Ohio BWC has implemented some changes to their Drug Free Safety Program, effective July 1, 2023. These changes will apply to both public and private employers already enrolled in DFSP, and those who enroll for future policy years. For starters, your policy has to be in good standing – current on payments, no lapses in the last 12 months, and a current payroll True Up with any associated balance paid in full. Here is a high-level recap of the major changes: 

• Train the Trainer materials should be refreshed every five (5) years
• All supporting documentation should be kept on file for BWC to review upon request (you should be doing this now, just as a general recordkeeping guideline)
• Your DFSP testing & education plans will need to be submitted with your application in order to be included on the “public improvement contractors” list. 

If your business is a Comparable Level Participant, you’ll need to follow all of the above guidelines, as well as meeting annual training requirements (one hour for employees, two for supervisors). This means that employees and supervisors currently working on a public improvment project should have received DFSP training wthin the last 12 months. If any of them are past the 12 month mark on training, prioritize completing it ASAP, and if necessary, schedule your all-staff training at a later date. You can watch a recording of the webinar BWC held in June regarding these updates. Please reach out to us with any questions, or for help finding qualified trainers.