How SAIF’s return‑to‑work and the state of Oregon’s Employer-at-Injury Program create win‑wins for Oregon employers 

When a worker is injured, employers often face uncertainty. How long will recovery take? How will operations be impacted? Is support available to keep the employee connected to the workplace? SAIF’s Return‑to‑Work (RTW) services and Oregon’s Employer‑at‑Injury Program (EAIP) are built to answer exactly those questions, turning potentially disruptive situations into opportunities for engagement, cost savings, and stronger partnerships.

A recent fire district’s experience with an injured worker is a standout example of how these programs create meaningful impact for both workers and employers.

A collaborative approach to recovery

After sustaining an injury that required surgery in 2024, the worker faced a long recovery. Instead of stepping away from the workplace entirely, the fire district partnered closely with their SAIF return‑to‑work (RTW) consultant to design a plan that honored the worker’s medical limitations while keeping them productive and connected to their team.

Together, they built a modified duty assignment focused on field mapping and establishing escape routes for apartment complexes—real work with real value for the district.

This is the power of partnership: when employers, medical providers, and RTW consultants collaborate, injured workers remain engaged, workplace knowledge is retained, and recovery stays on track.

EAIP in action: tools, support, and financial benefits

To support the worker’s transitional duty assignment, the state of Oregon’s EAIP program funded more than $3,700 in essential tools:

• A tablet with protective cover
• A stylus
• CAD mapping software

These resources ensured the worker could perform meaningful work safely—while enhancing the district’s operational capabilities.

EAIP also delivered direct financial support through a wage subsidy reimbursement of more than $10,500, offsetting payroll costs during the transitional period and reducing the employer’s long‑term claim exposure.

Why return‑to‑work matters

RTW and EAIP services are more than compliance tools—they are strategic assets for employers. When injured workers stay connected to their workplace, everyone benefits:

• Faster recovery: Staying active supports physical healing and emotional well‑being.
• Retention of skilled employees: Organizations preserve expertise that would otherwise be lost.
• Stronger relationships: Collaboration builds trust among workers, supervisors, and program partners.
• Higher post-injury wages: for workers involved in return-to-work program usage.
• Lower claim costs: Subsidies, tool purchases, and modified work support reduce financial impact.

These programs help employers navigate complex scenarios with confidence, backed by SAIF’s expertise and commitment to worker well‑being.

A model for success

This fire district’s proactive engagement demonstrates the value of building and maintaining a strong RTW culture. With support from SAIF and EAIP, they ensured an injured worker remained a contributing member of the team while recovering—and strengthened their organization in the process.

SAIF encourages all Oregon employers to consider the advantages of having a well‑defined return‑to‑work program. When workers feel supported and employers have the right tools at hand, recovery becomes a shared success.