The Department of Labor & Industries has proposed an average 2.7 percent rate increase for 2014 workers’ compensation premiums, an increase of less than 2 cents per hour worked. If approved, it would be L&I’s first increase in three years.
Washington’s most recent wage inflation number is 3.4 percent. The state’s rates are based on hours worked and not payroll like other states. Washington needs to raise rates to get the revenue that other states get automatically. A public hearing will be held in Vancouver at 10 a.m. Oct. 29 in the Rainier Auditorium at the Northwest Regional Training Center, 11606 N.E. 66th St., No. 103. Comments can also be made to Doug Stewart, employer services program manager, at Doug.Stewart@Lni.wa.gov.
Final rates will be adopted in early December and go into effect on Jan. 1. More information is available at www.Rates.Lni.wa.gov.
