Oregon Emergency Service Volunteers Entitled to Workers’ Comp Benefits

Emergency service volunteers that are injured while assisting with a state of emergency may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, according to the state Department of Consumer and Business Services.

According to the amendment to House Bill 3021, if the volunteer is injured while performing emergency service activities under the direction of a public body during a state of emergency, or is injured while engaged in training to perform emergency services, the workers’ compensation benefits would apply. Benefits only apply if the volunteer is not receiving compensation for serach and rescue activities other than reimbursment for food, lodging, costs of transportation and other expenses, according to the amendment.

For more information, visit http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measures/hb3000.dir/hb3021.1ha.html.