Agent news archive
Our news articles keep agents in the know on topics like rating, ways to sell SAIF to new customers, and new agent trainings and resources.
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Payroll inflation factor to increase Jan. 1
December 2, 2021 — Voluntary market policies will be renewed with a 5% payroll inflation factor. -
Federal OSHA publishes emergency temporary COVID-19 vaccination and testing standard
November 5, 2021 — Oregon has 30 days to either adopt the federal changes or implement more stringent requirements. Here’s what you need to know. -
Keeping payroll estimates and operational information up to date
September 27, 2021 — Because of COVID, a number of employers reduced their payroll estimates. -
Dividend FAQs for SAIF agents are now available
June 7, 2021 — Dividend checks are scheduled to be mailed in July. -
Oregon OSHA adopts COVID-19 rule
May 6, 2021 — The rule was adopted May 4. Oregon OSHA made some adjustments from the temporary rule, though much of it remains unchanged. Here’s what you need to know. -
Payroll report and audit terms
April 8, 2021 — New terminology was added when we launched our Guidewire policy and billing system. -
SAIF declares $210 million dividend; second during pandemic
March 11, 2021 — This is the 12th year in a row SAIF has returned a dividend to policyholders. -
SAIF and CIS (Citycounty Insurance Services) have entered into a group/services agreement
March 9, 2021 — The agreement includes an overarching servicing group, of which CIS staff will provide safety and health and return-to-work services. -
DCBS approves exclusion of COVID-19 claims from rating programs
March 1, 2021 — A new unit allows insurance carriers to separately identify COVID-19 claims. -
Introducing HR resources for your business
February 1, 2021 — SAIF offers resources for addressing complicated HR topics through Barran Liebman partnership. -
Second round of ag safety webinars begins Jan. 19
December 9, 2020 — SAIF’s annual trainings will again be only online in January, February, and March. -
10 things to know about: OSHA’s COVID-19 temporary rule
November 9, 2020 — Oregon OSHA has adopted a temporary rule to address the COVID-19 pandemic in all Oregon workplaces. -
A new web experience for our policyholders
October 28, 2020 — Paying a bill, reporting payroll, filing a claim, and changing your address has never been easier. -
Introducing Agent University
October 21, 2020 — Get quickly up to speed on workers’ comp and how to submit business to SAIF. -
Pure premium rate to decrease by 5.6 percent in 2021
September 14, 2020 — DCBS announced the decision last week. -
SAIF declares $100 million dividend
June 3, 2020 — Policyholders who qualify will receive their dividend in October. -
Open for business? Here are 6 ways to keep employees and customers safe
May 14, 2020 — Consider these tips to prevent the spread of coronavirus as you reopen your business. -
Approved for funding from the coronavirus worker safety fund?
May 9, 2020 — Here are six ways you can use it. -
Changes made to excluded payroll due to pandemic
May 5, 2020 — The changes relate to furloughed workers and those on administrative leave. -
You can file your claim by phone
April 6, 2020 — Add telephonic filing to the list of convenient ways you can file a claim with SAIF. -
Shedding tier restrictions for ARP
January 17, 2020 — As of January 1, we have removed the 90-day submission restriction for ARP. -
The SAIF Learning Center platform is changing
December 24, 2019 — SAIF will communicate directly with policyholders about the change. -
2020 calendar: Spotlight on safety
November 27, 2019 — We've got shoemakers, bakers, and worm caretakers. And loggers, pear packers, and fire trackers. -
Good reasons to reread the FAQs about our new billing system
November 5, 2019 — Reason #1: Some policyholders will receive two invoices. -
Oregon employers to receive $160 million from SAIF
September 4, 2019 — SAIF declares two dividends, one based on premium and one tied to safety performance. -
From the capitol | a legislative update
August 13, 2019 — Preserving SAIF's capital and strengthening Oregon’s collaborative approach to workers’ comp were major issues in the 2019 session. -
Conversion to our new policy and billing system is off and running
July 30, 2019 — Letters with key reminders will be mailed to all policyholders. -
Leadership changes in underwriting and premium audit at SAIF
April 26, 2019 — Laura Robison replaces Bruce Hoffman as VP of underwriting. -
New electronic ERM-14 filing
April 9, 2019 — NCCI’s Experience Rating Ownership Submission feature expedites reporting. -
New SAIF rate tier approved by DCBS
April 4, 2019 — Updated 2019 rate memo and rates by class code are now available on saif.com. -
Our Portland address is changing, but our service isn’t
February 11, 2019 — Portland office prepares for move. -
Oregon employers to receive money back as workers’ comp costs continue to decrease
September 12, 2018 — SAIF will return two dividends to its customers this year: one based on premium alone, and another based on safety performance. -
The SAIF Learning Center, our new training resource, is now live
July 2, 2018 — SAIF policyholders can request access by visiting our trainings page on saif.com. -
ORLA quote process for 2018
June 13, 2018 — We’re using a different process than usual for ORLA. -
ER mod eligibility change
May 28, 2018 — It’s the first change since 1991. -
Work safe. Be well. Better manage workers’ comp.
