2021 Proposed Workers’ Comp Rates Released
Labor and Industries (L&I) Proposes Keeping Rates Steady For 2021
Rate changes directly impact how much employers pay for their workers’ compensation premiums. L&I has proposed an overall rate change of 0% in 2021.
“Our 2021 rate proposal recognizes the toll the pandemic is taking on employers and workers in our state,” L&I Director Joel Sacks said. “Although our projected workers’ compensation costs are going up, we’re keeping premiums the same by taking advantage of the reserves we’ve built over the years by improving services and reducing disability.”
Keep in mind some industries may see a slight increase or decrease based on their particular risk class. For example, the following rate changes have been proposed in the construction industry:
- 0510 Wood Frame Building Construction and Alterations – 5% Decrease
- 0516 Building Repair, Remodeling and Carpentry – 2% Decrease
- 0306 Plumbing – 2% Decrease
- 0513 Interior Finish Carpentry – 7% Decrease
- 0601 Electrical Wiring: Buildings and Structures – 2% Increase
To see a full list of proposed rates, please download the L&I Proposed 2021 Rates PDF.
Public Hearings and Rate Adoption
The next step in this process are public hearings, scheduled on Oct. 27 and 29, and will be held virtually this year. If you are interested in joining a public hearing, you can sign up by going to the L&I website. Final rates will be adopted by Nov. 30 and go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.
Find Out What Your Company’s Rates Will Be
As a GRIP program member, ERNwest has obtained your projected 2021 experience modification factor (EMF) and premium rates. For a copy of your rates and to find out how you can reduce your rates in the future, please contact your GRIP Group Manager, Trish Leimbach.
Safety
L&I Unified Fall Protection Standard
On October 1, 2020, the Department of Labor and Industries will adopt the final rule Chapter 296-880 WAC, Unified Safety Standards for Fall Protection. This rulemaking unifies fall protection requirements from multiple DOSH rules into one chapter and is applicable to most industries. Watch a recorded webinar of the new rule. Download the Unified Fall Protection Quick Reference Guide.
Protect Your Hearing
WHAT’S THAT YOU SAY? This month we raise awareness on the importance of protecting employee hearing. Hearing loss from noise is a permanent condition and one of the best preventative measures is education. Get tips to help raise awareness and prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
National Fire Prevention Week: Oct 4-10
Fires can double in size in a matter of seconds, potentially causing injuries and property damage. National Fire Prevention Week provides employers with a chance to reiterate the importance of fire prevention and to reinforce training methods and reassess possible fire hazards in the workplace. Learn more about National Fire Prevention Week.
What is Your Plan for Accident Prevention (APP)?
What is your plan? Every employer is different and requires a unique plan for protecting employees and staying compliant with federal, state and local regulations. Taking a moment to look over your APP can help identify potential updates as well as remind us of its important contents. Check your plan and put it into action! Take a look at a safety accident prevention program template sample.
Great ShakeOut: Oct 15
Shake it up baby! It’s time for the Great ShakeOut. On October 15, we are encouraging all members to practice how to be safe if an earthquake occurs. This is also a great time to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies. So, at 10:15 on 10/15, drop, cover, and hold! To register for the Great ShakeOut and learn more about its importance, go to ShakeOut.org.
GRIP Safety
Access Toolbox Tips and general safety resources. Learn more.
Upcoming Training
GRIP Webinar Training
These GRIP-specific trainings benefit new members or members who would like to review the content. Click on the dates below for more information about the training and to register.
October 6, 10:30am | Getting your GRIP on Claims, Comp & Safety
ERNwest Webinar Training
Select the dates below for more information about ERNwest-specific trainings and to register.
October 1 | 2:00pm | What is Retro*
October 15 | 10:00am | Workplace Violence
October 20 | 10:00am | Fundamentals of Claims Management*
October 27 | 10:00am | Using Kept on Salary and Modified-Duty Effectively
View a list of all ERNwest training
Remember to report all incidents on the ERNwest website so that your claims manager is aware and can help guide you through the process. | ERNwest.com/report-an-incident
For precautionary reasons related to COVID-19, MBAKS offices are closed until King County enters Phase 3. Staff is working remotely and can be reached via phone or email. Events and class cancellations are noted on the MBAKS Events Calendar. Refer to the MBAKS COVID-19/Updates for up-to-date information.
GRIP Retro Questions?
Trish Leimbach, GRIP Group Manager | (253) 343-0153 | TLeimbach@ernwest.com
GRIP Safety Questions?
John Sevier, GRIP Safety Manager | (253) 300-6399 | JSevier@ernwest.com
GRIP Stay-At-Work Questions?
Tom Nelson, GRIP Stay-At-Work Coordinator | (253) 372-2357 | TNelson@ERNwest.com
