Oregon
Oregon: Workplace Safety Requirements for Behavioral Health Employers
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APPLIES TO All Behavioral Health Employers with Employees in OR |
EFFECTIVE As Indicated |
QUESTIONS? Contact HR On-Call |
Quick Look
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Discussion
Oregon behavioral health employers should be aware of two new workplace safety requirements. Covered employers include, but are not limited to, residential treatment facilities, sobering facilities, halfway houses, and emergency shelters providing support for individuals who have mental health disorders or substance abuse disorders.
Safety Training for Workers. Effective July 1, 2026, HB 2024 requires behavioral health employers to provide safety training to new workers within 90 days of their hire and every three years thereafter. The safety training must include:
- The potential risks that a worker may face in the work environment of a particular behavioral health setting;
- Protocols for using safety equipment, emergency communication devices and alert systems in emergency or crisis situations;
- De-escalation techniques for managing and mitigating potentially aggressive behavior from clients; and
- The available options for reporting alleged workplace safety violations and allegations of discrimination, retaliation or harassment to the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Bureau of Labor and Industries and other relevant state agencies, including the rights and protections afforded to workers who engage in such reporting.
The training must include simulated scenarios and role-playing. Employers must also retain records documenting the completion of the training provided including the date of the training, topics covered, and the names of the workers who attended.
Written Safety Plan. Effective July 1, 2027, HB 4069 requires behavioral health employers that contract with the Oregon Health Authority to adopt a written plan addressing the physical safety of lone workers, meaning employees who provide or assist with behavioral health services without a colleague nearby or without close or direct supervision. The plan must cover the safety of the physical worksite, including how employees can report structural security hazards and the time frame within which the employer must respond to those reports. The plan must also describe the safety training required for covered employees.
Action Items
- Conduct required safety trainings for new workers and every three years thereafter.
- Maintain records of completion of required safety training.
- Develop and distribute a written safety plan, as applicable.
Oregon: Amended Workers’ Compensation Total Disability Benefits
For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2027, SB 1519 provides for changes to temporary and permanent disability benefits. Temporary total disability benefits will be equal to: (1) 75% of the worker’s wage that is equal to or less than 75% of the average weekly wage in effect on the date of injury, but not less than the amount of 90% of the worker’s wage a week or the amount of $50 a week, whichever amount is less; and (2) 65% of the worker’s wage that is greater than 75% of the average weekly wage, but not more than 133% of the average weekly wage, in effect on the date of injury. Permanent total disability benefits will be equal to: (1) 75% of the worker’s wage that is equal to or less than 75% of the average weekly wage, but not less than 33% of the average weekly wage, in effect on the date of injury; and (2) 65% of the worker’s wage that is greater than 75% of the average weekly wage, but not more than 133% of the average weekly wage, in effect on the date of injury.
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