March 16, 2018 — Sign up for quick and easy email tips to use and share. -
Transforming how we manage claims
March 12, 2018 — An update on the change from our current structure to an “end-to-end” model -
5 ways to pay | things to know to better serve your customers
January 15, 2018 — In this age of convenience, not everything is convenient, and paying bills is one of them—especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. -
Update: SAIF/Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Assoc. group program
December 12, 2017 — Our goal is to offer a group program discount for new customers and those renewing January 1 and after. -
2018 calendar: Building a better—and safer—Oregon
December 1, 2017 — From high school students in Forest Grove to high-wire utility workers in La Grande, meet the Oregonians who are answering construction’s call. -
Don't let winter slip up on you
November 15, 2017 — Take steps now to prevent cold-weather injuries. -
WCD issues final rules on Brown v. SAIF
November 8, 2017 — The new rules were effective as of Oct. 8. -
Be safe. Be seen.
October 25, 2017 — In our latest video, SAIF employees bust out some funky moves to help you stay alive when stepping out at night. -
SAIF’s free ag safety and health workshops return in November
October 20, 2017 — The annual employer trainings will be held in 16 cities from October to March, including nine in Spanish. -
Oregon OSHA’s new recordkeeping rule: what employers need to know
October 18, 2017 — Enforcement won’t begin until December 1, 2017, but it’s a good idea to get started now. -
Colin Sick to save the day
October 2, 2017 — Feeling ill? Follow the advice of our newest flu fighter and stay home to avoid infecting others. -
Safety pays—again and again
September 14, 2017 — SAIF will return two dividends to its customers this year: one based on premium alone, and another based on safety performance. -
Pure premium rate to drop 14 percent in 2018
September 13, 2017 — The basic rate Oregon employers pay will decrease again next year. -
Wrap-up insurance programs | an overview
September 12, 2017 — Wrap-ups, used primarily in construction projects, make it easier to control exposures. -
Work: 5 to stay alive
September 1, 2017 — If an emergency happens while you’re at work, will you be prepared? Start with these five emergency essentials, then learn more about how to make a plan. -
Car: 5 to stay alive
September 1, 2017 — Whether you’re facing winter weather or a flat tire, being prepared helps. Start with these five emergency essentials, then learn more about staying safe on the road. -
School: 5 to stay alive
September 1, 2017 — We all want our kids to be safe at school. Start with these five emergency essentials, then find fun ways to get kids involved in making a plan. -
Home: 5 to stay alive
September 1, 2017 — Bad stuff happens. Being prepared helps. Start with these five emergency essentials, then learn more about how to build your kit and make a plan. -
The eclipse hazard you probably haven't thought about [Video]
July 21, 2017 — Before you look up, look around. -
AGC retro checks to be mailed early August
July 10, 2017 — Agencies with clients who participated will get an email with advance copies of the statements. -
Average weekly wage changes are effective July 1
June 29, 2017 — For only the third time in history, the AWW decreased. -
NCCI eliminates anniversary rating date
June 11, 2017 — The ARD will be replaced with the policy effective date. -
Minimum hourly assumed wage change, part II
April 17, 2017 — Reflecting Oregon’s new tiered wage, NCCI changed the rate from fixed to variable. -
Supreme Court decides Brown case
April 17, 2017 — The case addresses the term “otherwise compensable injury.” -
Cannabis continues to be a smoking hot topic
April 17, 2017 — An update on the industry, including ideas for dealing with impairment -
Minimum hourly assumed wage change
January 18, 2017 — Reflecting Oregon’s new tiered wage, NCCI changed the rate from fixed to variable. -
New Preferred Worker Program rule changes
January 18, 2017 — Changes affecting reimbursement of wages and premium exemption went into effect January 1. -
New OSHA recordkeeping rules on drug testing
January 18, 2017 — In May, Oregon OSHA will implement its version of the rules on anti-retaliation. -
Dividend checks were mailed in mid-October
November 8, 2016 — More than 46,000 policyholders were eligible for the primary dividend. -
Online trainings coming to saif.com
October 5, 2016 — Continuing education credit is available for many of our webinars. -
SAIF’s free ag safety and health workshops return in November
September 30, 2016 — The annual employer trainings will be held in 16 cities from November to March, including nine in Spanish. -
Pure premium rate to drop 6.6 percent in 2017
September 26, 2016 — The basic rate Oregon employers pay will decrease again next year. -
AGC/SAIF program returns $2.5 million to participating businesses
July 14, 2016 — The program emphasizes safety awareness and injury prevention at construction workplaces. -
Average weekly wage increases 5.6 percent
June 18, 2016 — The new rate for workers’ comp claim calculations will be $974.20 beginning July 1. -
A lot of life happens here
June 3, 2016 — SAIF’s new ad campaign showcases the special moments that happen only at the workplace. -
Other states coverage year-end update
February 16, 2016 — Have ideas about how to improve OSC? We’d love to get your feedback! -
SAIF employees are in the zone (the construction zone, that is)
February 8, 2016 — Major renovation to our Salem campus means minor adjustments to how we plan and manage campus tours. -
New law on timely first payment to workers
February 3, 2016 — House Bill 2797 adds a variable to the time frame for when the first payment is due. -
CEO Kerry Barnett will address agents at the Workers' Comp Seminar
January 26, 2016 — Barnett discusses the state of SAIF and workers' comp; plus, sessions on cannabis, Total Worker Health, and more. -
Safety pays dividends
Employers who insure with SAIF may be eligible for two dividends this year: one based on premium, and another tied to safety performance. -
2018 agent (and employer) trainings
We’re offering a more diverse mix of trainings to better meet everyone’s needs. -
Coronavirus and workers' compensation
What employers need to know