WORKERS’ COMP RATES CUT:

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has approved a 2.89 percent average rate reduction for workers’ compensation premiums, saving employers an additional $32.5 million in premiums this year.

“Pennsylvania has a very competitive marketplace for workers’ compensation insurance due, in large part, to our overall reforms and focus on workplace safety,” Commissioner Diane Koken said. “We had seen some small rise in premiums in recent years, but I am encouraged that we are back on track.”