AOL Health Benefits Vol. 37, No. 2, February 2025 AOL Mainline The
The Mainline is a monthly publication of: Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc. 2015 Madrona Ave SE, Salem, OR 97302 Mailing: PO Box 12339, Salem, OR 97309 503.364.1330 • fax: 503.364.0836 www.oregonloggers.org AOL Staff Team Executive Vice President Rex Storm • [email protected] Business Operations Manager Kathy Ballard • [email protected] Contractor Services Manager/Se habla Español Mathew McCartney • [email protected] Forest Policy Manager Amanda Sullivan-Astor • [email protected] Insurance Group Manager Dave Boyd • [email protected] Safety & Health Manager David Grim • [email protected] IT Director Tyler Teal • [email protected] Business Operations Coordinator Rachel Hultgren • [email protected] Event & Education Coordinator Shanna Lambert • [email protected] Member Services Coordinator Tiffany Lord • [email protected] Sr. Safety Management Consultants Leonard Lulay • [email protected] Mike Weaver • [email protected] Rod Huffman • [email protected] Roger Lulay • [email protected] Garrett Weaver • [email protected] Contract Lobbyist Kevin Campbell • The Victory Group Contract Communicator FPW Media The Mainline Editor Rachel Hultgren Advertising & Design Big Red M • www.bigredm.com Design & Layout Juliette Miratsky • [email protected] Advertising Sales Ronnie Jacko • [email protected] Email editorial news, notices, and correspondence: [email protected] Articles in this publication present the informed judgment of AOL staff, and are intended for information purposes only. Content does not represent legal or financial guidance. Copyright 2025 Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may be reprinted only with the expressed written permission of AOL. Also Inside 4 From Executive VP 6 News, Events, Reminders 13 Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts 20 Safety & Health 22 OPL & Professional Qualification 27 Policymaking & Advocacy 28 Business, Contracting, Markets On the Cover AOL Health Benefits. Pictured: Amaris and Rayman Ballard. Photographer Credit: Elizabeth Stone Photography Lebanon, OR, www.elizabethstonephotography.com. Mainline The 20Key Points for the New Employee A look at some important points for new employees starting in the industry. 16 Association Health Plan An overview and updates on the AOL Association Health Plan (AHP).
Year In-Review 2024 ; OPL revision 2-year ‘bridge’ done. Qualification for 358 companies; 536 individuals (12/31). ; Labor service program enlarged. Member services and bilingual built for labor contractors. ;Associate member, sponsor visibility grew. More promotions in events and publications. ; Board of Directors input broadened. Two-year Strategic Plan initiated with Board survey. ; Community impact of members inspired. $161,694 donated to hospitals/ scholarship/education. ; News for members published. 368 Chaser and Mainline news articles. ; Member recognition enhanced. 5 association members honored for good deeds. ;AOL team stays strong. 15 staff deliver improved member value. CHALLENGES OVERCOME ; Legislative harm derailed. Stopped faulty 2024 bills with our business coalition. ; Budget realigned. Reduced expense, grew income, and raised reserves. ; Programs adjusted. Reorganized for continued service after reduction-in staff. For the New Year, a review of the past year is an opportunity to reflect on your association’s accomplishment and plan a productive 2025 year ahead. Over the past year, the association staff has worked for your business, supporting your operating success while expanding the reach of your voice. KEY ACTIONS ; Membership growth. 92 new members and 953-member census rising trend. ; Health Plan for members is launched. Discounted health insurance for 25 employers (12/31). ;AOL Health Benefits Trust established. Created to operate Association Health Plan (AHP). ; Workers’ comp group discount raised. SAIF-AOL qualifying member 12% discount. ; Dividends paid to members continued. SAIF and Liberty Mutual both paid member dividends. ; Discount for member purchasing boosted. Member discounts include 8 vendors. ; Safety-health library updates begun. Overhaul of upgraded safety-health materials starts. ; Political action advocacy steadfast. AOL lobby team raised/contributed $53,500 to electees. ; Forestry workforce study law passed. AOL-championed bill passes Oregon Legislature. 4 The Mainline From Executive VP Rex Storm Executive Vice President [email protected]
5 February 2025 From the Executive VP Rex Storm, AOL Executive VP, leads the association’s team of fifteen professionals and other contracted resources to provide valued service and voice for Oregon’s logging and forest operator sector. He has represented forest contractor success statewide in forest and business policymaking for three decades. He is a Certified Forester, a Certified Family Forest landowner, and lifelong advocate for small business and forestry. Celebrating AOL’s Newest 2024 Arrival! Built a New Association Health Plan Available only to AOL members, this purpose-built employer insurance benefit is designed for forest contractors statewide. We have five agents now accepting quotes and offering discounted health benefits for employees, families, and owners. AOL in February 2024 began selling this new AOL-owned health insurance product, with 13 plan options—available at very competitive rates. This health insurance is a “triple-win” for your business and AOL service to you: 1) discounted member value savings; 2) attracts membership with Health Net, a statewide PPO network of 21,000 providers, 75 hospitals, and no network gap in any county; and 3) income that supports more AOL services for you. • GET A QUOTE TODAY. Ask one of our partner agents help your company offer health benefits within your budget. To request a quote, contact: [email protected]/ or 503.364.1330 (see ad in this Mainline) AOL Convention As this newsletter goes to press, our team staff is making final arrangements for AOL’s Annual Convention, held January 24–25, at Grand Ronde’s Spirit Mountain Event Center-Casino. Stay tuned for more about Convention in the March Mainline. Growing in 2025 The accomplishments in 2024 show how your association continues growing services to support your business success in this new year ahead. On behalf of the AOL team, thank you for being part of the AOL community that makes all these programs available for Oregon loggers and forest contractors. All the best for a safe, productive, and profitable 2025! t
