WSR 17-22-020 PROPOSED RULES BOARD OF INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE APPEALS [Filed October 20, 2017, 1:26 p.m.] Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 17-18-042.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 263-12 WAC, Practice and procedure (before the board of industrial insurance appeals (BIIA)). Hearing Location(s): On December 5, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at BIIA, 2430 Chandler Court S.W., Olympia. Date of Intended Adoption: December 6, 2017. Submit Written Comments to: David Threedy, P.O. Box 42401, email Dave.Threedy@biia.wa.gov, fax 885-586-5611, 360-753-6823 ext. 1126, by November 22, 2017. Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Laura Bradley, phone 360-753-6823, fax 885-586-5611, TTY 800-833-6388, email Laura.Bradley@biia.wa.gov, web site www.biia.wa.gov, by November 22, 2017. Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Communications and filing with the board: WAC 263-12-01501, this amendment clarifies the language regarding methods of filing. It is intended to reduce the number of duplicate filings when the same document is filed using two or more of the methods listed.
Copying fees: WAC 263-12-01701, this is a new section required as a result of recent legislative changes to chapter 42.56 RCW.
Appeals arising under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act; contents of notice of appeal; notice to affected employees; request for stay of abatement pending appeal: WAC 263-12-059, this amendment clarifies the employer's responsibility of notifying affected parties by posting a copy of the citation and notice or corrective notice of redetermination when posting the notice of appeal.
Weapons: WAC 263-12-085, this is a new section that codifies the board's policy regarding weapons in board facilities and proceedings. The rule prohibits weapons, subject to some narrow exceptions.
Conferences—Notice of conferences: WAC 263-12-090, this amendment is intended to reduce occasional confusion caused by the notice of telephone conference, which includes a physical location. Sometimes parties will choose to attend in person at the location listed without notifying the judge of their intention to appear in person. Because the conference is telephonic, the judge may not be at the location listed on the notice. This change will remove the requirement that a notice of telephone conference include a location.
Procedure at hearings: WAC 263-12-115, this amendment relates to procedures at hearings and the failure to present evidence when due, to include the authority of the industrial appeal judge (IAJ) to hold an employer in "default" and resolve an appeal filed in a WISHA case or a willful misrepresentation case when the appealing party fails to appear at the initial hearing. In these appeals the appealing party is not required to initially introduce evidence in the appeal. Instead the department goes first. However, it is not uncommon for an appealing party to fail to attend the first hearing. While the department may go ahead and present the case, many times the appealing party's case is set for a different day. This amendment would allow the IAJ to resolve the appeal without conducting further hearings and without the department presenting evidence when the appealing party fails to attend the initial hearing.
Exhibits: WAC 263-12-116, this amendment supports transition to electronic format by requiring that electronic copies of documents and pictures be submitted in PDF format.
Perpetuation depositions: WAC 263-12-117, this amendment adds a provision reflected in a recent board decision that if a party elects not to file a perpetuation deposition, notice must be given to the board and opposing party. The opposing party may request publication if the taking party elects not to request publication. In re Ann Vanzuyt, BIIA Dec., 15 18385 (2016).
Significant decisions: WAC 263-12-195, this amendment refers to the board's internet site, where the decisions and indices are available, rather than indicating the decisions are stored on microfiche and available to parties at a cost. Reasons Supporting Proposal: See purpose above. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 51.52.020. Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision. Name of Proponent: BIIA, governmental. Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: David E. Threedy, Olympia, 360-753-6823. A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135. A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These are procedural rules relating to procedures, practices or requirements relating to agency rules. There are no significant legislative rules proposed. This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal: Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules adopt, amend, or repeal a procedure, practice, or requirement relating to agency hearings; or a filing or related process requirement for applying to an agency for a license or permit. October 20, 2017 David E. Threedy Executive Secretary
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-24-054, filed 12/2/16, effective 1/2/17)
WAC 263-12-01501 Communications and filing with the board.
(1) Where to file communications with the board. Except as provided elsewhere in this section all written communications shall be filed with the board at its headquarters in Olympia, Washington. With written permission of the industrial appeals judge assigned to an appeal, depositions, witness confirmations, motions (other than motions for stay filed pursuant to RCW 51.52.050), briefs, stipulations, agreements, and general correspondence may be filed in the appropriate regional board facilities located in Tacoma, Spokane, or Seattle.
