No one plans to get hurt on the job. Unfortunately, no matter how much training and preparing we do, injuries happen. When they do, it’s important to know what to expect. SAIF, Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company, offers the following guidance on the claims process.

What to do if you get injured at work

It’s important to report injuries as soon as possible. When your employee reports an on-the-job injury, provide them with a Report of Job Injury or Illness form, also called the 801. You can get the form at saif.com/801form.

A claim begins when your employee gets medical treatment and files the 801 form with SAIF. While SAIF reviews their claim, your employee could qualify for some prescriptions at no cost and request reimbursement with receipts for items like prescriptions, travel to medical appointments, and medical equipment.

Your employee can create a MyClaim account on saif.com to stay informed, review payments and documents, and get reimbursed.

For more details, watch our video on what to do if you get injured at work. You can also learn more about how to file a claim.

How claims decisions are made

After your employee has started to receive medical care for their injury and submitted the 801 form, SAIF has up to 60 days to accept or deny the claim—but we typically decide sooner.

The claims adjuster uses information like relevant medical records and witness statements to determine whether the medical condition is related to the workplace incident.

Once SAIF decides, we will notify the employee. Watch our video on how claims decisions are made to learn what happens when a claim is accepted—including benefits your employee qualifies for and how to continue treatment—and what happens if it’s denied.

Read more about how your claim is evaluated.

During the claims process

There may be a situation where your injured worker can’t return immediately to regular work due to restrictions but could work a transitional or temporary job. SAIF’s return-to-work consultants can work with you and the treating physician to find a job that fits their injury restrictions. This helps the worker remain engaged with their employer, and can mitigate time loss and associated expenses.

Read more about return-to-work programs.

The end of your claim

A claim is closed when the employee’s medical provider doesn’t expect their condition to improve with time or treatment. There are options for those who disagree with claim closure, including an appeal process.

Even with the claim closed, your employee could qualify for benefits based on their recovery and whether they’re able to return to any work. The Preferred Worker Program, sponsored by the State of Oregon, provides benefits and worksite modifications to accommodate a worker’s permanent restrictions.

As an employer, you could also be eligible for financial incentives to help bring the injured worker back with transitional work before the closure of a claim. SAIF can help you access funds from the Employer-at-Injury Program (EAIP), funded by the state of Oregon’s Workers’ Benefit Fund.

Watch our video, The end of your claim, or read more about claim closure.

We’re here for you

Our goal at SAIF is to be with you and your injured employee through every step of the claim process. Don’t hesitate to contact your claim adjuster with questions or concerns. 

Want more resources? We recommend starting here: Understanding the claim process.