In 2009, the state recorded 18,948 accepted disability claims. The accepted disability claims rate, which the Department of Consumer and Business Services said reflects both claims frequency and compensability standards, was 1.2 accepted disability claims per 100 workers in 2009, 31 percent of the 1988 value.

The report notes that Oregon supports innovative and effective return-to-work programs, noting that injured workers who complete vocational assistance plans, use preferred worker benefits or use the Employer-at-Injury Program have higher post-injury employment rates and wages than similar workers who do not use those programs.

The report, the 10th in a series that describes Oregon's workers' compensation system and shows the effects of legislative changes since 1987, notes that the state's workers' comp system has served as a national model of labor-management cooperation.

Oregon has one of the nation's least expensive systems in the nation, as was noted in the report.  The Department of Consumer and Business Services approved overall pure premium rate reductions of 1.3 percent for 2010, and 1.8 percent for 2011. Total written premiums in the system totaled $767 milion for 2009, down 19 percent from 2008.

To view the full report, visit www.cbs.state.or.us/imd/rasums/2362/10web/10_2362.pdf.