News and Analysis
BWC Symposium Spotlights Medical Care of Injured Workers
May 3, 2019Last week, the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation held its 2019 Medical & Health Symposium, themed Comprehensive Care for Injured Workers. More than 800 health care practitioners, staff and legal professionals from around the state attended the two-day event in Columbus.
The goal for the symposium was to address health care issues facing Ohio’s injured workers by bringing together medical and health specialists, along with legal professionals. John Annarino, Chief Medical and Health Officer, said experts nationwide are learning about the BWC’s innovative approaches and programs in caring for Ohio’s workers. 4/26/2019
May 31 Enrollment Deadline for BWC Premium-Discount Programs
May 3, 2019Friday, May 31, is the next deadline to enroll in these Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) premium-discount bonus programs:
These programs focus on return-to-work for injured workers, efficient management of accounts, and cost-control efforts for employers. Program premium savings are distributed after the completion of the program participation year as a bonus applied to the employer’s policy, if all program requirements are satisfied.
To discuss your options, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of participation, contact the OMA’s Brian Jackson. 4/29/2019
BWC Systems Outage this Weekend
May 3, 2019The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is upgrading its systems for better service. Due to systems maintenance, the BWC website, call center and other systems will be unavailable from Friday, May 3, at 5 p.m. until Monday, May 6, at 7 a.m. 5/2/2019
BWC Employer Webinars are May 14 & 30
May 3, 2019The BWC’s next employer webinars are scheduled for May 14 and 30. Topics include policy year 2019 renewal (Estimated Annual Premium updates and the annual true-up report), program options for employers, and the monthly safety tip. Follow these links to attend online:1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14; or 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 30. 5/2/2019
Fulfill BWC-Mandated Safety Training by June 30
April 26, 2019Employers participating in a 2018/19 group experience rating or group retrospective rating plan — and that had a workers’ compensation claim during the period of July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017 — are required to fulfill BWC-mandated safety training by June 30, 2019.
OMA makes complying easy. Every month, the OMA offers a safety webinar that counts for one-hour of BWC-mandated safety training.
Here’s our 2019 schedule of OMA safety webinars. Register here. If you need help registering, call (800) 662-4463 or email us. If you have questions, contact OMA’s Brian Jackson. 4/22/2019
Alert: More Ohio Employers Facing VSSR Fines
April 19, 2019Dinsmore, an OMA Connections Partner, reports an uptick in workers’ compensation claimant allegations that an employer has caused an accident due to violation of a specific safety requirement (VSSR). VSSRs are additional awards paid to injured workers, and they are billed directly to employers.
Dinsmore has published a summary on VSSRs. The summary includes information on how employers can prepare to defend against VSSR claims. 4/17/2019
More Businesses Buzzing About Drones
April 19, 2019
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is assisting the business community’s efforts to utilize drones to save time, resources and manpower, especially in the area of safety.
Josh Grappy, BWC’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program coordinator, works with companies that want to explore starting a drone program. He says, “Drones are often advertised as being able to perform the dull, dirty and dangerous jobs,” adding that there are many “innovative ways businesses can use drones to keep their workers safe.”
Companies interested in starting a drone program can contact Grappy at 614-332-7343. 4/17/2019
BWC to Host Employer Webinar on April 25
April 19, 2019The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) will host its next employer webinar on Thursday, April 25, at 11:30 a.m. Topics covered include the importance of reviewing your estimated annual premium notice and the benefits of paying your premium in full versus in installments. Follow this link to attend online; or sign up here to attend in person. 4/17/2019
James Hughes to Chair Ohio’s Industrial Commission
April 19, 2019Gov. Mike DeWine this week appointed James M. Hughes of Upper Arlington (Franklin Co.) to the Industrial Commission of Ohio, which adjudicates workers’ compensation disputes. Hughes’ term begins July 1, 2019, and will end June 30, 2025. He will serve as chair of the commission when his term commences.
A Republican, Hughes was a member of the Ohio State Senate from 2008 to 2016, as well as a member of the Ohio House from 2000 to 2008. He has worked an assistant prosecutor for Franklin County. 04/18/2019
BWC Programs with March 29 Deadline
March 22, 2019Attention private employers that participate in the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP), One Claim Program (OCP) and EM Cap Program: March 29 is the deadline for:
- DFSP participants to submit an annual report.
- OCP participants to complete education requirements.
- EM Cap participants to complete education requirements.
Contact OMA’s Brian Jackson if you have questions. 3/17/2019