6 The Mainline News, Events, Reminders 2025 Oregon Donations Received to Date: $440.00 Southwest District T R i TT m r P u V E c a x k n c i d n a e v g r a I S t n t io c o n el Eastern District J RCSommipt ha nLyo gI ng ci n. g Welcome New Members 12.12.24 –01.08.25 The region’s largest logging equipment show and program is again held at Eugene Oregon’s Lane Fairgrounds Event Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 8:00am through Saturday, Feb. 22, 2:00pm. Stop by and say “hi” to your AOL team! We would like to assist with any questions or hear about what’s happening with your business. We’re excited to tell you about updated AOL member benefits, including insurances in health, workers’ comp, and property. loc Vs a p i t s e a i d t c e A i nO # E 2 L’ 2 x s h 6 b i – o b 2 o it 2 t h H 7, a ll Visit AOL at Oregon Logging Conference Are you attending the Oregon Logging Conference (OLC)? Pro-Logger CE-Credit Punch Card The OLC again uses the punch card to record OPL Pro-Logger Continuing Education credit (CE). Your AOL team is staffing each seminar exit door at the end of seminars—to punch your Pro-Logger punch card. • For Oregon OPL-CE credit, you can deposit your completed punch card at AOL’s booth, or simply postal-mail it to AOL’s Salem office. OLC registration is available onsite or online for $125—OLC registration required for OPL-CE credit. Contact Oregon Logging Conference at: www.oregonloggingconference.com, or 541.686.9191. t
AOL EVENT CALENDAR STATEWIDE AOL PROGRAMS REGISTRATION REQUIRED Oregon Logging Conference (Not an AOL Event) Thursday, Friday & Saturday, February 20–22 Visit AOL staff at our booth #226–227, located in the main Exhibit Hall. Lane County Convention Center and Fairgrounds ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Eugene Register with OLC—online at OR Logging Conference ���������������������������������������www.oregonloggingconference.com; 541.686.9191 Spring Board & Committee Event Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 1–3 All members welcome to participate! Meetings of AOL standing committees and Board of Directors. Optional—Thursday, May 1 AOL Legislative Day at Oregon’s Capitol, Salem. Independence Hotel ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������201 Osprey Lane, Independence (Registration will be available closer to the date) Log A Load for Kids Golf Fundraiser Tournament Friday, June 20 Bandon Crossings Golf Course ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������87530 Dew Valley Lane, Bandon (Registration will be available closer to the date) Fall Board & Committee Event Friday & Saturday, September 26–27 All members welcome to participate! Meetings of AOL standing committees and Board of Directors. Holiday Inn Express ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������375 W Harvard Ave, Roseburg (Registration will be available closer to the date) OPL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION CORE COURSES Registration required for all OPL core courses! Two options: 1. Online, on-demand core courses are available for all four QP classes, plus the OS class. • Online OPL core courses can be completed 365-days-a-year, from your office or home 2. In-person OPL-QP core courses—2025 Scheduled in-person core QP courses, held in Independence, Oregon, as follows: • QP-Sustainable Forestry—March 6 • QP-Forest Practices—March 7 • QP-Safety & Technology—April 4 • QP-Business & Leadership—April 5 These OPL core courses are the one-time requirement for individuals seeking to complete the individual qualification for Qualified Professional (QP); and the individual optional qualification for Onsite Supervisor (OS). OPL Course information and registration is found at: [email protected], www.oregonloggers.org, or 503.364.1330. ONLINE OPL—Courses Online, On-Demand. ALL five of the OPL core courses are now available for your registration: (each is 8 hours in length) › QP-Sustainable Foresty › QP-Forest Practices › QP-Safety & Technology › QP-Business & Leadership › OS-Onsite Supervisor (optional qualification available to provide onsite crew supervision) News, Events, Reminders February 2025 7
8 The Mainline News, Events, Reminders Southwest Oregon Area: D & H Logging Co. in Coos Bay, OR SW Oregon Area winner, D & H Logging Co. of Coos Bay, earned the award for its diligent planning and harvesting practices. The company has a record of long-term, conscientious logging practices that meet or exceed the Oregon Forest Practices Act (FPA). Their thoughtful planning and innovative techniques allowed them to protect medium and small fish-bearing streams, small nonperennial streams, and restricted equipment zones along tributary streams, successfully harvest the unit with no damage to the streams or their buffers. D & H Logging made extra efforts to protect the stream buffers and new protection zones by changing skyline yarding patterns and spans of over 3,000 ft. Their efforts left healthy, intact buffers with minimal soil disturbance. The owner and crew maintained excellent communication and coordination with the landowner and ODF throughout the harvest. They thoroughly trained their crews in the new Forest Practice Act rules that went into effect this year, which helped them meet the new resource protection standards and still operate safely. See the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= A1eTDEcXQiY Eastern Oregon Area: BTO Forestry Solutions, Inc. in Enterprise, OR The Eastern Oregon Area winner, BTO Forestry Solutions, Inc. of Enterprise, earned the award for their efforts as a consistently conscientious logging of the state’s three areas. Look for a to indicate which companies are AOL members and a to indicate which members are OPL-qualified. Videos of the Operator of the Year Winners and Merit Awards can be viewed at: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/working/ Pages/default.aspx Northwest Oregon Area: R.D. Reeves Construction, Inc. in Rainer, OR NW Oregon Area winner, R.D. Reeves Construction, Inc. of Rainer, earned the award for their efforts as a consistently conscientious logging company. This company began in 1969 and has not had a citation in the fifty-five years they have been in business. The company goes above & beyond in their preoperational planning efforts. Protection of resources is a high priority for the company. They take preventive actions to protect water quality, for example, by installing silt fences and hay bales, if there’s even a slight chance sediment might reach a stream or wetland. The company is innovative in their use of new tools and technologies for harvesting. The nominated operation