(2) Methods of filing. Unless otherwise provided by statute or these rules any written communication may be filed with the board by using one of four methods: Personally, by mail, by telephone facsimile, or by electronic filing. Failure of a party to comply with the filing methods selected by the party for use under this section, or as otherwise set forth in these rules or statute for filing written communications may prevent consideration of a document.
(a) Filing personally. The filing of a written communication with the board personally is accomplished by delivering the written communication to an employee of the board at the board's headquarters in Olympia during customary office hours.
(b) Filing by mail. The filing of a written communication with the board is accomplished by mail when the written communication is deposited in the United States mail, properly addressed to the board's headquarters in Olympia and with postage prepaid. Where a statute or rule imposes a time limitation for filing the written communication, the party filing the same should include a certification demonstrating the date filing was perfected as provided under this subsection. Unless evidence is presented to the contrary, the date of the United States postal service postmark shall be presumed to be the date the written communication was mailed to the board.
(c) Filing by telephone facsimile.
(i) The filing of a written communication with the board by telephone facsimile is accomplished when a legible copy of the written communication is reproduced on the board's telephone facsimile equipment during the board's customary office hours. All facsimile communications must be filed with the board via fax numbers listed on the board's web site.
(ii) The hours of staffing of the board's telephone facsimile equipment are the board's customary office hours. Documents sent by facsimile communication comments outside of the board's customary office hours will be deemed filed on the board's next business day.
(iii) Any written communication filed with the board by telephone facsimile should be preceded by a cover page identifying the party making the transmission, listing the address, telephone and telephone facsimile number of such party, referencing the appeal to which the written communication relates, and indicating the date of, and the total number of pages included in, such transmission. A separate transmission must be used for each appeal. Transmissions containing more than one docket number will be rejected and filing will not be accomplished, unless the multiple docket numbers have been previously consolidated by the board.
(iv) The party attempting to file a written communication by telephone facsimile bears the risk that the written communication will not be received or legibly printed on the board's telephone facsimile equipment due to error in the operation or failure of the equipment being utilized by either the party or the board.
(v) The board may require a party to file an original of any document previously filed by telephone facsimile.
(d) Electronic filing. Electronic filing is accomplished by using the electronic filing link on the board's web site. Communication sent by email will not constitute or accomplish filing. Communication filed using the board's web site outside of the board's customary office hours will be deemed filed on the board's next business day. A separate transmission must be used for each appeal. Transmissions containing more than one docket number will be rejected and filing will not be accomplished, unless the multiple docket numbers have been previously consolidated by the board.
(3) Electronic filing of a notice of appeal. A notice of appeal may be filed electronically when using the appropriate form for electronic filing of appeals as provided on the board's web site. An electronic notice of appeal is filed when it is received by the board's designated computer during the board's customary office hours pursuant to WAC 263-12-015. Appeals received via the board's web site outside of the board's customary office hours will be deemed filed on the board's next business day. The board will issue confirmation to the filing party that an electronic notice of appeal has been received. The board may reject a notice of appeal that fails to comply with the board's filing requirements. The board will notify the filing party of the rejection.
(4) Electronic filing of application for approval of claim resolution structured settlement agreement. An application for approval of claim resolution structured settlement agreement must be filed electronically using the form for electronic filing of applications for approval of claim resolution structured settlement agreement as provided on the board's web site. An electronic application for approval of claim resolution structured settlement agreement is filed when received by the board's designated computer during the board's customary office hours pursuant to WAC 263-12-015. Applications received by the board via the board's web site outside of the board's customary office hours will be deemed filed on the board's next business day. The board will issue confirmation to the filing party that an electronic application for approval of claim resolution structured settlement agreement has been received. An electronic copy of the signed agreement for claim resolution structured settlement agreement must be submitted as an attachment to the application for approval. The board will reject an application for approval of claim resolution structured settlement agreement that fails to comply with the board's filing requirements. The board will notify the filing party of the rejection.
(5) Sending written communication. All correspondence or written communication filed with the board pertaining to a particular case, before the entry of a proposed decision and order, should be sent to the attention of the industrial appeals judge assigned to the case. Interlocutory appeals should be sent to the attention of the chief industrial appeals judge. In all other instances, written communications shall be directed to the executive secretary of the board.
