Sandra M. Powell, director of the RI Department of Labor and Training, announced today that its Workers’ Compensation Web site, www.dlt.ri.gov/wc, is now available in Spanish.

“It is our intention make Workers’ Compensation information easily accessible to all RI employers and workers,” said Powelll.

Workers' Compensation is insurance to provide medical expenses and lost wages to employees who are injured while working. All employers with one or more employees are required to have workers' compensation insurance to cover these benefits.

The Worker’s Compensation Web site contains:

• explanations of RI Worker’s Compensation laws
• coverage information
• educational offerings
• fraud and compliance guidelines
• rehabilitation information from the John E. Donley Center
• frequently asked questions for employers, independent contractors and injured workers

"Translating the site into Spanish will provide important data to our growing Hispanic workforce,” said Matt Carey, assistant director of the department’s Workers’ Compensation Division. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11.2 percent of the Rhode Island population self-identified as Hispanic in 2007.

For further information on Workers’ Compensation, visit the web site at www.dlt.ri.gov/wc or call the Workers’ Compensation Education Unit at (401) 462-8100, option 1.

The RI Department of Labor and Training offers employment services, educational services and economic opportunity to both individuals and employers. DLT protects Rhode Island’s workforce by enforcing labor laws, prevailing wage rates and workplace health and safety standards. The department also provides temporary income support to unemployed and temporarily disabled workers.