had protected resources including streams, a Riparian Management Area’s (RMA) through the middle of the unit, wetlands, roads, steep slopes requiring HLHL protections with downstream homes adjacent to the harvest unit. The company’s attention to detail is demonstrated when they finish an operation. Thorough cleanup and maintenance are completed prior to leaving the site, assuring there are no issues in the future after they have gone. See the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= EUsBwxBZiEo The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon Board of Forestry (BOF) annually recognize forest operators who consistently meet and excel at compliance with the Oregon Forest Practices Act & Rules (FPA). Recognition is for forest contractors, consultants or partners who demonstrate superior project innovation, protection, communication, planning, stewardship, long-term performance, and overcoming financial risk. Since 1971 when Oregon enacted the FPA, forest operation and resource protection here has been a national model for continuous improvement. Contract forest operators and landowners are proud of their ongoing forest stewardship. The awards program spotlights just three quality operators among the tens-of-thousands of successful operations annually statewide. The awards program communicates to Oregon policymakers and publics about this important forestry stewardship success and those professionals who work in the forest. The BOF established the awards program during the 1990’s to honor forest operation exemplars who illustrate the FPA resource protection standards. Regional Forest Practices Committees select the winners and merit award recipients from nominations by landowners, ODF staff, and others. Operators are recognized for responsible harvesting, roading, site improvement, release, thinning, reforestation, protecting streams and habitat. ODF 2024 Operators of the Year The BOF, at its January 2025 meeting, recognized three winners as: ODF 2024 Operator of the Year, an award for each Outstanding Operators Recognized ODF 2024 Operator of the Year Awards for Forest Practices ›By Amanda Sullivan-Astor, Forest Policy Manager
9 February 2025 News, Events, Reminders company since 1966, and for tackling challenging harvest operations. Mike Wiedeman, owner of BTO Forestry Solutions, earned Operator of the Year for tackling a timber harvest on steep slopes leading down to a fish-bearing stream in canyonlands of Wallowa County. Methodical planning and experience allowed BTO Forestry Solutions to develop a harvest plan and layout to achieve the goals of the landowner, while protecting resources in a unit with challenging terrain. BTO Forestry protected stream buffers, water quality, steep slopes, and the safety of the crew while working in the Wallowa County canyonlands with skyline spans of over 5,000 feet. Because of a lack of anchor stumps, BTO had to buy extra dozers to serve as anchors for these long span-cables. They also modified the yarder to ensure enough suspension, so logs did not create ruts as they were yarded upslope. BTO Forestry has successfully faced these types of challenges and completed their operations, while protecting the resources and their crew consistently for many years. See the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= ZcE22ZAA8I8&t=83s ODF 2024 Merit Awards In addition to the three Area Operator winners, ODF also recognized eight additional forest contracting businesses for their sustainable practices and noteworthy achievements, by giving them 2024 Merit Awards. Northwest Oregon Area • Card Logging Company, Inc. of Eugene, OR › https://youtu.be/8YWFP9zqDxA?si= eZqWHTtNrv64FIvb • Chilton Logging, Inc. of Woodland, WA › https://youtu.be/Ao4Yr7v5uHw?si= QOVo0F5jXbesVtci • Haley Construction Company of Lebanon, OR › https://youtu.be/5JTsKcoQCxg?si= m9lMSkecq5HXSI2F • Mt. St. Helens Reforestation, Inc. of Chehalis, WA › https://youtu.be/1EbIQO6AkuU?si= VUgk-1mdJXpcuGYJ • Weyerhaeuser NR Company, Springfield Area Logging Crew of Eugene, OR › https://youtu.be/aUgMYdaJ0P0?si= Q1fvoAcgs4fmZQxC Southwest Oregon Area • Brothers Excavation & Construction, LLC of Central Point, OR › https://youtu.be/zTs-b3RG1zY?si= TnHDGIGATboIbnrI Eastern Oregon Area • Arrowhead Logging, LLC of Prineville, OR › https://youtu.be/B9msKbdSvsA?si= laXUdJGkygcqaOYl • Green Diamond Resource Company of Klamath Falls, OR › https://youtu.be/tQmGq-Ou8Os?si= 1vbGo9iolKu1A1OU ODF Letter of Commendation Lastly, ODF identified an additional recipient for Letter of Commendation, from a local ODF unit. Western Oregon District/NW Regional Forest Practices Committee • Gerald Smallwood Logging, Inc. of Waldport, OR › https://youtu.be/gYbJpZRAykE?si= MNecdXggxtoNywQ5 Congratulations to the ODF 2024 Operator Award recipients who steward forests across rural Oregon! Their outstanding efforts illustrate dedication to Oregon forest stewardship by contract companies and their skilled workforce. It’s excellence by our industry’s great people who assure Oregon’s forests are well managed! t
11 February 2025 News, Events, Reminders In Case You Missed It ICYMI shorts One Good Thing! Early-2025 Market Factors Boost Outlook: American International Forest Products on Jan. 10 discussed a favorable outlook for U.S. structural lumber, due to: Trump Administration, tariff impacts, weather/fires, builder fir-preference, tight supplies, strong economy, solid housing, and stable interest rates to spur housing. AOL Association Health Plan. Health insurance coverage is available to member employers at very competitive rates—over 25 companies now insured. Health Net Insurance is a statewide PPO network with 21,000 providers, 75 hospitals, and no network gaps in any counties. To request a quote, contact: [email protected]/ or 503.364.1330. Beginning in 2025, OPL Requires Individual Qualification. Any company seeking OPL-qualification—but has not yet finished all new OPL requirements— should proceed to complete four individual tasks: 1) four courses (one-time only); 2) continuing education credits; 3) valid first aid/cpr; and 4) company AOL membership. Contact AOL for details. AOL Retiree Aletha. After nearly 13 years with AOL as Fiscal Operation & Publication Coordinator, Aletha Henderson has retired following a four-decade career with Oregon and California businesses. She is looking forward to traveling and gardening. Thank you, Aletha, for your dedicated AOL member service! Final Wildfire Hazard Maps Now Available. Maps of wildfire hazard zones and wildland-urban interface, for Oregon’s 1.9 million property