State Warns Of Prevalent Scam Targeting Spanish-speaking Injured Workers (Photo) - 08/06/26

Salem – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is warning people that a scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers is still prevalent in Oregon and around the country and to be wary of anyone claiming that payment must be made before receiving benefits.

In these scams, workers are contacted by phone, email, social media apps such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, or video calls. Scammers try to convince workers to appear at an online workers’ compensation hearing, and at times, this results in an official-appearing order in their favor. Thereafter, workers are told they must pay money to receive the workers’ compensation benefits or the settlement money for their claim. These communications may appear official and the hearings may include a fake judge, attorney, or government representative. The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD), part of DCBS, and the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will never ask anyone to pay to receive benefits.

Here’s what you should know:

• WCD, WCB, and insurance companies do not ask for payment to release workers’ compensation benefits. Never pay money up front for benefits or settlements.
• WCD and WCB will never ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Be skeptical of any requests for payment.
• Official communications from WCD and WCB will not pressure you to act or pay immediately.
• WCB, which conducts workers’ compensation hearings, does not charge or collect fees for hearings or mediation.
• WCB does not use social media or applications such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with parties about hearings or mediations.

If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, do not send money or personal information. Verify before you act by contacting the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers by phone at 800-927-1271 (toll-free) or email at oow.questions@dcbs.oregon.gov. The office serves as an independent advocate for workers by helping them understand their rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities within the workers’ compensation system and workplace safety and health laws and rules.

If you believe a scammer has contacted you:

• Report the incident to local law enforcement.
• Report any scams, fraud, or suspicious business activity to the Oregon Department of Justice’s fraud hotline at 877-877-9392 (toll-free).
• Report the scam to the Oregon Department of Justice and the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers.
• Early reporting helps others from becoming victims.

If someone representing an insurance company is calling and threatening you, contact the consumer advocates with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, also part of DCBS, at 888-877-4894 (toll-free).

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About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The department administers state laws and rules to protect consumers and workers in the areas of workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, financial services, insurance, and building codes. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon Division Of Financial Regulation Offers Insurance Tips For Oregonians Affected By Wildfires (Photo) - 08/04/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has tips for homeowners and renters who have evacuated or been affected by wildfires, smoke, or ash damage.

“We know this is a hard time for many Oregonians as wildfires affect communities across the state,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “We want people to have these tips so they know what their insurance covers and what steps to take if they are affected by a wildfire.”

• If you were evacuated, save your receipts. Your homeowners policy may pay for expenses such as lodging, food, and even pet boarding due to a mandatory evacuation. Be sure to check with your insurance company or agent to confirm your specific coverage. Coverage is typically available for fire, smoke, and ash damage to your home and personal property.

• Additional living expenses (ALE) are typically subject to your deductible, so before you file a claim, be sure it makes sense to do so. It is important to note that a claim can be counted against you for underwriting purposes, even if the insurance company does not make a payment. Most homeowners and renters’ insurance policies help pay for extra expenses such as ALE if you are unable to live in your home. Every company handles these expenses differently. Check with your company or agent for specifics.

• If you have not evacuated and it is safe to do so, make a quick home inventory list by taking photos or video of each room in your home. Pay close attention to what is on the walls and in drawers and closets. Don’t forget storage areas such as the attic and garage. You can also check your insurance company’s website for an app or checklist that will help. Creating that list will help you after a fire or disaster. If your personal belongings are damaged, the insurance company will request a list of items that are damaged or destroyed. Take some time to work on your home inventory list now. Look through your photos and videos to help recall personal items. Be sure to look for smaller items, such as jewelry. To the best of your ability, write down the age, original cost, and replacement cost of each item.

• Ask about your auto coverage, too. You need comprehensive coverage on your auto policy to cover fire, smoke, and ash damage, no matter where your vehicle is located at the time of loss.

Following these tips will help save you money, time, and stress during a wildfire and its aftermath. For more information on preparing for a wildfire, visit DFR’s wildfire page.

