Topeka ? Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer says about 65,000 businesses in the state will pay less for their workers’ compensation coverage next year.

Selzer announced Thursday that he approved lower rates proposed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. The council is a national group that analyzes workers’ compensation data and files proposed rates in a majority of states.

Selzer said rates will decrease by 11.6 percent for Kansas businesses obtaining their insurance in the marketplace and 10.4 percent for companies that participate in a state plan for high-risk businesses.

Insurance Department spokesman Bob Hanson said the decline in rates can be attributed to a drop in high-cost claims from businesses and greater awareness of their safety issues. Workers’ compensation insurance covers businesses against costs associated with employee injuries.