When payrolls are low, rates tend to go up since there’s less payroll to spread out the costs of injuries. Here in California, we have seen a couple of double-digit increases in the advisory rates put out by the WCIRB and the Department of Insurance in the past year and it looks like there’s another one coming.
California bureau to recommend 12.6% increase for workers compensation premiums
http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20120816/NEWS08/120819920
There is apparently some work being done behind the scenes in Sacramento to address the escalating cost of Work Comp, so hopefully there will be some relief soon.
Workers’ Comp Deal in the Works for California http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2012/08/09/258903.htm