Ohio: Employers could continue to receive lower premiums through safety councils

The head of Ohio's Bureau of Workers' Compensation wants to continue and expand a program that rewards employers for participating in safety programs. Stephen Buehrer announced his plan at an annual safety meeting last month.

The Safety Council Rebate Incentive Program allows employers to earn rebates on their premiums in exchange for participating in the local safety councils and reducing workplace injuries. The program is due to expire soon.

There are 80 safety councils sponsored by the Division of Safety and Hygiene. They are organized by local safety groups to inform participants of new safety techniques, products, and services.

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Employers can receive a 2 percent rebate for attending a specific number of safety council programs. They get an additional 2 percent reduction for demonstrating a reduction in the frequency and/or severity of workplace incidents.

Buehrer is proposing that the program allow group-rated employers to participate in the safety councils and earn a 2 percent performance rebate for demonstrating improvements in workplace safety. Buehrer said employers that are most active in taking control of their safety programs are the most successful in preventing claims and managing their workers' comp costs.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

April 25, 2011

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