Workers' Comp Rate Increase Hits Ag Hard

By Scott Dilley

Yesterday the state Department of Labor & Industries made it harder for farmers to stay in business. Director Judy Schurke officially raised workers’ comp premiums for 2010 an average of 7.6 percent. Some ag producers may be hit harder. View the list of rate changes.

The move is expected to generate $117 million for the workers’ comp fund and comes during a slow economic recovery.

Farm Bureau maintains that fundamental reforms of the state workers’ comp system should be made prior to any increase in rates. L&I has a history of high administration costs, granting an excessive number of pensions, and using workers’ comp funds to finance unrelated programs. The average injured worker in Washington misses 266 days of work, compared to about 70 for Oregon. For more details, see our comments to L&I.

Thanks to all Farm Bureau members who spoke out against this increase during the public comment period. We look forward to advocating for real workers’ comp reform during the 2010 legislative session.