Washington State’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has adopted an average rate increase of 29 percent for 2003 within the worker’s compensation system.

On Jan. 1, the average rate rose from 36.9 cents for each hour worked to 47.6 cents. This is well below the 40.5 percent increase proposed by the department in September that, in part, was lowered due to the public outcry urging the department to phase in the increase over a longer time period.

The new rate will add $265 million of additional premiums to the workers’ compensation system. Along with the rate increase, L&I has pledged to begin a series of initiatives to improve the performance of the workers’ compensation system.

For more information and a specific rate increase listed by individual industries, go to www.lni.wa.gov.