WA WORKERS' COMP INSURANCE TO GO UP SLIGHTLY IN 2022

On Nov. 30th the WA state Dept. of Labor & Industries announced a 3.1 percent increase in the average worker's compensation premium rate for hours worked in 2022. 

With this rate increase, the average rate per $100 of payroll in 2022 will be $1.53, a 1.4 percent increase over 2021. Individual employers may see their rates go up or down, depending on their recent claims history and changes in the frequency and cost of claims in their industry risk classes. Workers will continue to pay on average about a quarter of the premium, a similar percentage to that paid in 2021.

Public hearings for the proposed 2022 rates were held virtually in October. A small number of people testified and submitted written comments during the rules process.

During the pandemic, L&I has helped thousands of businesses struggling to pay workers’ compensation premiums by offering a grace period for premium payments, along with payment plans for employers facing financial difficulties. Also, L&I is not including costs from claims for COVID-19 exposure when calculating premium rates.