Oregon Secretary of State

Workers’ Compensation Division: Agency Subdivisions

Ombudsman for Oregon Workers

Address: 350 Winter St. NE, Salem 97301-3878; PO Box 14480, Salem 97309
Phone: 503-378-3351; Toll-free: 1-800-927-1271
Contact: Barbra Anderson​, Ombudsman
Statutory Authority: ORS 656.709

This office 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.

Ombudsman for Small Business

Address: 350 Winter St. NE, Salem 97301; PO Box 14480, Salem 97309
Phone: 971-329-4260
Contact: Caitlin Breitbach, Ombudsman​
Statutory Authority: ORS 656.709

The ombudsman is an independent advocate for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the professional advisors who serve them on workers’ compensation questions, complaints, and disputes. The office also provides education and information to employers, trade groups, agents and insurers on relevant workers’ compensation issues.​

Workers’ Compensation Management - Labor Advisory Committee

Address: 350 Winter St. NE, Salem 97301; PO Box 14480, Salem 97309
Phone: 971-332-0260​
Contact: Teri Watson, Administrator
Statutory Authority: ORS 656.790

This committee provides a forum for business and labor to meet, explore and resolve issues involving the workers’ compensation system. The committee is charged with reviewing and making recommendations on workers’ compensation issues to the DCBS director and the Legislature. Members are appointed by the governor and subject to Senate confirmation. The committee consists of five management and five labor representatives and the DCBS director, who serves as an ex officio member.​