Workers’ compensation insurance premiums will rise an average of 7.6 percent in 2010, state officials said.

Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) proposed the 7.6 percent workers’ compensation hike, or about 4 cents per hour worked. A series of six informational meetings regarding the increase was held statewide. The hike, which is the highest increase in average premiums since 2004, is being criticized by business groups, but state officials said it was necessary.

“I do understand how difficult the economic environment is right now and wanted to keep the increase as low as possible,” said L&I Director Judy Schurke, in a statement.

State officials said two reasons for the hike are an 8.5 percent increase in health-care inflation and a 3.4 percent increase in wage inflation. The increase will bring in an additional $117 million.