tax lots, are available on Oregon Explorer: https:// oregon-explorer.apps.geocortex.com/ webviewer/. Maps identify high-hazard interface tax lots, where defensible home codes apply and to prioritize treatments. Congress Republican Majority. Business optimism abounds, as newly-elected members of Congress were sworn-in Jan. 3, ushering in the 119th U.S. Congress with a narrow Republican- majority in both chambers. Representatives confirmed incumbent House Speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Senators voted a new Majority Leader, Sen. John Thune (R-SD). Oregon Legislature Democrat Dominance. Democrats picked up one seat each in House and Senate elections, to gain a super-majority with their Governor. Democrats can pass bills without a single Republican vote. AOL’s lobby team with our business coalition negotiates bill-by-bill to tip needed Democrat legislators to favorable positions. Housing Affordability: Portland Worst Case. U.S. housing unaffordability slows demand for Oregon wood. Unaffordability is severe in Portland, where terrible government impels high home prices. Zoocasa.com reports Portland’s median mortgage cost rose in five years by 61%, while median income increased just 29%—pushing housing affordability beyond many buyers. Proposal Canceled. A rare win for industry, the U.S. Forest Service on Jan. 7 terminated its harmful proposed policy to add limits on U.S. old growth national forests, mandated in 2022 by President Biden. AOL lobbied against the proposal; and are relieved that President-elect Trump helped spark the disarray that derailed this proposal. Search for New Forester. Oregon State Forester, Cal Mukumoto resigned suddenly Jan. 9, exiting after just three years heading Oregon’s Department of Forestry. Recent ODF controversies contributed to rumors that Governor Tina Kotek (D) pushed him out, as a scapegoat to assuage faltering agency optics. LA Tragic Fires. Santa Ana wind-driven wildfires devasted Los Angeles County in early-January, reigniting fierce debates over vegetation managing, water supply, firefighting, climate, and government role. By Jan. 10, five fires burned 36,000 acres, destroyed 10,000 structures, killed 11 people, evacuated 130,000, de-powered 450,000, cost $150 billion, and polluted the air. t
12 The Mainline
13 February 2025 Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts benefits, or raising deductibles and other cost-sharing, and result in higher out-ofpocket costs for plan members seeking care. Employer shopping for alternative health coverage and options is a common strategy to identify better options for the company situation. Because healthcare cost is typically shared between employer and employee, managing cost is important to minimize employee cost. On average, the survey found that employees would pay 21% of health insurance premiums in 2025, the same as 2024. Employers are concerned about their healthcare affordability, and affordability to their employees. Employer provision of worker health benefits is a critical workforce retention asset. But employers also need to manage the company’s fiscal impact of escalating healthcare costs. Balancing these competing priorities will be a huge employer challenge in the next few years. Here are some ways to improve healthcare affordability, when searching for and developing a health program that best fits your company situation, your employee team, and their families: • Employer annually shops and compares alternative health coverage and quote options that best fit your team. Third Year of High Health Cost Growth in 2025 ›By Rex Storm, Executive VP The mercer.com annual ‘National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans’, reported that total health benefit cost per employee is expected to rise 5.8% on average in 2025. Smaller employers (under 499 employees) across America have been hit the hardest—they reported that cost would rise by about 9% on average, if an employer took no action to lower it. 2025 is the third consecutive year of health benefit annual cost increases exceeding 5% per year, following a decade of annual cost increases averaging only 3%. Complex Forces Driving Higher Cost Trends 1. Insurers and health providers annually change their rates and provisions—as they are under tremendous changing fiscal, regulatory, and marketplace pressures. 2. Spending on prescription drugs remains the fastest-growing component of health benefit cost. 3. Widening gap between short supply of healthcare workers and healthcare capacity is not pacing rising health service demand, which is building as older Americans become a larger population share. 4. Inflation fuels elevated cost and price growth. 5. Under-insured and uninsured healthcare patient demands strain providers that are required to deliver healthcare. 6. Lagging government reimbursement for government-required healthcare to more patients. 7. 2021 healthcare price transparency requirements have unintended consequence of raising provider reimbursement. 8. Rising availability of costly technologies and treatments that prolong life. 9. Increased utilization in behavioral healthcare and medications for diabetes/obesity. Take a Look at AOL’s ‘Association Health Plan’ New health coverage is available—only to AOL members—from Health Net Insurance at very competitive rates. AOL’s ‘Association Health Plan’ offers savings options on health insurance for employees, families, and owners. Healthcare coverage is the single most important benefit you can offer loyal employees. Ask an AOL partner agent to help you offer health benefits within your budget. To request a quote, contact: [email protected] or 503.364.1330. Employer Response to Faster Cost Growth The mercer.com survey results suggest that about half of employers (53%) will make cost-cutting changes to their plans in 2025. These changes may involve reducing Continued →
