On February 19, 2026, the Oregon Workers Compensation Board unveiled a series of new regulations aimed at enhancing benefits and protections for injured workers across the state. The announcement comes as a response to mounting concerns about the adequacy of compensation and support available to those who suffer injuries on the job.One of the key changes introduced by the Board is an increase in the maximum weekly benefit amount that injured workers can receive. Starting next month, the cap on wage replacement benefits will be raised by 10%, providing much-needed financial relief to individuals who are unable to work due to work-related injuries.In addition to the increase in benefits, the Board has also implemented stricter guidelines for employers to follow when reporting workplace injuries and filing workers compensation claims. By requiring employers to promptly report accidents and injuries and accurately document the details of each incident, the Board hopes to streamline the claims process and ensure that injured workers receive the support they need in a timely manner.Furthermore, the Board has introduced new measures to protect workers from retaliation by their employers for filing workers compensation claims. Under the new regulations, employees who believe they have been unfairly treated or discriminated against as a result of their injury can file complaints with the Board, which will investigate and take appropriate action to enforce compliance with the law.“This new set of regulations represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve the workers compensation system in Oregon,” said Board Chairperson Jane Smith. “By enhancing benefits, streamlining procedures, and cracking down on employer misconduct, we are committed to ensuring that injured workers are provided with the support and resources they need to recover and return to work.”The announcement has been met with widespread support from advocacy groups and labor unions, who have long been pushing for reforms to strengthen workers compensation protections in Oregon. Moving forward, the Board plans to continue monitoring the impact of the new regulations and making adjustments as needed to further improve the system for injured workers across the state.