News and Analysis
BWC’s Next Employer Update Webinar Is June 8
June 4, 2021The BWC’s June employer update webinar is Tuesday, June 8. This 25-minute event will provide updates on Ohio’s annual employer true-up, reportable payroll, and reporting requirements for owners and corporate officers. It’s free. Register here. 6/2/2021
COVID-19 Health Orders Have Been Lifted – What’s Next for Ohio Employers?
June 4, 2021Gov. Mike DeWine has lifted Ohio’s COVID-19 health orders, but employers still have questions regarding what’s next when it comes to safety protocols and managing vaccinated and unvaccinated employees. Thursday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to noon, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips will host a free webinar to discuss topics such as:
- the future of masking;
- proof of vaccination and tracking vaccine status;
- anti-retaliation and anti-harassment; and
- understanding CDC, EEOC, and OSHA guidance under Ohio laws and regulations.
Learn more and register. 6/3/2021
BWC Budget Wins Senate Approval
June 4, 2021This week, the Ohio Senate unanimously approved House Bill 75, the two-year, $715 million operating budget of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC). The measure, supported by the OMA, contains noteworthy reforms, including a reduction in the statute of limitations for occupational disease claims from two years to one year, and a provision to prevent claimants who were previously denied a permanent disability benefit from reapplying unless there’s a change in circumstances.
HB 75 now goes back to the House, which will consider the Senate’s changes.
Also this week, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 76, the Ohio Industrial Commission budget. 6/2/2021
OMA Testifies in Support of BWC Budget Bill
May 28, 2021The OMA testified this week in support of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) proposed two-year operating budget, House Bill 75. The House added several noteworthy reforms to the bill that have OMA’s support, including:
- Reducing the statute of limitations for occupational disease claims from two years to one year;
- Preventing claimants who were previously denied a permanent disability benefit from reapplying unless there is a change in circumstances; and
- Aligning permanent partial disability filing timelines for temporary total disability compensation and for claims where wages are paid in lieu of compensation.
The BWC budget bill is expected to be voted out of the Senate Insurance Committee next week and will head to the Senate floor shortly thereafter. 5/27/2021
BWC Studying Mutualizing COVID-19 Claim Costs
May 28, 2021This week, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) Actuarial Committee had a first reading of a proposed rule change to exclude COVID-19 claims costs from an employer’s experience rating calculation.
An executive summary provided by the bureau noted that experience rating is intended to measure an employer’s success in maintaining a safe workplace. Further stating that using COVID-19 claims as an indicator of safety and a predictor of future claims is unreliable and that when catastrophes (e.g. a pandemic) arise, they generally have been excluded from the experience rating process.
Here’s a snapshot of COVID-19 claims filed with the BWC from March 11, 2020 to May 17, 2021. 5/27/2021
MCO Open Enrollment Closes Today – Not Too Late to Switch!
May 28, 2021The open enrollment period for Ohio employers to select a new managed care organization (MCO) to oversee the medical management of workers injured on the job closes today, Friday, May 28.
OMA’s only endorsed MCO for manufacturers is Health Management Solutions (HMS) due to its best-in-class return-to-work scores. The return-to-work score — which is measured and reported by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation — is the most important metric as it measures an MCO’s record of safely returning workers to duty.
It’s not too late to switch. Any claims will be smoothly transitioned on June 28. Contact OMA’s Crissy Roach with questions. 5/28/2021
BWC Industry-Specific Safety Program Changes Coming July 1
May 28, 2021The BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene (DSH) has modified the Industry-Specific Safety Program (ISSP) — a program to encourage employers to use the DSH’s array of safety services in exchange for a 3% credit — effective July 1.
Following a DSH safety and health consultation, the employer will now complete DSH follow-up activities before the end of the program year to earn loss prevention activity credits. Follow-up activities may include responding to a DSH action plan or completing a post-training survey. Previously, employers completed a post-consultation survey (SH-29). 5/21/2021
BWC Enhances Transitional Work Program
May 28, 2021The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has enhanced its Transitional Work Grant (TWG) program for employers that actively participate in the recovery and return to work of their employees.
Beginning June 1, employers are eligible for a TWG every five years (instead of only one time). The 3:1 grant match reimbursement requirement has been removed. Grant reimbursement is now 100% of the submitted invoice up to the employer’s maximum awarded grant, which is based on number of employees.
Unused grant monies are referred to as Implementation Funds and are available to use until the grant expires. Implementation funds can be used to purchase services needed to facilitate the transitional work program, including health and safety services related to COVID-19.
Learn more here or email the BWC transitional work unit. 5/21/2021
A Plug for BWC’s No-charge Electrical Safety Services
May 28, 2021According to a recent BWC blog post, in 2019, there were 166 fatalities and 1,900 injuries requiring days away from work in the U.S. related to electrical injuries. There were three electrocutions in Ohio last year, an increase from previous years. The majority of electrical fatalities occur in construction and maintenance.
BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene (DSH) offers no-charge resources to help employers improve electrical workplace safety, including educational courses, safety talks and consulting. Check it out. 5/25/2021
OSHA Finalizes ‘Top 10’ Citations List
May 21, 2021OSHA recently published its “Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards” for 2020. The annual list is a good reminder for employers and managers to re-evaluate their workplace safety practices. Meanwhile, OSHA also recently updated its enforcement summary for 2020.
If you haven’t already, register now for the OMA’s June 3 safety webinar, “Preventing Falls: Ladders, Walking/Working Surfaces, and More.” 5/18/2021