Who is defined as a subject employer under workers' compensation laws?

A subject employer under workers' compensation laws is defined as one that is subject to the specific provisions outlined in ORS 656. This statute governs the workers' compensation system in the state of Oregon, detailing the obligations and requirements for employers to provide coverage for their employees in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses.

Being subject to ORS 656 means that the employer is required to adhere to state regulations around worker’s compensation, including the obligation to secure insurance or self-insure for such claims. This ensures that employees receive the proper benefits for their injuries, which aligns with the fundamental purpose of workers' compensation laws to protect and support workers.

The other options do not appropriately identify the criteria for being classified as a subject employer under the law. An employer operating outside the state may not fall under Oregon law, an employer who does not pay for workers' compensation could be non-compliant but does not provide a definition of subject employer, and an employer with fewer than five employees may also be exempt from certain obligations under specific circumstances, rather than being classified unequivocally as a subject employer. Thus, the emphasis is on the connection to ORS 656 as the defining criterion for subject employer status.