(6) Form requirements. Any written communications with the board concerning an appeal should reference the docket number assigned by the board to the appeal, if known. Copies of any written communications filed with the board shall be furnished to all other parties or their representatives of record, and the original shall demonstrate compliance with this requirement. All written communications with the board shall be on paper 8 1/2" x 11" in size.
NEW SECTION
WAC 263-12-01701 Copying fees—Payments.
(1) The following copying fees and payment procedures apply to requests to the board under chapter 42.56 RCW and received on or after July 23, 2017.
(2) Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120 (2)(b), the board is not calculating all actual costs for copying records because it would be unduly burdensome for the following reasons:
(a) The board does not have the resources to conduct a study to determine all its actual copying costs;
(b) To conduct such a study would interfere with other essential agency functions; and
(c) Through the 2017 legislative process, the public and requestors have commented on and been informed of authorized fees and costs, including for electronic records, provided in RCW 42.56.120 (2)(b) and (c), (3), and (4).
(3) The board will charge for copies of records pursuant to the default fees in RCW 42.56.120 (2)(b) and (c). The board will charge for customized services pursuant to RCW 42.56.120(3). Under RCW 42.56.130, the board may charge other copying fees authorized by statutes outside of chapter 42.56 RCW. The board may enter into an alternative fee agreement with a requestor under RCW 42.56.120(4). The charges for copying methods used by the board are summarized in the fee schedule available on the board's web site at www.biia.wa.gov.
(4) Requestors are required to pay for copies in advance of receiving records. Fee waivers are an exception and are available for some small requests:
(a) It is within the discretion of the public records officer to waive copying fees when:
(i) All of the records responsive to an entire request are paper copies only and are twenty-five or fewer pages; or
(ii) All of the records responsive to an entire request are electronic and can be provided in a single email with attachments of a size totaling no more than the equivalent of one hundred printed pages. If that email for any reason is not deliverable, records will be provided through another means of delivery, and the requestor will be charged in accordance with this rule.
(b) Fee waivers are not applicable to records provided in installments.
(5) The public records officer may require an advance deposit of ten percent of the estimated fees when the copying fees exceed twenty-five dollars for an installment, an entire request, or customized service charge.
(6) All required fees or deposits must be paid in advance of release of the copies or an installment of copies. The office will notify the requestor of when payment is due.
(7) Payment should be made by check or money order to the board of industrial insurance appeals. The board prefers not to receive cash. For cash payments, it is within the public records officer's discretion to determine the denomination of bills and coins that will be accepted.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-24-054, filed 12/2/16, effective 1/2/17)
WAC 263-12-059 Appeals arising under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act; contents of notice of appeal; notice to affected employees; request for stay of abatement pending appeal.
(1) Contents of notice of appeal in WISHA appeals. In all appeals arising under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, the notice of appeal should contain where applicable:
(a) The name and address of the appealing party and of the party's representative, if any.
(b) A statement identifying the citation, penalty assessment, or notice of abatement date appealed from. This requirement may be satisfied by attaching a copy of the citation, penalty assessment, or notice of abatement date.
(c) The name and address of the representative of any labor union representing any employee who was or who may be affected by the alleged safety violation(s). If the employer has no affected employees who are members of a union, the employer shall affirmatively certify that no union employees are affected by the appeal.
(d) The reason why the appealing party considers such order or decision, to be unjust or unlawful.
(e) A statement of facts in full detail in support of each stated reason.
(f) The specific nature and extent of the relief sought.
(g) The place, most convenient to the appealing party and that party's witnesses, where board proceedings are requested to be held.
(h) A statement that the person signing the notice of appeal has read it and that to the best of his or her knowledge the contents are true.
(i) The signature of the appealing party or the party's representative.
In all appeals where a stay of abatement of alleged violation(s) pending appeal is requested, the notice of appeal must comply with additional requirements set forth in subsection (3) of this section.
(2) Employer duty to notify affected employees.
