Don Brunell - Workers’ compensation system must be reformed

Even though voters rejected Initiative 1082, which would have allowed private insurers to write workers’ compensation insurance in our state, the need to reform the system has become even greater. It has become too costly for employers and too cumbersome for injured workers, and in fact in 2011, rates will increase an average of 12 percent.

When our state’s workers’ compensation system was established in 1911, it was designed to prevent injuries and deaths, treat injured workers quickly and effectively, be efficient to administer, and settle disputed claims quickly and without need for expensi...