If you still have questions or concerns, DFR’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call the team at 888-877-4894 (toll-free), email them at dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov, or visit dfr.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon Agency Issues Emergency Order To Pause Insurance Cancellations Due To Wildfires (Photo) - 07/31/26

Division Of Financial Regulation Proposes Revised Rates; Saves Consumers And Businesses $30 Million (Photo) - 07/30/26

Salem – The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) responded to 2027 health insurance rate requests filed for the individual and small group markets with reductions that could save consumers approximately $30 million for plan year 2027.

In the individual market, DFR decreased the average rate increase from 17.5 percent to 16 percent, while in the small group it reduced insurers’ increase from an average of 17 percent to 15.5 percent, some receiving reductions of up to 8 percent.

While plans and prices change each year, the individual market continues to experience uncertainty, primarily due to the loss of the federal enhanced premium tax credits, which Congress chose not to extend in 2025. Those tax credits helped make health insurance plans more affordable for nearly 120,000 Oregonians. Gov. Tina Kotek previously warned of significant premium increases, in a letter to Congress, along with 17 other governors. Gov. Kotek urged Congress to extend the tax credits to help protect the people of Oregon. Additionally, insurance companies identified the underlying reasons for the rate increases for plan year 2027, which included the loss of two insurance companies in the individual market, heightened medical costs, and tariff pressures on durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. Many of the same cost pressures were identified in the small group market.

The Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the market and lower the rate increases. This year the reinsurance program lowered rates by an average of 9.7 percent, minimizing price increases felt by consumers. Reinsurance lowered rates for the ninth straight year. Oregon has resubmitted a renewal request to the federal government to maintain this program. The Oregon Legislature adopted Gov. Kotek’s 2025-27 funding plan, which continued revenue streams that keep the reinsurance program stable. Rates for the individual market in Oregon have come in lower than other states in part because of the reinsurance program.

“Increasing insurance rates are part of the rising cost of living felt by many Oregonians,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “Consequently, I’m proud of the work my dedicated team here at DFR has done to protect Oregonians’ pocketbooks by scrutinizing the proposed increases further and appropriately turning the dial downward.”

You can see all the adjusted rate proposals on the DFR website for individual and small group. DFR will announce its final rate decisions for the 2027 plan year in early September.

Consumers seeking information and assistance with individual market plans can reach out to the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace at oregonhealthcare.gov or by phone at 855‑268‑3767 (toll‑free).

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Registration Open For Conference In Bend Featuring Workplace Safety, Health Skill-building Opportunities (Photo) - 07/28/26

A two-day event in Bend will offer employers and workers opportunities to sharpen their skills in building and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. The Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference – scheduled Sept. 28-29 at the Riverhouse Lodge Convention Center – will address a variety of topics, including fall protection, safety committees, heat-illness prevention and wildfire smoke requirements, chemical safety, and support for emergency services workers and first responders.

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the conference will feature a keynote address, “Finding Your Beat, the Rhythm of Life,” by Tim Eggebraaten, a certified speaking professional who is also known as “The Off-Duty Chief.” Eggebraaten, who worked in law enforcement for 28 years, will use his storytelling, humor, and musical talents to reveal practical strategies for navigating stress, bolstering mental and emotional well-being, and reconnecting with what matters most: purpose, people, and personal growth.   

The Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference is a collaborative effort of Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and the Central Oregon Safety & Health Association.

The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association’s Safety and Health Section helped create the conference’s emergency services/first responder track. The track’s topics include building organizational resilience, strengthening emergency preparedness and training in central Oregon, and how to start or refine mentorship programs.