(a) In the case of any appeal by an employer concerning an alleged violation of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, the employer shall give notice of such appeal to its employees by either:
(i) Providing copies of the appeal and applicable division of safety and health citation and notice or corrective notice of redetermination to each employee member of the employer's safety committee; or
(ii) By posting a copy of the appeal and applicable division of safety and health citation and notice or corrective notice of redetermination in a conspicuous place at the work site at which the alleged violation occurred. Any posting shall remain during the pendency of the appeal.
(b) The employer shall also provide notice advising interested employees that an appeal has been filed with the board and that any employee or group of employees who wish to participate in the appeal may do so by contacting the board. Such notice shall include the address of the board.
(c) The employer shall file with the board a certificate of proof of compliance with this section within fourteen days of issuance of the board's notice of filing of appeal. A certification form is provided on the board's web site.
(d) If notice as required by this subsection is not possible or has not been satisfied, the employer shall notify the board in writing of the reasons for noncompliance or impossibility. If the board, or its designee, determines that it is not possible for the employer to provide the required notice to employees, it will prescribe the terms and conditions of a substitute procedure reasonably calculated to give notice to affected employees, or may waive the affected-employee-notice requirement. If the employer requests a stay of abatement pending appeal, and desires to assert the claim of impossibility of notice to employees, the employer must include its claim of impossibility, together with facts showing impossibility, in its notice of appeal.
(3) Request for a stay of abatement in WISHA appeals.
(a) How made. Any request for stay of abatement pending appeal must be included in the notice of appeal. An employer may request a stay of abatement pending appeal by placing "STAY OF ABATEMENT REQUESTED" prominently on the first page of the notice of appeal in bold print. The board will issue a final decision on such requests within forty-five working days of the board's notice of filing of appeal.
(b) Union information.
(i) Appeals from corrective notice of redetermination. In appeals where the employer has requested a stay of abatement of the violation(s) alleged in the corrective notice of redetermination, the employer shall include in the notice of appeal the names and addresses of any unions representing workers for the employer as required by subsection (1) of this section. If the employer has no affected employees who are members of a union, the employer shall affirmatively inform the board that no union employees are affected by the appeal.
(ii) Appeals from citation and notice. Where an employer files an appeal from a citation and notice and the department of labor and industries chooses to forward the appeal to the board to be treated as an appeal to the board, the employer shall provide the board with the names and addresses of any unions representing workers for the employer as required by subsection (1) of this section. If the employer has no affected employees who are members of a union, the employer shall inform the board that no union employees are affected by the appeal. The employer shall provide this information to the board within fourteen days of the date of the board's notice of filing of appeal.
(c) Supporting and opposing documents.
(i) Supporting documents. In appeals where the employer has requested a stay of abatement pursuant to RCW 49.17.140, the employer shall, within fourteen calendar days of the date of the board's notice of filing of appeal, file with the board supporting declarations, affidavits, and documents it wishes the board to consider in deciding the request. The employer must also simultaneously provide supporting documents to the department and any affected employees' safety committee or union representative. Supporting affidavits or declarations shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Copies of individual relevant supporting documents shall be specifically referred to in the affidavit and shall be attached to the affidavit. Such supporting documents shall not be excluded from consideration based on a hearsay objection. All such affidavits and supporting documents shall be limited to evidence addressing:
(A) Whether there is good cause to stay the abatement of the violation(s) set forth in the citation and notice or corrective notice of redetermination; and
(B) Whether it is more likely than not that a stay of the abatement of the violation(s) would result in death or serious physical harm to a worker.
(ii) Opposing documents. Within twenty-eight calendar days of the date of the board's notice of filing of appeal, the department of labor and industries and any affected employees shall file with the board any declarations, affidavits, and documents they wish the board to consider in deciding the request. The department must also simultaneously serve these opposing documents on the employer and any affected employees' safety committee or representative. The employees must also simultaneously serve the opposing documents on the employer and the department. Supporting and opposing affidavits and declarations shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Copies of individual relevant supporting documents shall be specifically referred to in the affidavit and shall be attached to the affidavit. Such supporting documents shall not be excluded from consideration based on a hearsay objection. All such affidavits and supporting documents shall be limited to evidence addressing:
(A) Whether there is good cause to stay the abatement of the violation(s) set forth in the citation and notice or corrective notice of redetermination; and
(B) Whether it is more likely than not that a stay of the abatement of the violation(s) would result in death or serious physical harm to a worker.
