Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers

Independent advocate for Oregon workers

The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers is the state office that serves as an independent advocate for workers by helping them understand their rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities within the workers’ compensation system and workplace safety and health laws and rules.

The Ombuds team also provides educational and informational seminars to labor groups, employers, insurance companies, and others interested in workers’ issues related to workers’ compensation and workplace safety and health.

Contact the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers

Call 503-378-3351 or 800-927-1271 (toll-free).

You can also email oow.questions@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Legal advice

The Ombuds team does not provide legal advice – they are not lawyers – and cannot represent you at Workers´ Compensation Board hearings. However, the staff members have years of experience dealing with workers´ compensation issues and claims, and they can help you get the answers and assistance you need.

How to find an attorney

Provide comment on workers’ compensation rules

You can provide input on changes to workers’ compensation rules through the Management-Labor Advisory Committee. Go to the committee’s website to sign up for meeting notices and contact the MLAC administrator.

How we can help you

The Ombuds team can give you straight answers, at no charge, about the following:

Workers’ rights and responsibilities in workers’ compensation and workplace safety and health
Insurer and employer rights and responsibilities
Time-loss benefits
Medical benefits
Litigation and settlement processes