The Department of Labor and Industries is proposing a modest increase in workers’ comp rates for 2022.
But the department says the 3.1% average increase would be the first in five years, and would actually result in lower average premiums than in 2017.
The increase is driven by cost-of-living adjustments prompted by the higher minimum wage and to respond to additional costs from COVID-19 claims.
A virtual public hearing is scheduled on October 26th before a final decision is made.
Businesses and workers pay the premiums into a fund that compensates sick or injured workers.