The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) announced a 0.7% increase to the average base rate for workers’ compensation premiums across 324 risk classifications for 2017.

The adjustment will:

• Ensure steady and predictable rates.
• Benchmark against wage inflation (this happens automatically in other states).
• Slowly rebuild reserves to protect against unexpected changes.

The proposed rate will help keep pace with wage inflation, which impacts injured worker claim costs.

Washington State is one of the few states where workers’ compensation premiums are shared, with 50% paid by employers and 50% paid by workers through payroll deductions.

Six public hearings will be held across Washington State on the proposed 0.7% average base rate increase to workers’ compensation premiums. The hearings will start at 9 a.m. on the following dates and locations:

 

·         Vancouver, WA, Oct. 26, 9 a.m., Marshal Community Center

 

·         Tukwila, Oct. 27, 9 a.m., Dept. of Labor & Industries

 

·         Everett, Nov. 1, 9 a.m., Everett Community College

 

·         Spokane Valley, Nov. 2, 9 a.m., Spokane CenterPlace

 

·         Richland, Nov. 3, 9 a.m., Richland Community Center

 

·         Tumwater, Nov. 4, 9 a.m., Dept. of Labor & Industries Headquarters

 

Go to www.Lni.wa.gov/Rates to:

• Find the proposed rate for your assigned risk class.
• Read the news release and Q&As.
• Find out where to send written comments if you do not attend a public hearing.
• Watch videos to learn more about controlling workers’ comp costs.