Other conference topics include:

• I’m on the Safety Committee, Now What?
• Confined Spaces: What You Need to Know
• Hazard Identification
• Voluntary Compliance: The Value of Engaged Employees
• Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Considerations
• Strong Teams Start Here: Fostering Psychological Safety at Work
• The Prescription to Lowering Your Driver Risk
• Avoid a Catastrophe: Implement the Principles of Process Safety
• Oregon OSHA’s Fall Protection Options for General Industry
• Effective Quarterly Safety Inspections

Registration for the two-day event is $260. The cost to attend only one day is $130. To register, go to  safetyseries.cventevents.com/central26. For information about statewide workplace safety and health conferences co-sponsored by Oregon OSHA, visit https://osha.oregon.gov/conferences/Pages/index.aspx, call 503-947-7411, or send an email to oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

State Lifts ATRIO Supervision Order After Insurer Restores Financial Stability (Photo) - 07/23/26

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced today that it has lifted the order of supervision to ATRIO Health Plans, Inc.

DFR originally put ATRIO under supervision April 13, 2026, because of concerns over the insurer’s financial condition. The company had suffered excessive operating losses over the previous 12 months. Additionally, the financial condition of the company created a claims backlog that caused provider payments to go unpaid. 

DFR determined that the conditions giving rise to the supervision no longer exist and the company had taken steps to significantly improve its policyholders’ surplus; therefore, DFR terminated the supervision of the company on July 14. The division was assisted on supervising the company by the California Conservation and Liquidation Office (CACLO).

As of March 31, 2026, ATRIO enrolled a total of about 36,292 Oregonians in its Medicare Advantage plans. The enrollees are in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

“Terminating the supervision of ATRIO is a successful step in the process of regulating insurance companies,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “DFR, together with the CACLO team, has shown the strength of the state-based system of regulation and the work we do each day to improve the marketplace for consumers.”

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About Oregon DFR: The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon OSHA Invites Applications For Grants To Improve Worker Safety And Health Training And Education (Photo) - 07/21/26

Training and educating Oregon workers about staying safe and healthy while on the job is vital to cultivating safe and healthy working conditions. To help expand training and education opportunities, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) offers a grant program that supports ideas to improve the safety and health of Oregon workers in high-hazard industries. And we are ready to help you bring your ideas to fruition.

The division is accepting grant applications to create innovative workplace safety or health training or education projects. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Oregon OSHA prioritizes  projects that engage workers on essential workplace safety or health topics. Projects may include an eye-catching safety publication or a time-saving training video or a multi-media package of best practices for a specific job task.

Go online to learn about how to apply or contact Theodore (Ted) Bunch at 971-375-8001 or email theodore.bunch@dcbs.oregon.gov. A fact sheet includes more details about the grant program.  

The grant program focuses on high-hazard industries in Oregon, including forestry, construction, and agriculture. A grant application may concentrate on a specific work process, targeting a reduction or elimination of related hazards. Nonprofit organizations, labor and employer associations, and educational institutions may apply for grants.

Grants may not be used to pay for projects that are purely for research, ongoing activities, or for activities required by law. Only new or substantially expanded projects will be considered for funding. Oregon OSHA is seeking project ideas that advance workplace safety and health training or education. We are not looking for ideas that handle concerns that have already been addressed. Materials produced by grant recipients cannot be sold for profit. All grant materials become available to the public. Depending on the type of project, some materials will be housed in the Oregon OSHA Resource Center while some will be available online.

Some examples of past grant projects include:

• Translation into Spanish of pesticide labels used in reforestation in Oregon and Washington
• Development of a series of toolbox talks addressing suicide prevention in the construction industry
• A virtual reality training for health care providers to help identify hazards related to infection control and prevention in hospitals
• Creation of safe-design guidelines for anchoring systems used as part of logging operations
• An educational program for nurses to prevent ergonomic-related injuries
• Videos and related training aids describing the most prevalent health hazards in construction: silica, lead, noise, and asbestos
• Spanish-language flip charts designed to help prevent heat illness among forest workers

The Oregon Legislature launched the Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program in 1990. Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA’s Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, a group with members from business, labor, and government.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon OSHA Reminds Employers Of Requirements To Protect Workers From Heat Illness, Wildfire Smoke; Free Resources Available To Help (Photo) - 07/20/26

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is reminding employers of requirements to protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat and wildfire smoke. The division offers free resources to help employers comply with requirements and to help workers understand their rights to safe and healthy workplaces.

