The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) reports there was a 13 percent decrease in collections by the organization from Jan. 1 through Mar. 16, which was attributed primarily to the average 12-percent rate decrease in private employer premium rates that took effect July 1, 2009.
“Rate reform has lowered workers’ compensation insurance costs for the majority of Ohio employers,” stated BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “Ohio’s private non-group employers are now recognizing the impact of the 25-percent rate reductions that went into effect last year. Lower premiums allow employers to invest the money they’ve saved back into their operations and their workforce.”
The BWC also announced it has adopted a new Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP). The program is aimed at promoting the health of Ohio’s work force and preventing workplace injuries attributed to use/abuse of alcohol and/or drugs. The DFSP will be available on July 1, 2010.
The DFSP will replace the current Drug-Free Workplace Program and was created as a result of the recommendations of a comprehensive study of Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, its programs and services.
The modernized program extends eligibility to more employers and eliminates the current program’s participation limit of five years.
The restructured program will also provide premium discounts from three to seven percent.
Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
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