Workers' compensation rates in New York State will be reduced an average 2.5 percent effective October 1, Governor Pataki announced.
However, assessments that employers must pay, on top of their workers' comp premiums, will increase by an average of 2.6 percent. Those assessments pay for the Second Injury Fund and other special funds.
The Governor's office said some employers will see rates fall by as much as 27 percent, in the case of tunneling and iron and steel erection. Details of how individual industries would be affected, and whether any would face premium increases, were not immediately available.
Including reductions in the past several years, premiums have been reduced an average 35 percent since 1995.
"By reducing the cost of doing business, we are making New York State even more competitive, helping us attract new jobs and industry," Governor Pataki said.
The Governor has appointed a Workers Compensation Special Funds Study Commission to review the funds and recommend possible reforms. Patrick McLaughlin, training manager for UPS in upstate New York, represents The Business Council on that task force.