14 The Mainline productivity, creativity, and a positive work culture. Yet, the rising cost of healthcare and the employer’s ability to manage its expense has become a major employer challenge for small businesses. As we move into the new year, paychex. com reports that employers should focus on healthcare benefits as an emerging trend in keeping employees happier, healthier, more productive, and loyal to your business. Offering healthcare benefits can be key in attracting and retaining top talent in today’s competitive skilled labor marketplace. Employers who actively make healthcare and preventative care more affordable and accessible are sending the message— that they care about their employees as people who are important to the company. Small Company Health Insurance Plans Cost More In 2025 The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation reported in September that average price of open market small group health insurance plans in Oregon jumped again in 2025—with several providers raising rates by double digits (see table above). t • Educate employees during open enrollment to help reduce poor choices and unnecessary expenses. 2025 Top Employee Benefit is ‘Improved Healthcare Affordability’ Improving Healthcare Affordability. A healthy workforce is the foundation of Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts • Raise deductibles and other cost-sharing with employees, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for plan members seeking care. • Reducing benefits, while offering other new ala cart options that may benefit each employee differently. • Offer telemedicine and virtual care options for easier access to healthcare services. Consider differentiated options, like teletherapy and other non-insurance-related benefits and perks. • Provide Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which can help employees save on their annual healthcare expenses and reduce employer tax liabilities. • Offer wellness programs/incentives for preventative care, such as fitness, smoking cessation, diet, or mental health counselling. Continued →
15 February 2025 Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts Looking for Employee Health Insurance Options? Get a Quote from AOL’s New Health Insurance—To Compare New health coverage is available from Health Net Insurance at very competitive rates—only to AOL members. Healthcare coverage is the single most important benefit you can offer loyal employees. GROWING AOL HEALTH PLAN 25 member employers now insure with AOL’s Plan, with more quoting monthly. STATEWIDE COVERAGE Health Net is a statewide PPO network with 21,000 providers, 75 hospitals, and no network gap in any county. AVAILABLE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS Savings options on health insurance for employees, families and owners (two- employee minimum). GET A QUOTE TODAY Ask one of our partner agents to help you offer health benefits within your budget. To request a quote, contact: quotes@ oregonloggers.org or 503.364.1330. t Ask one of our partner agents to help you offer health benefits within your budget.
16 The Mainline Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts The Trust is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The member group AHP can offer employer health benefits at a more completive rate structure for many employers. The AOL Health Benefit Trust is governed by member volunteers who serve on a five-person Board of Trustees, chaired by AOL member Kathryn Van Natta of Van Natta Bros. Two Trustees, Heidi Trambley of Blaine Timber LLC and Aimee Rude of Rude Logging LLC, are participating employers with benefits supplied by the Plan. The two additional Trustees are AOL Board of Director members Tom Dober and Rick Kriege. The Board of Trustees oversee the AHP business operations, including contracted services for a third-party administrator TailorWell, banking, accounting, AOL administration, and five authorized brokers whose agents sell the insurance. this plan. AOL staff and the interim trustee completed all authorizations and agreements necessary to create the Trust and AHP. The program began sales in February for its first enrollment in April 2024. Healthnet underwriters processed quotes many times on the same day. The HealthNet team worked tirelessly with AOL staff to process applications and chase necessary material. Their account staff helped set up account benefits ready for day one. AOL’s AHP Plan provides high-quality health insurance at discounted rates to member employers, employees, and families. AOL first had to establish a new subsidiary—a tax-exempt Health Trust, which directs the member AHP. Association Health Plan Overview and Update, January 2025 ›By Dave Boyd, Insurance Group Manager The AOL Association Health Plan (AHP) offering is nearing its first full-year of sales, to insure a growing number of AOL-member employees, owners, and families. Health Net of Oregon, Inc. has been a dynamic partner with the AOL Board of Trustees and our staff to make this program succeed. Health Net is a statewide PPO network with 21,000 providers, 75 hospitals, and no network gap in any Oregon county. The Health Net team late in 2023 worked with AOL staff to supply Oregon Department of Financial Regulation with the information needed to establish
17 February 2025 Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts The Board of Trustees is working together with AOL staff of Rex Storm, Kathy Ballard, and Dave Boyd, to provide and maintain the highest quality health insurance options. As the Trust settlor, AOL receives income for its administrative services and ownership. The first year was not without challenges. Not every company that inquired was a good fit for the association plan. One of five approved partner agents, Allen Zwemke with M & G Insurance, often stepped-in to find alternate carriers and solutions for inquiring members. Not every member company with an attractive quote chose to move into the program. Change is not easy. HealthNet recognizes this. The AOL association health plan has “in-network” providers in every region of Oregon. The First Choice partnership provides in-network health services in neighboring states and throughout the U.S. Health Net continues to work at expanding the list of in-network providers in Oregon. Our goal is to reduce and eliminate the need to “change” your in-network providers, in order to join the association health plan. Health Net, AOL, and the Board of Trustees continue to improve the products offered to member companies. Enrollment Data, as of December 2024 The AOL AHP program showed a steady growth throughout 2024. Additional companies are enrolled to begin insurance in January 2025. Most Popular Health and Prescription Plans for 2024 Each insured company can choose the combination of health, prescription, dental, and vision options. The secondary options of prescription, dental, and vision need to be the same for every member. Companies can offer a selection of health options. The AOL plans have lower out-of-pocket costs and higher benefit structures, almost across the board compared to the normal plans available on the open market. t
