News and Updates
Category: Dfsp
Important BWC Dates to Remember
Employers participating in Ohio BWC’s Drug-Free Safety Program (Basic or Advanced) or a Comparable Program will need to submit their required reports by March 31. The report and instructions for Basic and Advanced participants can be found online here, and the report and instructions for Comparable-Level participants can be found online here. Your report also serves as an application for the next program year. If you have additional questions or concerns about this reporting, or need a resource for training, please reach out to your Client Services Manager at Spooner Inc., or email clientservices@spoonerinc.net. If your policy is enrolled in the Claim Impact Reduction Program (CIRP, formerly known as the One Claim Program), you will need to complete the required training by March 31. A representative from your company must attend a half day class or three hour online class offered by BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene. This PDF has additional details about CIRP that first-year participants may find helpful. For self-insured employers, annual self-insured assessments are due February 28th. Ohio Safety Congress registration recently opened as well. This three day educational event is free to attend for employers with an active Ohio BWC policy. The Expo Marketplace will be open Wednesday and Thursday, and we encourage you to come visit us in booth 129! You can register for Ohio Safety Congress
Additional Drug-Free Program Savings for Spooner Clients
Ohio’s recreational marijuana sales have started! Spooner clients who haven't had a recent review of their drug-free policy can take advantage of a no-cost, no-obligation policy review by First Connect Corporate Services. Our clients who need an update or new policy development will have access to discounted pricing when they mention Spooner. To take advantage of this offer, email your drug free policy to lisawade@firstconnectplus.com and identify your company as a Spooner client. Don’t forget, there is a reimbursement available to Ohio employers current on their workers’ compensation premium that will cover the costs of policy development or update, employee or supervisor training or Train the Trainer programs. Some drug testing is even included. For most employers, the reimbursement means zero out of pocket when using First Connect as the provider. Since 2004, First Connect has been a leading provider of drug free program development and training services in the state of Ohio. For more information, please visit their website at www.firstconnectplus.com or call 855.990.5500 and speak to Lisa
BWC Deadlines and Program Changes
With the BWC policy year coming to a close at the end of June, here are some reminders for upcoming deadlines that may apply to your policy. If you have any questions about these programs or deadlines, please reach out to your Client Services Manager at Spooner Inc. May 31 Drug Free Safety Program application deadline for 2024 policy year Transitional Work Bonus application deadline for 2024 policy year* June 21 First premium installment due for 2024 policy year June 28 Deadline for Grow Ohio safety requirements for newer policyholders whose coverage became effective between July 1 and December 31 of 2023 *The Transitional Work Program is slated to end on 7/1/2025 for private employers and on 1/1/2025 for public employers. We’ll have more information on this as it becomes
2023 Drug-Free Safety Program Changes (Including Comparable Level)
New additional requirements for Ohio companies in Drug Free Safety Program, even at comparable level
2023 Q1 Ohio BWC Update
BWC announced in January that they are proposing an 8% rate reduction for private employers in the 2023 policy year (which begins 7/1/23). This isn’t the first time they’ve touted it – and it’s also not the first time people have misunderstood what it actually means. Not all manual classifications (NCCI codes) will receive a decrease. In fact, some may see their base rates rise. The 8% is an average, meaning BWC will collect 8% less premium across the board. The administrative fee baked into employer premiums will be coming down for the 2023 policy year, but don’t get too excited. It’s going from 31.59% to 29.01%. The 2.58% drop won’t make a huge difference for most Ohio employers. For example, a policy with a $75,000 annual premium will only see a savings of $1935 next year based on that change. Make sure you complete the 2-hour safety training required for 2022 PY Group Rating and Group Retro participants by June 30, 2023. We have you covered on this one! Just sign up for one of our Safety Seminars being held throughout Ohio in April. These fill up fast, so don’t wait to register. Registration is open for 2023 Ohio Safety Congress! We’ve missed this event dearly and we’re excited to return. For the uninitiated, this three-day event takes place March 8-10 and is FREE for state-fund employers (those with a BWC policy). Between the education, exhibits, continuing education credits and teambuilding
