To become self-insured for workers’ compensation purposes in Oregon, an employer must submit the following:

An application in a format prescribed by the director
(Available upon request: Jody Howatt, 503-947-7699.)

Proof of the employer’s claims processing ability

Annual or audited financial statements for the last three fiscal years, along with the “SEC Form 10K” (a Securities and Exchange Commission form) if issued

Evidence of an occupational safety and health loss control program

Most recent experience rating modification worksheet

Types and retention levels of excess insurance

Evidence of ability to obtain a surety bond or an irrevocable standby letter of credit

Security deposits
Security deposits are required to guarantee continued payment of claim liabilities in the case of default. Adequacy of security deposits is reviewed annually and may be required to be increased depending upon claim liability, financial condition, and excess insurance coverage.

Insolvent employers
The Self-Insured Employer Adjustment Reserve and the Self-Insured Employer Group Adjustment Reserve provide funds to pay claims in the event the self-insured employer, or the self-insured employer group, fails or is unable to make payments due under ORS Chapter 656.

Self-insured employer group
Five or more employers may be approved to form a self-insured employer group in accordance with ORS 656.430.

Number of self-insured employers
There are approximately 155 current active certified self-insured employer plans in Oregon, which include approximately 1000 employers. There are currently about 950 employers who are members of six self-insured employer groups.