WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE IN OREGON: PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS & EMPLOYEES TODAY
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OVERVIEW OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN OREGON
Oregon’s workers’ comp system covers employees and employers. If you’re a business owner, construction worker, or corporate office manager, you need to know how workers’ comp insurance works in the state. That’s how you comply with the law and protect your workforce.
WHY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE MATTERS IN OREGON
Workers’ compensation insurance makes sure employees get benefits if they get hurt or sick at work. For employers, it helps lower liability and stops expensive lawsuits by covering employee costs related to workplace injuries.
Oregon’s system operates with a no-fault policy allowing employees to get benefits without showing their employer was negligent. This means employees can’t sue their employer for injuries at work.
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WHICH EMPLOYERS IN OREGON NEED WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE?
Oregon law requires most employers with one or more employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. This rule applies to full-time part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers.
Who Must Have Coverage?
ORS 656.017 states that almost all employers having one or more employees must have Workers’ Comp, including:
- Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers
- Construction companies and contractors
- Agricultural employers
- Nonprofits with paid employees
Who Doesn’t Need Coverage?
Some workers and business owners might not need coverage, including:
- Sole proprietors (unless they employ workers)
- Independent contractors who satisfy strict Oregon law requirements
- Partners in a business partnership
- Corporate officers if they direct the company and own at least 10% of it
Even if your business doesn’t need coverage, getting voluntary insurance can protect your finances and give you peace of mind.
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HOW TO GET WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE IN OREGON
Private Insurance Companies
- Employers can buy policies from licensed private insurance carriers. Rates change based on how risky the industry is and how big the business is.
Self-Insurance
- Big businesses with lots of money can apply to self-insure, which lets them cover their own claims instead of buying a regular policy. But this needs state approval and proof that the company is stable.
WHAT DOES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVER?
Oregon’s workers’ compensation system gives several benefits to employees who get hurt or sick at work.
- Medical Benefits
- Doctor visits, hospital care, and surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical devices (braces, wheelchairs, etc.)
- Wage Replacement Benefits
Permanent Disability Benefits
For bad injuries that cause long-lasting impairment, employees might qualify for permanent partial disability (PPD) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Workers who can’t go back to their old jobs might get job training and help finding new employment.
Death Benefits
If an employee dies from a work-related incident, their dependents receive:
- Up to $2,439.78/month for a surviving spouse or domestic partner
- $365.95/month per dependent child (if dependent on spouse)
- Funeral expenses
THE CLAIMS PROCESS: WHAT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD KNOW
Step 1: Reporting the Injury
Employees must tell their employer about their work-related injury or illness right away. The employer then gives them Form 801 (Report of Job Injury or Illness).
Step 2: Employer Notification to Insurer
After learning about the incident, the employer must inform their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within five days.
Step 3: Medical Evaluation
The injured worker should see an approved healthcare provider. The doctor will fill out Form 827 (Worker’s and Physician’s Report for Workers’ Compensation Claims) and send it to the insurer.
Step 4: Insurer Investigation
The insurance company checks the claim and decides to approve or deny it. Workers should get an answer within 60 days.
Step 5: Payment of Benefits
If approved, the worker starts getting benefits. If the claim is denied, the employee can appeal the decision through the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board.
PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
Not following Oregon’s workers’ compensation laws can lead to big problems for employers:
| Penalty | Description |
|---|---|
| Fines | Employers without coverage face penalties of twice the premium owed or a minimum fine of $1,000 per violation. |
| Business Closure | The state can halt operations until the employer provides proof of proper coverage. |
| Personal Liability | Employers may be personally responsible for paying injured workers’ medical expenses and lost wages. |
HOW MUCH DOES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE COST IN OREGON?
The cost of workers’ compensation depends on:
- Industry type: Jobs with high risks (like construction and logging) cost more than office jobs.
- Business size: Premiums go up with payroll size.
- Claim history: Businesses with fewer past claims might pay less.
In Oregon, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) controls workers’ compensation insurance rates and updates them each year. Companies can cut expenses by starting workplace safety programs and initiatives to help employees return to work, which lowers the risk of claims.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The following are common questions about Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
Most employers with one or more employees must carry coverage, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers.
Yes, sole proprietors, independent contractors, business partners, and corporate officers (owning at least 10% of the company) may be exempt.
It pays for medical treatment, lost wages, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.
Costs vary based on industry risk, payroll size, and claims history. High-risk jobs like construction pay higher premiums than office jobs.
Yes! Employers can lower costs by implementing safety programs, reducing claims, and offering return-to-work programs.
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