Heat illness prevention

Under Oregon’s heat illness prevention rule, employers must implement protections, including adequate water, rest, shade, acclimatization (gradual adaptation to working in the heat), communication and training, and emergency plans. The rule applies to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More protective measures apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The heat illness prevention requirements apply across industries and where employers provide housing as a condition of employment. Here are the key requirements:

• General workplaces: English/Spanish 
• Employer-provided housing: English/Spanish

All heat illness prevention resources are available on Oregon OSHA's A-to-Z topic index page. They include a video training in English and Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the rule.

Wildfire smoke

Oregon’s wildfire smoke rule applies to employers whose employees are or will be exposed to hazardous levels of wildfire smoke. The harmful chemicals and tiny particles in wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. The tiny particles of most concern is the particulate matter with a diameter in micrometers of 2.5 or less, commonly referred to as PM2.5.

The rule’s protective measures include assessment and monitoring of air quality where workers are exposed; provision and documentation of employee training; implementation of two-way communication; use of engineering and administrative controls, such as relocation of workers to enclosed buildings or to outdoor locations where air quality is better, and work schedule changes to reduce exposures; and use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved filtering facepiece respirators.

The key requirements are available in English and Spanish. Go online to watch an Oregon OSHA video about how to put on and use a respirator.

All wildfire smoke resources are available on Oregon OSHA's A-to-Z topic index page. They include a video training in English and Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the rule.

Free resources for employers

Oregon OSHA offers free resources to help improve workplace safety and health, including:

Consultation services – provides employers free and confidential help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training. The services involve no fault, no citations, and no penalties.

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Worker safety and health rights

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace and the right to raise concerns free of retaliation. Under the law, employers must maintain safe and healthy working conditions.

More resources
 

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA as a division, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health.
 

The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers provides help with understanding workplace safety and health rights, and workers’ compensation rights.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Free Worker Safety, Health Trainings Arriving In Rural Oregon Communities (Photo) - 07/13/26

Free worker safety and health training workshops are coming to rural communities in Oregon this summer thanks to a partnership between the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and the Oregon Employment Department.

The training workshops – designed for those in the workforce and people seeking work – will show people how to protect themselves at work from the four hazards that pose the greatest risk of death in the construction industry: falls, caught in or between, struck-by, and electrocution. In addition to the “focus four” training, the workshops will address heat-illness prevention, workers’ rights and whistleblower protections, and information for workers and employers in small businesses. The four-hour workshops will feature certificates of completion and continuing education credits.

The training workshops – presented by Oregon OSHA staff members – will be held at WorkSource Oregon centers. The following locations are currently scheduled, with more to come:

• July 28 – 1 p.m. Hermiston
• July 30 – 1 p.m. The Dalles
• Aug. 4 – 1 p.m. La Grande
• Aug. 11 – 8:30 a.m. Klamath Falls
• Aug. 17 – 9 a.m. McMinnville
• Aug. 18 – 1 p.m. Pendleton

To register for a training workshop and location, go to: https://dcbs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Z8yoLuhb8kh4DI

Those who have questions or who want more information about the workshops and locations may contact Greig Lowell, consultation and outreach manager for Oregon OSHA: greig.k.lowell@dcbs.oregon.gov or 971-352-1181.

The training workshops stem from a $200,000 grant that Oregon OSHA secured in September 2025 to increase workplace safety and health training in rural communities. The division received approval of the grant through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.

The grant program funds preselected applicants to develop and deliver training on workplace hazard recognition, as well as abatement and prevention of workplace safety and health injuries and illnesses. It emphasizes six areas: educating workers and employers in small businesses; training workers and employers on identifying and preventing serious workplace safety and health hazards; training workers facing barriers to safety and health training; training workers and employers about new safety and health standards; developing and sharing materials to train and educate workers; and educating workers on their rights and employers on their responsibilities. This training material was produced under grant number 25F50SH000219 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, Oregon workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions. They have a right to speak up when those conditions are lacking or absent. Employers must create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.