Washington state proposes no comp increase for 2021

Washington state’s Department of Labor and Industries is proposing no increase in workers compensation premiums for employers in the state, the agency said Tuesday in a statement. If adopted, this will be the fourth year in a row that workers comp rates have dropped or held steady.

The department said that although workers comp rates are up, its rate proposal “recognizes the toll the pandemic is taking on employers and workers” and can use funds from its comp contingency reserve “to keep the rate from climbing.”

If accepted, the average premium per employee is not expected to change, although there may be changes by class and employer, the department said.

L&I will be accepting public comment on the rate proposal beginning Sept. 22. The final rates will be adopted by Nov. 30 and take effect Jan. 1, 2021.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.