(4) Denial of request to stay abatement. If any of the following procedural or substantive grounds are present, the board will deny the request for a stay of abatement pending appeal:
(a) The request for stay of abatement is not contained in the employer's notice of appeal as required by RCW 49.17.140 (4)(a).
(b) The employer fails to include union information as required in subsection (3)(b) of this section.
(c) The employer fails to timely file a certification that its employees have been notified about the appeal and the request for stay of abatement as required in subsection (2) of this section.
(d) The employer fails to file supporting documents within fourteen calendar days of the issuance of the board's notice of filing of appeal as required in subsection (3)(c)(i) of this section.
(e) The request is moot.
(f) The only violation alleged by the department of labor and industries is a general violation.
(g) The employer fails to show good cause for a stay of abatement in its supporting documents.
(h) The preliminary evidence shows it is more likely than not that a stay would result in death or serious physical harm to a worker.
(5) Expedited nature of requests to stay abatement/requests to enlarge time. Requests to stay abatement pending appeal must be decided in accordance with a strict statutory timeline. Oral argument will not be permitted. The board will grant requests to enlarge time to file documents or certifications only after receipt of a written motion with supporting affidavit filed with the board and all other parties before the filing deadline and only upon a showing of good cause.
NEW SECTION
WAC 263-12-085 Weapons.
(1) Firearms and other dangerous weapons are prohibited at all facilities owned, leased, or operated by the board of industrial insurance appeals and in the rooms where the board of industrial insurance appeals is conducting any board-related event.
(a) This prohibition applies to all parties or witnesses at hearings, all board employees, and all other persons present. It does not apply to law enforcement personnel, security personnel, or military personnel, all while engaged in official duties.
(b) As used in this chapter, "firearm and other dangerous weapons" means any device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive; any simulated firearm operated by gas or compressed air; any electric or other conductive energy device designed to deliver an electronic charge directly or from a missile projectile, except any automatic external defibrillator; sling shot; sand club; metal knuckles; any spring-blade knife; any knife that opens or is ejected by an outward, downward thrust or movement; bow and arrow; crossbow; hunting knife (excluding pocket knives); any explosive device; any object that may reasonably be used to injure or intimidate others; dangerous chemicals, except those chemicals typically used for self-defense; and any other dangerous weapons as defined by chapter 9.41 RCW.
(c) This prohibition does not apply to board employees who have obtained a written exemption from a board member, the chief industrial appeals judge, or the chief of administrative services, which may be issued on a case-by-case basis.
(d) Possession of a valid concealed weapons permit is not a defense to the prohibition in this section.
(e) This prohibition does not apply to lawful firearms or other lawful weapons while confined to private motor vehicles in parking areas at board facilities.
(f) This prohibition does not apply to firearms or other dangerous weapons offered as evidence in a board hearing. However, any party or representative seeking to offer a firearm or dangerous weapon as evidence shall obtain written permission from the hearing judge, in advance of the hearing date, before bringing any such item to the hearing. Any application for permission to offer a firearm or other dangerous weapon shall identify the manner, method, means, and other information explaining how the firearm or weapon will be secured.
(2) Notice that firearms and other dangerous weapons are prohibited shall be posted conspicuously in the waiting area of all board offices and shall be included with every proceeding notice issued by the board.
(3) Any person in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon at a facility owned, leased, or operated by the board or in rooms being used by the board may be excluded from the facility or room, consistent with the provisions of WAC 263-12-020 (10)(c), and may face any other applicable legal consequences.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 00-23-021, filed 11/7/00, effective 12/8/00)
WAC 263-12-090 Conferences—Notice of conferences.
Once an appeal has been granted, it shall be assigned to an industrial appeals judge with direction to conduct a settlement conference or a conference to schedule the appeal for hearing. ((If a conference is scheduled in a case, it shall be upon written notice to all parties specifying the time and place set for such conference, and such notice)) The industrial appeals judge may, in his or her discretion, conduct conferences in person or by telephone conference call. In-person conferences shall be scheduled upon written notice to all parties specifying the date, time and place set for such conference. Telephone conferences shall be scheduled upon written notice to all parties specifying the date and time for such conference, and that such conference shall be conducted by telephone. Notice of conferences, whether in person or by telephone, shall be mailed not less than seven days prior to the date of the conference, unless such notice is waived by all parties. The industrial appeals judge assigned to conduct hearings in an appeal or his or her designee shall conduct the conference at which hearings are scheduled.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-24-105, filed 12/2/14, effective 1/2/15)
WAC 263-12-115 Procedures at hearings.
