Enforcement unit reports audits of workers' compensation and overdue WDO filings; most desk investigations resolved with compliance

Enforcement staff reported on March 12 that a recent audit campaign of branch‑1 companies’ workers’ compensation records and a targeted review of wood‑destroying‑organism (WDO) activity filings produced substantial desk‑level compliance results and that staff will expand outreach and online complaint filing.

Why it matters: Audits and targeted enforcement can improve licensed practice and worker safety, and better WDO reporting improves the board’s ability to monitor structural pest controls that affect public safety.

What staff said: Holly Glassner, enforcement lead, said the enforcement unit opened 67 desk investigations into branch‑1 companies that showed missing, expired or exempt workers’ compensation status. Approximately two‑thirds of those desk investigations closed with compliance after licensees provided documentation; a minority required field visits and special investigator follow‑up. A December 2024 joint effort with the WDO unit targeted companies with missing or overdue WDO activity reports; analysts are researching batches of companies and contacting them to achieve compliance or to escalate field investigations when records suggest ongoing work without filings.

Other points: The enforcement unit’s customer‑satisfaction survey is currently sent to consumers when a complaint is closed; responses have been modest but useful. The unit expects to add an online complaint form through the Connect platform in coming months and plans additional surveys and consumer/company feedback tools.

Ending: Glassner said the auditing approach produced significant compliance gains with relatively limited field resources and that enforcement will continue targeted outreach and escalate enforcement where documentary review indicates ongoing violations.