AGC/SAIF group members to receive return for 2019-2020 performance

The Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia Chapter (AGC) announced today that there will be a small retro return distributed to the 625 member companies who participated in the AGC/SAIF group workers' compensation program during 2019-2020.

In the 2019-2020 policy year, which started October 1, 2019, a combination of several serious injuries and fatalities significantly increased the average costs of claims in the AGC/SAIF group for that period. The return was also affected by less-than-desired participation in Return to Work (RTW) programs.

“Although the 2019-2020 retro return is small, we are pleased to see a return to the group once again this year,” said Mike Salsgiver, AGC's executive director. “It is important to remember that the retro return is determined by the performance of the entire group. We have had a strong, 28-year track record of excellent returns to group participants. AGC is redoubling its commitment to safety through a Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) program. SIF is designed to reduce the incidence of serious injuries and fatalities to keep our members' employees safe. In addition to protecting our people, SIF's success will mean more dollars will be returned to employers again in future years.”

The SIF program was created by the late Dennis Barlow, who served as director of Safety Services for the AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter until his untimely death in June of this year.

A retro return has been paid to AGC members in 28 of the past 29 years. Total retro returns spanning the 29-year history for the AGC/SAIF program stands at $196 million. Although the retro return is small this year, the net return continues to demonstrate SAIF and AGC's ongoing commitment to providing incentives for strong worker safety and return-to-work participation.

“While we are happy to celebrate a return this year, we are also in alignment with AGC and the need to double down on efforts to ensure workers go home safely every day,” said Christy Witzke, vice president of marketing, sales, and communication at SAIF. “The ongoing success of the program will be accomplished through the strong partnership between workers, employers, agents, AGC, and SAIF.”

About AGC

For nearly 100 years, the AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter has been the premier professional association for commercial construction contractors in Oregon and SW Washington. Together we're setting the bar for quality and safety. AGC is committed to enhancing the performance of our members, representing their interests, and building a better climate for construction.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.