing platform. Instructions on using that platform may be found on the DWC website.

District offices will be available for walk-throughs Monday through Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m. only. Walk-throughs will be available only for a Compromise and Release, or Stipulation with Request for Award at this time. To be heard, the documents must be filed at least 24 hours ahead of the walk-through appearance, by either JET filing or e-filing. Documents filed by U.S. mail must be available to the judge in EAMS prior to the walk-through.

DWC has previously posted instructions on how to e-file settlement documents. The walk-through procedure will be handled via the Lifesize virtual courtroom which will be available for each office. A list of links for each office may be found here.  The link for each virtual walk-through courtroom will not change. It should be noted that a judge will handle as many walk-throughs as are feasible for the day. The order in which a judge will hear the walk-throughs will be up to the judge handling that day’s matters. We encourage parties to file proposed orders to assist the judge with handling the matter more expeditiously.

DWC understands that parties may want to walk-through other documents. However, at this time walk-throughs are limited to only a Compromise and Release or Stipulation with Request for Award. Limits will be based on both availability and pursuant to the DWC/WCAB Policy and Procedural Manual section 1.25.

DWC will be monitoring the impact of this program and will look to expand the hours and documents allowed in the future based on staffing availability.

 

Note: update provided by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Recent Posts

SCGMA Annual General Membership Meeting

Please join us in attending our upcoming Annual General Membership Meeting. Date: Friday, November 15, 2024 Time: 7:00 am – 7:30 am PST Location: via Zoom The tentative agenda for this meeting will include: Man Hours Trust Fund Reports H&W Apprenticeship 401k…

November 6, 2024

SCGMA YPG Event Recap – All Access Equipment Tour

On Friday, October 25, All Access Services hosted a highly informative Equipment Tour at their Santa Ana location, offering attendees a comprehensive look at their extensive range of specialized glazing equipment glazing equipment, including glass handling tools, cutting machinery, and…

November 5, 2024

SCGMA 2024 CA Legislative Scorecard

The last actions of the 2024 California Legislative Session took place on September 30th, which was the deadline for Governor Newsom to sign or veto legislation. SCGMA again had an effective legislative session pursuing industry measures, highlighted by major reforms…

November 1, 2024

SCGMA Webinar: AI Applications in Construction

Join us for an engaging session on the transformative role of AI in the construction industry with Erin Khan, an established AEC technology leader. With over a decade of experience, Erin will share her insights on how AI is reshaping…

October 29, 2024

SCGMA Technical Bulletin – Spandrel and Shadowbox Considerations

The glazing industry has always provided innovations to their glazed facades in order to address the aesthetic considerations of the architectural designers.  Given the preference of coated glass with greater visible light transmissions and less reflectivity, spandrel conditions matching vision…

October 22, 2024
MORE STORIES