(Columbia-AP) July 27, 2005 - Governor Mark Sanford has called on a broad group of business leaders to study the state's workers' compensation system.

The program covers medical costs and some wages for employees injured on the job. Sanford said Wednesday the task force was prompted by a double-digit increase proposed by the insurance industry group that helps South Carolina companies set compensation rates.

Earlier this month, the National Council on Compensation Insurance pitched a 33 percent increase in premiums for employers. It cited soaring medical costs, lawyer involvement in injury claims and slow settlement of cases as some of the many factors to push the rate higher in the state.

The state Consumer Affairs Department and private business advocates in South Carolina say the higher rates could be detrimental to small-business owners. Consumer Affairs is challenging the proposed increase before an administrative law judge.

Posted 8:30pm by Chantelle Janelle