The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries is proposing a small increase in the average price employers and workers pay for workers’ compensation insurance next year.
If the proposal is adopted, it would be the first time in five years that workers’ compensation rates would go up, but on average, premiums in 2022 would still be less than in 2017.
The proposed 3.1 percent overall average rate increase is driven by cost-of-living adjustments for pensions, which were triggered by an increase in the state’s average wage. It’s an average, meaning some employers will see their rates go down while others will see larger increases.
Employers and workers pay into the workers’ compensation system to help cover the cost of providing wage and disability benefits for injured workers, as well as medical treatment of injuries and illnesses.
Washington state charges for workers’ compensation coverage based on hours worked. (Washington Department of Labor and Industries)