18 The Mainline Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts How Is Your Final WC Rate Calculated? Your company’s final workers’ compensation insurance rate is determined through a multi-step process, as illustrated in the waterfall chart below. These steps include national, state-based, and insurer-specific adjustments. Below is an example calculation for manual logging, at a medium-sized company. 1. Pure Rate: The starting point, determined nationally for most states. Some states, like Washington, calculate their own rates. 2. SAIF Tier Costs: Adjustments for SAIF’s specific tiers. Certificate of Insurance: A Quick Guide Your AOL insurance team is ready to issue certificates of insurance upon request. Alternatively, if you prefer self-service, you can create your own certificates using the step-by-step guide, which AOL previously made available and announced in the August 2024 Mainline. https://oregonloggers.org/page/ PastMainlines (Login Required) Changes to SAIF Online Payments Effective January 26, 2025, SAIF has updated its payment processor. Please ensure that any unexpired saved payment methods were successfully transferred to the new system. If your organization uses an ACH debit block (fraud filter), contact your bank to add the following ACH company details to your debit block allow list: • ACH Company ID: F936001769 • ACH Company Name: One, Inc. For more information and FAQs about online payments, visit the SAIF Online Payments Guide: https://www.saif.com/employer-guide/ online-payments.html New SAIF Underwriting Team SAIF has introduced a new underwriting team for AOL accounts in 2025. • Underwriter: Bojana Odobasic, who joined the SAIF Underwriting Department in 2019, after working as an Insurance Representative for seven years. • Assistant Underwriter: Irina Alagoz, who will support Bojana in managing policies. Your AOL agent will continue to work closely with Bojana and Irina, to ensure efficient coverage for your company. SAIF Workers’ Compensation— Updates for 2025 ›By Dave Boyd, AOL Insurance Group Manager, and Tyler Teal, IT Director
19 February 2025 Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts 3. Waiver of Subrogation and Increased Limits: Added costs based on policy features. 4. Experience Rating Modifications: Adjustments reflecting your company’s claims history. 5. AOL Group Discount: A discount provided for AOL membership. 6. Policy Size Discount: Adjustments based on the size of your policy. 7. State-Based Costs: Costs specific to Oregon, including the DCBS assessment. There are up to 10 possible steps to determine your company rate per $100 of payroll. If you have any questions, contact your agent. Delivery Options for Certificates Starting in the second quarter of 2025, your agent will ask you to update your preferred delivery options for certificates of insurance. You can choose from the following options: • Email: Certificates sent directly to an email address of your choice. • Fax: Certificates sent to a specified fax number. • Mail: Hard copies delivered to your address. • Annual Renewal Summary: A consolidated summary of all renewals. You can update your preferences, or request copies of certificates at any time. For assistance, contact your agent or reach out to AOL directly. t
20 The Mainline Safety & Health 2. Learn and Follow Communication Protocols Clear communication is essential in the dynamic environment found on logging operations. New employees must familiarize themselves with the established systems: • Whistle Signals: Understand and use whistle signals for coordination during yarding operations. • Hand and Voice Signals: Learn the standard hand and voice signals to ensure effective communication with team members. • Radio Use: Test and use radios correctly to maintain communication, especially in remote areas with limited visibility. 3. Understand Anchor Safety Anchors play a pivotal role in stabilizing yarding systems and machinery. New employees should grasp anchor fundamentals, such as: • Guy Zones: Ensure anchors are placed within specified guy zones to distribute loads effectively. • Daily Inspections: Check anchors for stability and signs of wear or movement. Entering the logging industry can be both exciting and overwhelming for the new employee. This industry demands an understanding of many specialized safety protocols and factors, including: machinery, cable systems, weather, topography, and best practices to navigate the hazards and risks. The “Oregon OSHA Yarding and Loading Handbook” offers critical insights and guidelines that all newcomers should familiarize themselves with. Let’s take a look at some important points for new employees, those starting their journey in this challenging and rewarding industry. 1. Prioritize Safety from DayOne for the New Employee Making safety the foundation of your logging operation begins with every new person brought to the team. New employees must learn to embrace a culture of awareness and proactive safety measures. Important practices to teach new crew people include: • Understand Job Hazards: Identify potential dangers such as falling trees, unstable terrain, moving machinery, moving logs, machine operation, and driving. • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always use helmets, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and the correct footwear for the job, like caulk boots. • Attend Safety Meetings: Pre-work safety meetings are critical for understanding specific job-site hazards and emergency procedures. Pre-work meetings are both mandatory by OR-OSHA, also provide key information on practices to keep them safe. Key Points for the New Employee › By David Grim, Safety and Health Manager • Correct Techniques: Learn proper methods for notching and tying anchors to stumps or other support systems. 4. Equipment Familiarity An understanding of the machinery and tools used on the job is essential. New employees should learn: • Inspect Machines Daily: Check brakes, hydraulics, and other components before starting work. • Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Operate equipment as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. • Identify Blind Spots: Be aware of machine blind spots and stay clear of these areas when on foot. 5. Know Your Work Area Each logging site has unique challenges. New employees should help to identify job-site hazards, such as: • Assess Terrain: Recognize hazards such as steep slopes, loose rocks, and unstable soil. • Understand Landing Layouts: Learn the organization of landing areas, log decks, and machinery zones. • Identify Danger Trees: Work with experienced crew members to spot and address trees that pose a risk of falling.
