ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The rising cost of workers compensation gets a closer look at a conference sponsored by Minnesota officials on Wednesday.
Commissioner Steve Sviggum of the Department of Labor and Industry says it's not clear why costs are going up when injury rates are falling.
His agency is sponsoring a two-day conference in Nisswa, Minn., to examine the issue.
Officials will also talk about curbing medical costs and other ways to save money.
The number of workers compensation claims fell 36 percent in Minnesota from 1997 to 2007, but the cost per claim is going up significantly compared to wages. Disputed claims are also up in that time.
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