Oregon Workers' Benefit Fund Rate 2025: What Employers Need to Know

As the new year approaches, Oregon employers are preparing for changes in the Workers' Benefit Fund (WBF) rate for 2025. The WBF is a state-funded program that provides benefits to injured workers, and the rate at which employers contribute to the fund can have a significant impact on their bottom line. In this article, we'll explore the Oregon Workers' Benefit Fund rate for 2025 and what it means for employers, with expert insights from Berny Kissie, a leading authority on workers' compensation.

What is the Oregon Workers' Benefit Fund?

The Oregon Workers' Benefit Fund is a state-funded program that provides benefits to injured workers, including medical care, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. The fund is financed by employer contributions, which are based on the employer's payroll and industry classification. The WBF rate is set annually by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) and is used to determine the amount of contributions employers must make to the fund.

Oregon Workers' Benefit Fund Rate 2025

The WBF rate for 2025 has been set at 2.8% of payroll, a slight increase from the 2024 rate of 2.6%. This means that employers will need to contribute 2.8% of their payroll to the WBF in 2025. The rate increase is intended to ensure that the fund remains solvent and able to provide benefits to injured workers.

According to Berny Kissie, "The WBF rate increase for 2025 is a reminder that employers need to prioritize workplace safety and take steps to prevent injuries. By reducing the number of workplace injuries, employers can not only reduce their WBF contributions but also improve productivity and reduce the risk of costly workers' compensation claims."

How Will the Rate Increase Affect Employers?

The WBF rate increase for 2025 will affect employers in different ways, depending on their industry classification and payroll. Employers in high-risk industries, such as construction and manufacturing, may see a larger increase in their WBF contributions. On the other hand, employers in low-risk industries, such as office work and retail, may see a smaller increase.

To mitigate the impact of the rate increase, employers can take steps to reduce their WBF contributions, such as:

• Implementing workplace safety programs to reduce the number of injuries
• Providing training to employees on injury prevention and reporting
• Encouraging employees to report injuries promptly and accurately

The Oregon Workers' Benefit Fund rate for 2025 is an important consideration for employers in the state. By understanding the WBF rate and taking steps to reduce their contributions, employers can minimize the impact of the rate increase and prioritize workplace safety. As Berny Kissie notes, "Employers who prioritize workplace safety and take steps to prevent injuries will not only reduce their WBF contributions but also improve productivity and reduce the risk of costly workers' compensation claims."

For more information on the Oregon Workers' Benefit Fund rate for 2025, employers can visit the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services website or consult with a workers' compensation expert like Berny Kissie.

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