(1) Industrial appeals judge. All hearings shall be conducted by an industrial appeals judge who shall conduct the hearing in an orderly manner and rule on all procedural matters, objections and motions.
(2) Order of presentation of evidence.
(a) In any appeal under either the Industrial Insurance Act, the Worker and Community Right to Know Act, or the Crime Victims Compensation Act, the appealing party shall initially introduce all evidence in his or her case-in-chief except that in an appeal from an order of the department that alleges fraud or willful misrepresentation the department or self-insured employer shall initially introduce all evidence in its case-in-chief.
(b) In all appeals subject to the provisions of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, the department shall initially introduce all evidence in its case-in-chief.
(c) After the party with the initial burden has presented his or her case-in-chief, the other parties may then introduce the evidence necessary to their cases-in-chief. In the event there is more than one other party, they may either present their cases-in-chief successively or may join in their presentation. Rebuttal evidence shall be received in the same order. Witnesses may be called out of turn in contravention of this rule only by agreement of all parties.
(3) Objections and motions to strike. Objections to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall be in short form, stating the legal grounds of objection relied upon. Extended argument or debate shall not be permitted.
(4) Rulings. The industrial appeals judge on objection or on his or her own motion shall exclude all irrelevant or unduly repetitious evidence and statements that are inadmissible pursuant to WAC 263-12-095(5). All rulings upon objections to the admissibility of evidence shall be made in accordance with rules of evidence applicable in the superior courts of this state.
(5) Interlocutory appeals to the board - Confidentiality of trade secrets. A direct appeal to the board shall be allowed as a matter of right from any ruling of an industrial appeals judge adverse to the employer concerning the confidentiality of trade secrets in appeals under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.
(6) Interlocutory review by a chief industrial appeals judge.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section interlocutory rulings of the industrial appeals judge are not subject to direct review by the board. A party to an appeal or a witness who has made a motion to quash a subpoena to appear at board related proceedings, may within five working days of receiving an adverse ruling from an industrial appeals judge request a review by a chief industrial appeals judge or his or her designee. Such request for review shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by an affidavit in support of the request and setting forth the grounds for the request, including the reasons for the necessity of an immediate review during the course of conference or hearing proceedings. Within ten working days of receipt of the written request, the chief industrial appeals judge, or designee, may decline to review the ruling based upon the written request and supporting affidavit; or, after such review as he or she deems appropriate, may either affirm or reverse the ruling, or refer the matter to the industrial appeals judge for further consideration.
(b) Failure to request review of an interlocutory ruling shall not constitute a waiver of the party's objection, nor shall an unfavorable response to the request preclude a party from subsequently renewing the objection whenever appropriate.
(c) No conference or hearing shall be interrupted for the purpose of filing a request for review of the industrial appeals judge's rulings; nor shall any scheduled proceedings be canceled pending a response to the request.
(7) Recessed hearings. Where, for good cause, all parties to an appeal are unable to present all their evidence at the time and place originally set for hearing, the industrial appeals judge may recess the hearing to the same or a different location so as to insure that all parties have reasonable opportunity to present their respective cases. No written "notice of hearing" shall be required as to any recessed hearing.
(8) Failure to present evidence when due.
(a) If any party is due to present certain evidence at a hearing or recessed hearing and, for any reason on its part, fails to appear and present such evidence, the industrial appeals judge may conclude the hearing and issue a proposed decision and order on the record, or recess or set over the proceedings for further hearing for the receipt of such evidence.
(b) In cases concerning Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act citations, a failure to appear by the person and/or party who filed the appeal is deemed to be an admission of the validity of any citation, abatement period, or penalty issued or proposed, and constitutes a waiver of all rights except the right to receive a copy of the decision.
