Oregon Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule 2017: A Complete Reference

What Is the Oregon Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule?

The fee schedule is the official list of rates that insurance carriers must use to calculate premiums for Oregon workers' compensation policies. It defines the cost per $100 of payroll for each industry code and includes adjustments for factors such as the employer's safety record and experience modification rating.

Key Components of the 2017 Schedule

Industry Codes and Rates

Each employer falls under a specific industry code (e.g., 0111 for general construction). The 2017 schedule lists the base rate per $100 of payroll for every code.

Experience Modification (EM) Factor

Carriers apply an EM factor—typically ranging from 0.75 to 1.5—to adjust the base rate based on the employer's past claim history.

Safety Bonus and Penalty Adjustments

Employers with strong safety programs may receive a safety bonus, lowering premiums. Conversely, high injury rates can trigger penalties.

Rate Revision Schedule

Rates are reviewed annually by the Oregon Workers' Compensation Board (OWCB). The 2017 schedule was published in February 2017 and remained in effect through December 2017, with a new schedule released in February 2018.

How to Access the 2017 Fee Schedule

• Oregon Workers' Compensation Board website – archived PDFs under "Fee Schedules".
• Insurance carriers' policy manuals – many reference the 2017 schedule in their underwriting guidelines.
• Public libraries or state archives – hold copies of the 2017 schedule for research purposes.

Practical Example: Calculating Premiums

Suppose a construction company (code 0111) has $1,000,000 in payroll and an EM factor of 1.05. The 2017 base rate for code 0111 is $4.50 per $100 of payroll.

Step 1: Convert payroll to units of $100: 1,000,000 / 100 = 10,000 units.

Step 2: Multiply by base rate: 10,000 × $4.50 = $45,000.

Step 3: Apply EM factor: $45,000 × 1.05 = $47,250. This is the annual premium before safety adjustments.

Why the 2017 Schedule Matters Today

Although newer schedules have superseded 2017, the 2017 fee schedule remains relevant for:

• Historical premium analysis for businesses reviewing past financials.
• Legal disputes where 2017 rates are cited as the benchmark.
• Academic research on the evolution of workers' compensation rates.

Common Misconceptions

"The schedule is the same every year."

Rates change annually to reflect shifts in claim costs and economic conditions.

"All carriers use the same rates."

While the schedule provides a baseline, carriers may add loading factors, discounts, or penalties based on their underwriting policies.

Where to Find Official Documentation