Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon companies have the 13th lowest rate in the nation for workers' compensation -- according to a new report from the state department of consumer and business services.

Spokesman, John Shilts, says rates have been dropping in Oregon for the last 19 years.

John Shilts: “We have a lot less injuries, a lot less fatalities in Oregon, and even when people get injured today, they’re a lot less injured today than they were 20 years ago.” 

Some people think Oregon’s safer because there’s less logging. But says Shilts, there’s much more construction than there used to be – a profession that’s about as hazardous as logging.

Low workers' compensation costs are an important factor in creating a favorable business climate in a state.

The study found that Alaska had the highest workers' compensation rates, followed by Montana. North Dakota had the lowest rates.