Workers' compensation premiums to increase for Washington residents

Olympia, WAEarlier this week Washington state's Department of Labor and Industries announced workers' compensation premiums would be increased by an average of 7.6 percent in 2010.

This is lower than projected rates the department hinted at in the past when it indicated than an increase of 15 to 20 percent would be needed in the state, the Portland Business Journal reports.

In terms of pay, this new increase will take 4 cents per hour worked.

Judy Schurke, director of the department, said she recognized the increased rate will bring more challenges to local businesses and state workers, given the current state of the economy.

"We have pushed this proposed rate increase down to the lowest possible level given the uncertain state of our recovery from this deep recession," Schurke said.

She added the increase was made because the workers' compensation fund was experiencing weaker investment returns and there were fewer jobs for injured workers to return to.

The increase was reportedly met with opposition from various groups that included the Association of Washington Business and the Associated General Contractors.