News and Analysis
OMA Defends Dillon Supreme Court Decision Benefiting Employers
April 26, 2024This week, the OMA submitted a joint letter defending a recent ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court that simplified the process for employers to recoup overpayments when an injured worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) after collecting temporary total disability (TTD) benefits.
This change is expected to reduce claim costs for employers in Ohio. However, it remains uncertain whether the decision will stand or if legislative changes will follow. 4/26/2024
Ohio BWC Board to Meet Today, What You Need to Know
April 26, 2024The Board of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is set to meet later today. The agenda includes:
- Sunsetting the “Lapse Free” rebate program effective 7/1/2024. This automatic 2% rebate was paid to employers who submitted timely premium installment payments.
- Sunsetting of the Transitional Work Performance Bonus effective 7/1/2025. The program, compatible with Group Experience Rating, awarded employers up to 10% of premium rebates for returning injured employees back to light duty work. The program rebate percentage will decrease for the 7/1/2024 policy year.
- Sunsetting the Grow Ohio program effective 7/1/2024. Grow Ohio was established in 2011 to entice more employers to open business in Ohio. New companies were provided either a spot in a Group Experience program outside of the enrollment period, or an automatic 25% discount on premiums
Additionally, the BWC has started issuing 2024 (7/1/2024-6/30/2025) coverage certificates and installment plans. Employers are recommended to review the estimated payroll set by the BWC to ensure accurate premiums are being paid. This will also be employers’ first look at the BWC’s new premium calculation which combines the state base rate with the BWC administrative costs.
The BWC is also still reviewing self insured assessment rates for the upcoming policy year, but based on actuarial recommendations an adjustment will be made that will have no impact on the overall cost. 4/26/2024
BWC Training Event: First Aid in the Workplace
April 19, 2024Having individuals trained in immediate first aid is critical not just for manufacturers, but for any workplace environment.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation will be hosting an in-person training on Apr. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cambridge, Ohio focused on how to recognize and provide basic care for injuries and sudden illnesses.
Click here to register. 4/17/2024
BWC Training Event: Health Hazards and Toxicology Fundamentals
April 12, 2024The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation will be hosting a two-day virtual training event on Apr. 23-24 covering the skills and knowledge necessary to recognize and mitigate occupational health hazard exposures.
Attendees will learn a basic understanding of how health hazards affect workers, how to determine applicable occupational exposure limits, essential concepts related to toxicology and more. Click here to register. 4/11/2024
OSHA Finalizes Union ‘Walkaround’ Rule
April 5, 2024In a bad April Fool’s Day joke, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized their rule on Monday that will allow a union representative to accompany an OSHA inspector during a walkaround — regardless of whether the representative is your employee or the facility is a union shop.
The OMA opposes this rule and had raised concerns in the past that the rule will insert instability and unpredictability into the inspection process.
OMA Connections Partner FisherPhillips will be hosting a webinar on Tue., Apr. 16 to discuss the rule and your rights during a walkaround. 4/01/2024
As ‘Walkaround Rule’ Nears Finalization, Use These Seven Steps to Prepare
March 29, 2024The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is moving closer to finalizing a rule that will allow a union representative to accompany an OSHA inspector during a walkaround — regardless of whether the representative is your employee or the facility is a union shop.
OMA Connections Partner FisherPhillips has created this seven step guide on preparing for and what to expect during an OSHA walkaround with a union rep present. 3/27/2024
Ohio Supreme Court Issues Decision Finding TTD Compensation
March 22, 2024On March 5, 2024, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that employers are permitted to request termination of a claimant’s ongoing temporary total disability (TTD) compensation from the date of the independent medical examination report finding maximum medical improvement (MMI).
For a detailed breakdown of the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision from Roetzel & Andress, click here. 3/18/2024
OMA to Host Booth at the 2024 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo
March 22, 2024The 2024 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo is next week! OMA staff will be present in the Expo area at booth 1022 on March 27 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and March 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come say hello, meet our OMA Membership and Workers’ Compensation teams and enter to win two brand new iPads!
This event, hosted annually by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, is the nation’s largest free occupational safety conference focusing on helping employers improve safety and health within their businesses. You can learn more about the safety congress here. Have any questions or want more information? Reach out to OMA’s Nate Mays.
3/20/2024
OMA to Host Booth at the 2024 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo
March 15, 2024We are officially two weeks out from the 2024 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo! The OMA will be present in the Expo area at booth 1022 on March 27 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and March 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come say hello, meet our OMA Membership and Workers’ Compensation teams and enter to win two brand new iPads!
This event, hosted annually by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, is the nation’s largest free occupational safety conference focusing on helping employers improve safety and health within their businesses. You can learn more about the safety congress here. Have any questions or want more information? Reach out to OMA’s Nate Mays.
3/12/2024
FisherPhillips to Host Webinar on OSHA Inspection Under an Enforcement-Driven Administration
March 8, 2024OMA Connections Partner FisherPhillips will host a webinar on Wed., Mar. 27 on handling OSHA inspections in a more aggressive rule enforcement climate.
Topics will include the inspection process, including appeals and hearings, the legal and practical process, and knowing OSHA’s limitations during an inspection.
2/27/2024