AGC/SAIF Members receive $4.4 million retro return

The Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia Chapter (AGC) and SAIF announced today a payout of more than $7.6 million for the 641 companies who participated in the AGC/SAIF group workers' compensation program during 2017-2018. This includes a $4,442,062 retrospective return—representing a 12.8% return of paid premiums during the policy year—and adjustments from the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) assessment and non-disabling claim reimbursements.

These are remarkable results for any industry, but particularly in the construction industry, where increasing construction activity and a continued shortage of qualified workers have presented unique challenges this year. 

The retro return is an indicator of the commitment to worker safety that the participating companies have made. Program participants—employers and employees alike—must remain vigilant and focused on their safety efforts. Individual results and retro checks will be mailed directly from SAIF to policyholders in mid-August.  

The retro return combined with the impressive 15% upfront premium discount savings offered to participants creates a total combined savings this year of 27.8%. A retro return has been paid to AGC members in 26 of the past 27 years. Total retro returns spanning the 27-year history for the AGC/SAIF program now surpass $193 million.  

“These results demonstrate once again that safety does pay dividends. Our primary goal is to create and maintain a safety culture that encourages and rewards people to constantly be safe and productive on the jobsite,” said Mike Salsgiver, Oregon-Columbia Chapter executive director. “It is imperative that we create safer workplaces, reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, save lives, and save money.”

The retro return is based on the safety performance of all group members throughout the plan year (10/1/17-9/30/18), so it is truly a team effort. A retro return is earned by performing better than expected as a group over the course of the year. Employers in the program make investments and commitments to safety and training. Employees carry out the work, using safe work practices and behaviors. And industry professionals from SAIF, AGC, and agent brokers work diligently to train and educate, manage claims costs, and help injured workers get back to work.  

“We are proud this program has served as an incentive to bolster workplace safety in this industry,” said Christy Witzke, vice president of marketing, sales, and communication at SAIF. “The real beneficiaries are the workers that go home safe and healthy each day.”

About AGC

For nearly 100 years, the AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter has been the premier professional association for contractors in Oregon and SW Washington, representing the best of the best in commercial construction. Together we're setting the bar for quality and safety. We're 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.