(c) In cases concerning willful misrepresentation, the industrial appeals judge may proceed with the hearing, receive evidence, and issue a proposed decision and order without requirement of further notice to the appealing party who fails to appear.
(9) Offers of proof in colloquy. When an objection to a question is sustained an offer of proof in question and answer form shall be permitted unless the question is clearly objectionable on any theory of the case.
(10) Telephone testimony. At hearings, the parties may present the testimony of witnesses by telephone if agreed to by all parties and approved by the industrial appeals judge. For good cause the industrial appeals judge may authorize telephone testimony over the objection of a party after weighing the following nonexclusive factors:
• The need to weigh a witness's demeanor or credibility.
• Difficulty in handling documents and exhibits.
• The number of parties participating in the hearing.
• Whether any of the testimony will need to be translated.
• Ability of the witness to travel.
• Feasibility of taking a perpetuation deposition.
• Availability of quality telecommunications equipment and service.
When telephone testimony is permitted, the industrial appeals judge presiding at the hearing will swear in the witness testifying by phone as if the witness appeared live at the hearing. For rules relating to telephone deposition testimony, see WAC 263-12-117.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-24-054, filed 12/2/16, effective 1/2/17)
WAC 263-12-116 Exhibits.
(1) ((Whenever possible,)) Tangible exhibits ((should)) shall be submitted on paper 8 1/2" x 11" in size. A larger version may be shown to the judge or witness for purpose of demonstration and a smaller version marked and offered as the exhibit.
(2) Electronic exhibits containing documents, pictures, audio, video, or other electronic material may be submitted on a CD, DVD, flash drive, or similar device, subject to the following conditions:
(a) The party seeking to present the audio/video/electronic material at a hearing must provide the appropriate equipment for hearing/viewing the material.
(b) If the party submitting the material for presentation at a hearing does not provide the equipment needed, the material will not be heard or viewed during the hearing, but the exhibit may be marked into evidence and ruling reserved.
(c) A media exhibit must be in MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) format or other industry format specified on the BIIA web site.
(d) Documents and pictures must be submitted in a pdf format.
(3) The board will not accept any hazardous exhibit. A hazardous exhibit is an exhibit that:
(a) Threatens the health and safety of persons handling the exhibit, including exhibits having potentially toxic, explosive, or disease-carrying characteristics.
(b) Threatens the security of the board's electronic equipment or network. Nonexclusive examples of hazardous exhibits include:
• Biohazards (bodily fluid samples, bloody clothing).
• Used medical implements or devices (surgical screws, cables, plates, pins, prosthetic devices).
• Corrosive or toxic substances.
• Controlled substances (prescription drugs).
• Potential airborne contaminants (asbestos, silica).
• Flammable, explosive, or reactive materials.
• Live ammunition, firearms, knives, and other weapons.
(4) Photographs, videotapes, or other facsimile representations may be used to demonstrate the existence, quantity, and physical characteristics of hazardous evidence consistent with this rule.
(5) If a party is uncertain whether a proposed exhibit conforms to this rule or is not able to bring the necessary equipment to the hearing, that party must request a conference with the judge at least fourteen days before submitting the exhibit, asking the judge to make a determination of conformity or to provide assistance in making the exhibit accessible at the proceeding.
(6) If an exhibit submitted in an appeal under the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (chapter 49.17 RCW) implicates a trade secret as set forth in chapter 19.108 RCW, the employer must bring it to the attention of an industrial appeals judge at the time of submission or within a reasonable time thereafter to permit a ruling on the confidentiality of the information and application of RCW 49.17.200 and WAC 263-12-115(5).
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-24-054, filed 12/2/16, effective 1/2/17)
WAC 263-12-117 Perpetuation depositions.
(1) Evidence by deposition. The industrial appeals judge may permit or require the perpetuation of testimony by deposition, subject to the applicable provisions of WAC 263-12-115. Such ruling may only be given after the industrial appeals judge gives due consideration to:
(a) The complexity of the issues raised by the appeal;
(b) The desirability of having the witness's testimony presented at a hearing;
(c) The costs incurred by the parties in complying with the ruling; and
(d) The fairness to the parties in complying with the ruling.
