Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

BWC Provides True-up Grace Period

The deadline for private employers to submit their payroll true-up report to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) was August 15.  However, because this is a new process, the BWC has extended a grace period until September 29 to ensure all private employers are able to complete this requirement.

If you haven’t yet submitted your BWC true-up, learn more here.  8/30/2016

BWC on Medical Marijuana as Treatment for Workplace Injury

With the passage of medical marijuana legislation in Ohio, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has received many questions about whether medical marijuana can be used in the medical treatment of an injured worker.

Per the BWC:  “For purposes of medical treatment in a workers’ compensation claim, we cannot include the use of medical marijuana as part of an injured worker’s treatment plan.
There are several legal barriers to using medical marijuana in the management of the medical portion of a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio. First, Ohio law prohibits us from reimbursing for medications that are not FDA-approved. At this time, no form of medical marijuana is FDA-approved.

“Second, Ohio law prohibits us from reimbursing for medications that we do not include in our drug formulary. Our formulary does not include medical marijuana as a prescribed medication eligible for reimbursement.

“While the Ohio Legislature has legalized medical marijuana in Ohio for some purposes, these specific provisions of Ohio law prevent the State Insurance Fund from reimbursing for medical marijuana in a workers’ compensation claim.”  8/30/2016

Ohio Lays Groundwork for Medical Marijuana Control Program

House Bill 523, effective on September 8, 2016, legalizes medical marijuana in Ohio. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program will allow people with certain medical conditions, upon the recommendation of an Ohio-licensed physician certified by the State Medical Board, to purchase and use medical marijuana.

While the legislation set a basic framework for the program, it left the task of establishing specific rules and guidelines for the cultivation, processing, testing, dispensing and medical use of marijuana to different state agencies. This website is designed to keep Ohioans informed about the development of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program, including important timelines in the rule-making process and the announcement of opportunities for public input.  8/30/2016

BWC Board to Consider Premium Discount for Full Payment of Annual Premium

A draft rule that introduces a premium savings opportunity for Ohio employers will be considered by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) board of directors audit committee this month and in September.

The proposal would grant an early payment discount of 2% to an employer that pays the full twelve month estimated annual premium by the due date for the first installment for each policy year.  If approved, the discount would be available to private employers for policy years commencing on July 1, 2017.  8/25/2016

BWC on Medical Marijuana Law

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has prepared this factsheet about the impact on employers of Ohio’s medical marijuana law, which takes effect September 8, 2016.

BWC says: “The best way employers can protect their workers and themselves is to establish a drug-free workplace, or, if they already have one, to review and update it if necessary. This is important because certain sections of the new law reference the use of medical marijuana in violation of an employer’s drug-free workplace policy, zero-tolerance policy or other formal program or policy regulating the use of medical marijuana. For what this means to your specific workplace, consult your human resources or legal department.”

OMA members are also encouraged to consult with OMA Connections Partner, Working Partners®, on drug-free workplace matters.

BWC Safety Innovation Awards – Enter by September 30

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is accepting applications from Ohio employers for the 2017 Safety Innovation Awards.

Submit your innovation that demonstrates reduction in safety or ergonomic risk factors, or occupational health exposures.

Cash awards up to $6,000. Apply by September 30, 2016.

Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available here.

New BWC FAQ on SI Assessments

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has released this new FAQ about assessments it charges to Ohio’s self-insured employers.

In a Workers’ Compensation Group Program? True-up by August 15 or Else!

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) “true-up” window ends at close of business Monday, August 15.

According to the BWC, many state fund companies have not yet completed the true-up.

Employers are required to report their actual payroll for the policy year ended June 30, 2016 and reconcile any differences in premium paid.  Employers must complete the true-up report even if their payroll for the year matches the estimate received from BWC.

Failing to true up will disqualify your company for rebates/refunds due in policy year 2015 and render your company ineligible for any BWC discount programs in policy year 2016 as well as policy year 2017.

The quickest and easiest way to true-up is online with a BWC e-account.  Learn how to create an e-account here.  For true-up instructions, please visit this link. The payroll true-up may also be completed through the BWC call center at (800) 644-6292.

Questions?  Contact OMA’s Brian Jackson at (614) 629-6819.

BWC Offers Transitional Work Grants and Bonuses

BWC’s Transitional Work Grants helps employers create a customized plan to return an injured worker to duty with restrictions.  Transitional work uses real job duties for a specified period to gradually return the injured worker to his/her original job.

Now is a good time to consider a transitional work grant; a recent change to the program means employers are no longer required to have a claim to receive a grant.

Once implemented, employers can also receive a bonus for using the plan to return injured workers to work.

Read more about the program here and here, and contact BWC’s transitional work unit or OMA’s Brian Jackson with questions.

Have a Safety Innovation? Enter to Win BWC Competition!

BWC’s annual Safety Innovation Awards competition recognizes innovations that have reduced safety risks for employees.  The deadline to apply for the next round of Safety Innovation Awards is September 30.

The final round of the competition will be held at the 2017 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo next March.  Cash prizes range from $1,000 to $6,000.

Learn about the BWC Safety Innovations Award here.