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 renewal
October 29, 2024 — The payroll inflation factor remains unchanged. -
Our Portland and Bend offices are now open by appointment only
October 28, 2024 — Appointment scheduling lines and secure lockboxes are available to better support our customers’ needs. -
SAIF’s annual agriculture safety seminars return for the 27th year
October 25, 2024 — The free trainings begin in November and run through March 2025. -
SAIF declares $60 million dividend
September 4, 2024 — Dividend checks are scheduled to be mailed in October. -
Announcing a new location for SAIF’s Eugene office
May 15, 2024 — SAIF's Eugene office will move to Springfield in August. -
SAIF’s new AGC Filing approved by DCBS
May 9, 2024 — A new premium volume discount table has been approved by DCBS. -
New law amends paid time off to receive medical services
February 1, 2024 — The bill became effective January 1, 2024. -
3.C for OSC
February 1, 2024 — It’s important to ensure that the appropriate states are listed in both 3.A and 3.C on the declarations page when the policy is issued, at each renewal, and throughout the policy term. -
New rules for brewery, distillery, and winery operations and tips, automatic gratuity, and service charges effective January 1, 2024
February 1, 2024 — The revisions provide more specific and accurate classifications for these operations and clarify the applicable payroll and premium calculations. -
Payroll inflation factor update
November 24, 2023 — The factor for 2024 is 5% -- the same as 2023. -
Employment release changes
October 26, 2023 — The changes, which went into effect on July 27, are the result of Oregon House Bill 3471. -
ERM-14 form process improvement and training dates
October 23, 2023 — We will directly notify the policyholder by letter to help avoid delayed ERM-14 forms and resulting retroactive impact. -
Submissions in saifQuote with 2024 proposed effective dates
October 9, 2023 — Rates will be available in early November. Until then we cannot release quotes for proposed effective dates January 1, 2024, or later. -
Dividend amounts now available to agents
September 20, 2023 — Read the FAQs for details. -
SAIF declares $135 million dividend
September 6, 2023 — Dividend checks are scheduled to be mailed in October. -
Common questions about NCCI’s ER Mod changes
August 1, 2023 — Proposed effective date is January 1, 2024. -
We’re improving safety consulting
July 31, 2023 — Two projects will help create clear expectations for consultants and clear guidance for our policyholders and strengthen collaboration with our stakeholders and business partners. -
AGC retro return timeline
May 22, 2023 — The AGC group retro is evaluated every year on July 1. -
SDAO to stop writing workers’ comp June 30
May 18, 2023 — The Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) will discontinue writing workers’ comp on June 30, 2023. -
Kim Turner returns as director of agency program and agent experience
April 27, 2023 — Kim understands the unique needs and challenges of our agency partners. -
Special delivery: These tips can help delivery drivers avoid painful injuries
March 27, 2023 — Check out our resources that can help deliver drivers stay safe on the job. -
Billing improvements are live
February 6, 2023 — They include a new invoice and changes to the “intent to cancel” notice. -
SAIF and SDAO (Special Districts Association of Oregon) have entered into a group/services agreement
January 23, 2023 — The agreement includes an overarching servicing group, of which SDAO staff will provide safety and health services. -
Time to post your OSHA 300A summary
January 11, 2023 — Our brief on-demand course and a webinar cover the basics of OSHA reporting, including what injuries to record and which forms to use. -
SAIF will upgrade our saifQuote application October 26
October 25, 2022 — An upgrade to saifQuote will address the two main requests that we receive from agents. -
SAIF declares $75 million dividend
September 14, 2022 — This is the 13th year in a row SAIF has been able to offer a dividend, and the 25th dividend since 1990. -
Oregon OSHA adopts permanent heat and wildfire smoke rules
May 26, 2022 — Everything you need to know about the changes. -
Oregon OSHA updates COVID-19 rule in response to declining cases
March 25, 2022 — Read more about the new rule and how it affects your workplace. -
Making coverage more available to your small business clients
January 28, 2022 — We're changing our underwriting guidelines to allow same-day coverage in some circumstances. -
Payroll inflation factor to increase Jan. 1
December 2, 2021 — Voluntary market policies will be renewed with a 5% payroll inflation factor. -
The lastest on federal OSHA's Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard
November 5, 2021 — 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 — 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. -
Coronavirus and workers' compensation
March 11, 2020 — What employers need to know -
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. -
SAIF Learning Center is closing
SAIF will discontinue our SAIF Learning Center later this year. -
Submissions in saifQuote with 2023 proposed effective dates
Rates will be available on October 26, 2022. Until then we cannot release quotes for proposed effective dates January 1, 2023, or later. -
Billing improvements are live
They include a new invoice and changes to the “intent to cancel” notice.