Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) recently proposed a 5% decrease in the average premium employers pay for coverage.
We’re doing a better job helping injured workers heal and return to work. That’s good for workers and employers, and helps us lower the cost of workers’ compensation coverage – L&I Director Joel Sacks
The Department has attributed a decrease in work-related injuries as well as new L&I initiatives, including the Stay at Work Program and opioid prescription guidelines, as the reasons for this proposal. If this proposed decrease takes effect at the end of the year, it would be the largest drop in premium costs since 2007. This would mean:
- Employers pay an average of about $58 less a year per employee for workers’ compensation coverage
- Employees would pay about $6 less a year for their share of the cost
- Washington workers and employers, in total, would pay $136 million less in premiums
A 5% decrease in costs will save employers a substantial sum. And to create a trend of decreasing costs, employers must maintain the decrease in work-related injuries and utilize the Stay at Work Program as well as other return to work programs promoted by the State. You can find more information about the proposal at www.LnI.wa.gove/rates.
The Department will be holding 3 public hearings open to public comment. The hearings are scheduled for:
- Tumwater, October 30 at 9:00 am at the Department of Labor & Industries Headquarters
- Tukwila, October 30 at 1:00 pm at the Department of Labor & Industries Tukwila Office
- Spokane Valley, October 31 at 9:00 am at the Spokane CenterPlace
You can also comment in writing to Jo Anne Attwood, administrative regulations analyst, P.O. Box 41448, Olympia, WA 98504-4148; or email joanne.attwood@Lni.wa.gov. All comments must be received by 5:00 pm November 2, 2018.
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