21 February 2025 Safety & Health 6. Working in the Clear Maintaining a safe distance from moving equipment and active logging operations is essential for preventing accidents. • Confirm All-Clear Signals: Workers must ensure all personnel are safely out of the work zone before starting or moving any machinery. • Identify Hazard Zones: Avoid areas where moving logs, swinging machinery, or rigging operations could pose risks. Unsafe locations include beneath guylines, near log decks, or within the swing radius of loaders. • Stay Visible: Always position yourself within the view of machine operators and ensure high-visibility clothing is worn. • Plan Escape Routes: Be prepared to quickly move to a safe location if unexpected hazards arise. 7. Proper Handling of Wire Ropes and Rigging Wire ropes and rigging systems are central to many logging operations. Important points include: • Inspect Daily: Learning how to look for signs of wear, such as broken wires, kinks, or corrosion. • Follow Load Limits: Understanding what load limits are and how to assess for it on the rigging and lines is a valuable tool to help increase the awareness of new employees. • Maintain and Store Properly: Lubricate ropes to reduce friction and store them off the ground to prevent damage. 8. Emergency Preparedness Being prepared for emergencies can save lives. Key steps include: • Know the Evacuation Plan: Understand how to exit the worksite quickly in case of rolling debris, fire, injury, or other worksite emergencies. • First Aid Training: Basic first aid knowledge is essential for treating injuries until professional help arrives and required by OR-OSHA Forest Activities Rules. • Emergency Communication: Ensure familiarity with the location’s communication tools, emergency contact numbers, and location of the written jobsite directions are located in case of emergency. 9. Respect Environmental Regulations Logging operations often occur in sensitive forest environments. New employees must: • Follow Buffer Zones: Be aware of working near streams or protected areas, where proper precautions are required. • Minimize Waste: Dispose of debris responsibly to reduce environmental impact. • Prevent Fires: Adhere to fire safety protocols, especially during dry seasons. 10. Continuous Learning The logging industry is ever-evolving, with new techniques and technologies constantly emerging. New employees should: • Seek Mentorship: Learn from experienced workers to develop practical skills and insights. • Attend Training Programs: Participate in workshops and programs to enhance knowledge, such as attending the Annual AOL Safety Conference. • Stay Updated: Regularly review industry guidelines and updates to stay compliant and safe by reviewing the monthly safety topics and pre-work meetings, becoming familiar with Oregon OSHA rules in Division 7, and regular check-ins with supervisors. Conclusion Starting a career in the logging industry— and hiring a new employee with the company—requires a commitment to safety, learning, and teamwork. By training and mentoring a new employee to understand the fundamental principles, each new employee can contribute to a safer and more efficient work environment for the whole crew. The “Yarding and Loading Handbook” serves as an invaluable resource, offering detailed guidance to navigate the complexities of logging. Through dedication and adherence to best practices, trainees can succeed while ensuring their well-being and that of their co-workers. t Article Reference Oregon OSHA Yarding and Loading Handbook: https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHApubs/1935.pdf
22 The Mainline OPL & Professional Qualification OPL REVIEW Current News and Educational Opportunities for OPL Qualification February 2025 Oregon Professional Logger (OPL) administered by AOL OPL UPDATES—Latest news about OPL requirements and NEW individual qualification 2-YEAR ‘BRIDGE’ to NEW INDIVIDUAL OPL EXPIRED DECEMBER 31 For individuals and companies to complete new OPL Rule, OPL-QP and OPL-CE • 2023 OPL Rule Change. In January 2023, the OPL Standard Rule changed to require at least one individual person qualification, employed by the company. At that time, AOL granted a 2-year ‘Bridge’ (2023–2024) to every current OPL company and their self-designated individual QP person(s). • ‘Bridge’ gave temporary individual qualification. During 2023–24, more than 700 individuals—and their 524 employer companies—were given a temporary 2-year ‘Bridge’ that automatically-qualified them all under the new 2023 OPL Standard. This 2-year grace period offered time needed to complete new core courses for their person who would be the company’s employed Qualified Professional (QP), as well as fulfilling all the new OPL Rule requirements. • Temporary 2-year ‘Bridge’ has ended. Following the ‘Bridge’ expiring on December 31, 2024, both individual and company OPL-qualification now requires full-compliance with the 2023 OPL Standard (requirements shown below). • OPL credential for SFI-certified wood products. OPL is a voluntary professional standard that qualifies Oregon logging and forest contract individuals—and their employer company—in a program of continuing education in forest practices, safety, business, and sustainable forestry. Administered by AOL, OPL complies with Oregon’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified forest product program. WHAT TO DO? Any company seeking OPL-qualification—but has not yet finished all new OPL Rule tasks— should proceed to complete all individual and company requirements • What if your OPL Rule requirements are incomplete in January? The 2-year OPL ‘Bridge’ period expired December 