(2) Telephone depositions: When testimony is taken by perpetuation deposition, it may be taken by telephone if all parties agree. For good cause the industrial appeals judge may permit the parties to take the testimony of a witness by telephone deposition over the objection of a party after weighing the following nonexclusive factors:
• The need of a party to observe a witness's demeanor.
• Difficulty in handling documents and exhibits.
• The number of parties participating in the deposition.
• Whether any of the testimony will need to be translated.
• Ability of the witness to travel.
• Availability of quality telecommunications equipment and service.
If a perpetuation deposition is taken by telephone, the court reporter transcribing the deposition is authorized to swear in the deponent, regardless of the deponent's location within or outside the state of Washington.
(3) The industrial appeals judge may require that depositions be taken and published within prescribed time limits. The time limits may be extended by the industrial appeals judge for good cause. Each party shall bear its own costs except when the industrial appeals judge allocates costs to parties or their representatives. If a party takes a deposition under this section, but elects not to file the deposition as evidence in the appeal, the party shall provide written notice to the assigned industrial appeals judge and all other parties prior to the deposition filing deadline.
(4) The party filing a deposition must submit the stenographically reported and transcribed deposition, certification, and exhibits in both a written format and an electronic format in accordance with procedures established by the board. The following requirements apply to the submission of depositions:
(a) Video depositions will not be considered as part of the record on appeal;
(b) The electronic deposition must be submitted in searchable ((PDF)) pdf format;
(c) Exhibits to the deposition must be filed electronically as a single attachment separate from the deposition transcript and certification;
(d) A legible paper copy of all exhibits must accompany the paper deposition transcript;
(e) Any media exhibit (audio or video) must meet the requirements set forth in WAC 263-12-116; and
(f) If the deposition is not transcribed in a reproducible format or properly submitted it may be excluded from the record.
(5) Procedure at deposition. Unless the parties stipulate or the industrial appeals judge determines otherwise all depositions permitted to be taken for the perpetuation of testimony shall be taken subject to the following conditions:
(a) That all motions and objections, whether to form or otherwise, shall be raised at the time of the deposition and if not raised at such time shall be deemed waived.
(b) That all exhibits shall be marked and identified at the time of the deposition and, if offered into evidence, appended to the deposition.
(c) That the deposition be published without necessity of further conference or hearing at the time it is received by the industrial appeals judge.
(d) That all motions, including offers to admit exhibits and objections raised at the time of the deposition, shall be ruled upon by the industrial appeals judge in the proposed decision and order.
(e) That the deposition may be appended to the record as part of the transcript, and not as an exhibit, without the necessity of being retyped into the record.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 91-13-038, filed 6/14/91, effective 7/15/91)
WAC 263-12-195 Significant decisions.
(1) The board's publication "Significant Decisions," prepared pursuant to RCW 51.52.160, contains the decisions or orders of the board which it considers to have an analysis or decision of substantial importance to the board in carrying out its duties. Together with the indices of decision maintained pursuant to WAC 263-12-016(4), "Significant Decisions" shall serve as the index required by RCW 42.17.260 (4)(b) and (c).
(2) The board selects the decisions or orders to be included in "Significant Decisions" based on recommendations from staff and the public. Generally, a decision or order is considered "significant" only if it provides a legal analysis or interpretation not found in existing case law, or applies settled law to unusual facts. Decisions or orders may be included which demonstrate the application of a settled legal principle to varying fact situations or which reflect the further development of, or continued adherence to, a legal principle previously recognized by the board. Nominations of decisions or orders for inclusion in "Significant Decisions" should be submitted in writing to the executive secretary.
(3) "Significant Decisions" consists of ((microfilmed copies of the)) decisions and orders identified as significant and headnotes summarizing the proposition or propositions for which the board considers the decisions or orders "significant." Indices are also provided to identify each decision or order by name and by subject. ((Permanent revisions and additions to "Significant Decisions" are prepared annually. A cumulative supplement is prepared annually between permanent updates and is provided to subscribers of "Significant Decisions." The cumulative supplement contains decisions or orders identified by the board as "significant" in the interim between permanent updates.))
(4) ((Copies of)) "Significant Decisions" and ((permanent updates are available to the public at cost. Requests for information concerning the purchase of "Significant Decisions" should be directed to the executive secretary)) indices may be accessed at the board's web site, www.biia.wa.gov.
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