Washington Workers’ Comp Rates for 2017 to Increase Less Than 1%

November 30, 2016

The average premium for workers’ compensation coverage in Washington will go up less than 1 percent in 2017, according to the Department of Labor & Industries.

LL&I announced today the rate will rise by an average of 0.7 percent next year.

The 2017 increase will cost employers on average about $10 more a year per employee. Most workers will not see an increase in what they pay.

“We’ve improved the support we provide to injured workers, and I’m pleased to say we’re seeing tangible, positive results,” L&I Director Joel Sacks said in a statement. “Injured workers are able to stay at work or return to work faster, and the number of workers on long-term disability is dropping. That’s good for employees and employers, and it helps us hold down costs.”

workers_compL&I sets rates each fall for the following year. Over the past six years, the average annual workers’ comp rate increase has been just over 1 percent.

In September, L&I proposed the 0.7 percent rate increase and then took public input on the plan. The agency held public hearings around the state and also took comments online and by mail before making the final decision.

The new rates take effect Jan 1.

L&I is the state’s primary workers’ comp insurance provider, and covers roughly 2.6 million workers and more than 170,000 employers.

Related:

Topics Trends Workers' Compensation Pricing Trends Washington

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