The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed that there be no average increase in workers’ compensation rates in 2021. The average rate declined in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

According to L&I, “While financial projections point to the need for a significant increase to cover all of the costs for injuries and illnesses that occur in 2021, the agency is proposing using funds from the workers’ compensations contingency reserve to keep the rate from climbing.”

L&I Director Joel Sacks said, “Our 2021 rate proposal recognizes the toll the pandemic is taking on employers and workers in our state.” (Final rates won’t be adopted until Nov. 30.)

Washington has long had the country’s highest workers’ comp benefit costs. The National Academy of Social Insurance has not yet released its annual report this year, which will cover 2018 data.