31—and beginning in 2025, all the new individual person and company OPL Rule requirements must be met. If the new OPL Rule requirements are not now completed, then the individual and company are not OPL-qualified. And, the OPL Directory listing online for both company and their employed individual QP has been removed from the Directory. › In this situation, the company and individual QP should proceed to complete all the OPL Rule requirements (shown below). › Once the one-time core OPL requirements are completed and verified by AOL, the company and individual OPL-qualification and OPL Directory listing would be re-established. › At press-time (12/13/24), over 320 QP individuals and 280 companies had completed OPL-qualification with the new OPL Rule— and dozens more are in-progress to get the job done. WHY THE OPL RULE CHANGE in 2023? Requiring an individual trained person, a Qualified Professional (QP) • Individual person OPL Rules for logger training required by SFI purchasers. AOL in 2023 had to revise OPL to meet the 2022 Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard (SFI). Oregon SFI-certified mills and landowners in January 2023 began requiring individual logger training by OPL: › SFI requires OPL-Qualified Professional (QP) person to be employed by each OPL-qualified company logging contractor. › SFI requires that logging field operations be overseen by either an individual QP person, or an individual Onsite Supervisor (OS) person. › SFI requires that OPL Rules QP and OS logger training encompass the new coursework and continuing education. › OPL individual qualification now matches Washington and Idaho Pro-Logger programs. › AOL’s Board-approved OPL Standard Rule revision is communicated to members, since late-2022.
23 February 2025 OPL & Professional Qualification OPL RULES—BEGAN IN 2023 —OPL-qualification has these individual and company requirements: A.–C. —OPL Rules are necessary to meet SFI individual logger training requirements A. Company OPL Standard—OPL-Qualified Company OPL Rules are these: › AOL member. Must be enrolled as an AOL member company in good standing. › QP. At least one individual person that is a Qualified Professional (QP) is employed by the company. › In-forest crew oversight by QP or OS. Field crew operations of the company must be overseen by either an individual Qualified Professional (QP), or an individual Onsite Supervisor (OS) employed by the company—“oversight” as determined by the company. OS is an optional qualification. One or more OS individual provides the company with greater crew supervision options in-forest. › CE. QP and OS individuals must complete required continuing education (CE) credits during each 2-year period. CE credits are reported for one CE credit per one-hour of contact education that is applicable to the individual’s job and/or the company’s business. › Conduct. QP and OS individuals abide by the OPL Professional Conduct Code. › Provisional. IF an OPL-Qualified company loses the employ of its only QP individual—or a necessary OS individual to help oversee several operations—then that company can retain OPL-Qualification for up to 10 months following the loss. This provisional grace period allows the company time to employ a QP or OS individual, or time for an individual to complete required courses. B. Qualified Professional (QP) individual person OPL Rules are these: a. Qualified Professional (QP) qualification requires completion of the following for QP-qualified individual: i. Four QP Core Courses, each eight hours (individual one-time requirement); ii. Valid First Aid/CPR card verified (completed separately by individual); AND iii. 16 credits Continuing Education (CE) (completed in each two-year period by individual). b. QP Core Courses (4) are the following (individual one-time requirement): i. Forest Practices QP (8-credit hour course) ii. Sustainable Forestry QP (8-credit hour course) iii. Safety & Technology QP (8-credit hour course) iv. Business & Leadership QP (8-credit hour course) c. QP individual abides by the OPL Professional Conduct Code. d. An individual may submit a written request to waive or ‘challenge’ a QP Core Course, which is limited to equivalent prior education and experience that may substitute for a course. C. Onsite Supervisor (OS) individual person OPL Rules are these: a. Onsite Supervisor (OS) is an optional qualification available for individuals. OS training is an employee development tool to upskill supervisors. OS may be needed to cover supervision of field crews. b. Field crew operations of the company are overseen by either an individual Qualified Professional (QP), or an individual Onsite Supervisor (OS) employed by the company—“oversight” as determined by the company. The OS credential is optional. c. Onsite Supervisor (OS) qualification requires completion of the following for OS-qualified individual: i. One OS Core Course, ‘Onsite Supervisor’ OS, 8-hour course (individual one-time requirement); ii. Valid First Aid/CPR card verified (completed separately by individual); AND iii. 8 credits Continuing Education (CE) (completed in each two-year period by individual). d. OS individual abides by the OPL Professional Conduct Code. MORE OPL INFORMATION As an AOL member—when you are logged-in to the AOL website you can access many training resources: › Member-only resources: https://oregonloggers.org/page/OnlineOPLCredits › Email your inquiry to: [email protected] › Visit AOL website (Oregon Professional Logger page): https://oregonloggers.org/page/OPL › Or, call the AOL office for assistance: 503.364.1330 Continued →
oregonloggers.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=