TUMWATER — – The rate paid for workers’ compensation coverage in Washington would rise by an average of 0.7 percent next year under a proposal released today by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Employers and workers around Washington pay into the workers’ comp system so they’re covered if someone suffers a work-related injury or illness. Last year, L&I covered nearly 93,000 work-related injury and illness claims in our state.

L&I sets workers’ compensation rates every fall for the following year. To determine the proposed rate, the agency takes a close look at expected workers’ compensation payouts, the size of the reserve fund, wage inflation and other financial indicators.

“We’re doing our best to make sure we have a workers’ compensation system in our state that’s healthy and available for workers and employers today and in the future,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “By helping injured workers heal and get back to work sooner, we’ve been able to keep rates steady and predictable.”

The proposed 2017 increase would cost employers an average of about $10 more a year per employee. Workers on average will not see an increase in what they pay. If the new proposal is adopted, the average annual workers’ compensation rate increase over the past six years will be just over 1 percent.

Workers’ compensation premiums help cover the cost of providing wage and disability benefits, as well as medical treatment of injuries and illnesses. They also provide a safety net to make sure the system is prepared for the unexpected.