The number of claims on the WA workers’ compensation scheme remains stable, with payments increasing slightly in the past four years.

Total estimated costs rose significantly, by 8.1%, between December 2010 and December last year, according to WorkCover WA’s latest status report.

It says the number of claims lodged with the scheme’s insurers has decreased in the past four years. The state’s 27 largest employers operate within the scheme but are exempted from using its eight approved insurers, and WorkCover WA says the claims for these self-insurers have also continued to be stable.

Claims costs for approved insurers have increased since 2006.