The 2018 New York State workers' compensation premium rates are set annually by the Department of Labor and used by insurers to calculate the cost of coverage for each employer. Rates vary by industry classification—called class codes—based on the injury frequency and severity recorded in the previous five years. The 2018 schedule lists 182 class codes, each paired with a rate multiplier applied to the employer's payroll within that class. Premiums are expressed in dollars per $100 of payroll and differ by class code, reflecting the relative risk of the job. Employers typically determine their payroll exposure by aggregating wages paid to workers whose jobs fall under each class code, then multiplying that payroll by the appropriate rate. For example, a class code for "Electrical Contractors" might carry a rate of $1.45 per $100 of payroll, while a code for "Office Clerks" could be $0.25. The Department publishes the full table on its website, allowing insurers to reference the exact multiplier for each code. Premium rates are influenced by several factors: the number of claims filed, the average cost of claims, and any changes in state legislation or insurance fund funding. In 2018, New York adopted a new funding mechanism for the workers' compensation fund, which slightly increased overall rates across many codes. Employers can mitigate higher costs by maintaining a strong safety program, which can reduce claim frequency and severity. Insurers offer safety incentive discounts for companies that meet specific safety criteria, and these discounts are applied after the base rate is calculated. Additionally, employers who file claims electronically and provide timely documentation may qualify for reduced rates. Because rates are recalculated annually, it is essential for businesses to review the 2018 rates and compare them with previous years to forecast budget impacts. The Department of Labor's website provides a searchable database where users can enter a class code and view the corresponding rate, the last four‑year average, and the percentage change from the prior year. This data is useful for benchmarking and for preparing rate filings for new or expanded operations. Employers often work with brokers to interpret the rate schedule, especially when their workforce spans multiple class codes. Brokers analyze payroll data, claim history, and safety performance to estimate the total premium and identify potential savings opportunities. In summary, the 2018 NYS workers' compensation premium rates are a structured set of multipliers tied to industry class codes, reflecting historical claim data and state funding adjustments. Accurate payroll classification and proactive safety measures can help businesses manage their premium costs effectively."