A recent Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) enforcement case is a reminder that lapsed coverage can quickly become more than a paperwork problem. BWC announced that the owner of One Call Construction was ordered to pay nearly $14,000 in restitution after operating with lapsed coverage dating back to 2020 and failing to complete reinstatement requirements.

Ignoring missed premiums, true-ups or reinstatement requirements can turn a fixable compliance issue into an investigation, criminal charge and court-ordered restitution.

“Workers’ compensation coverage is not optional, and lapses can create serious financial and legal exposure for employers,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “Manufacturers should treat BWC compliance as a core risk-management responsibility, not an administrative afterthought.”

If you have questions about your coverage status, please contact Juliet Walker, managing director of workers’ compensation services for the OMA. 5/1/2026