Make sure you are taking advantage of any program that applies to you
Deadlines approach for multiple employer programs
Employer Programs Application Deadlines
Private employers that are interested in the Drug-Free Safety Program, Industry-Specific Safety Program, and Transitional Work Bonus Program must file an application by May 28 for the next program year beginning July 1, 2021.
Policy Activity Rebate Program
Employers participating in the Policy Activity Rebate (PAR) program must complete 11 credits by May 31, 2021, maintain active coverage, complete the 2020 true-up by the required deadline and have trued up premium of at least $350 for the applicable program year. You can review and/or update your completed activities on the PAR progress look-up
Industry-Specific Safety Program changes effective July 1
The Division of Safety and Hygiene (DSH) has modified the Industry-Specific Safety Program (ISSP) for Ohio employers who actively partner with DSH to reduce the risk of injuries and illness. The overall goal for ISSP is the identification of risk factors and the implementation of effective control measures that improve employee safety and health.
The following changes take effect July 1 for private employers and Jan. 1, 2022, for public employers.
Following a DSH safety and health consultation, the employer must now complete DSH follow-up activities before the end of the program year to earn loss prevention activity credits. Follow-up activities may include responding to a DSH action plan or completing a post-training survey. Previously, employers completed a post-consultation survey (SH-29).
Learn more about DSH ISSP activity credits.
Transitional Work Grant program enhancements June 1
We have enhanced our Transitional Work Grant (TWG) program for Ohio employers who actively participate in the recovery and return to work of their employees. Beginning June 1, employers are eligible for a TWG every five years, 100% reimbursement up to their approved grant maximum, and COVID-19 services.
Renewable every five years
Historically, an employer was only eligible for one TWG during the lifetime of the employer’s policy. The lifetime eligibility criteria has been removed, and an employer may now apply for a TWG every five years.
In the event an employer already received a TWG, the five years is calculated from the date of the previous TWG approval. Employers with a TWG approval date prior to June 1, 2016, are immediately eligible to apply for a new grant.
100% reimbursement based on employer size
The 3:1 grant match reimbursement methodology has been removed. Grant reimbursement to the employer is now 100% of the submitted invoice up to the employer’s maximum awarded grant.
The maximum awarded TWG per employer is based on the employer’s number of employees. The maximum grant amounts are listed below.
- 11 – 49 employees – $2,900.
- 50 – 199 employees – $5,200.
- 200 plus employees – $6,300.
An employer may only apply for one grant per policy number; however, employers with multiple policy numbers may combine their grant monies and develop a corporate program.
Any unused grant monies are referred to as Implementation Funds and are reserved for an employer use until the grant expires. Implementation funds can be used to purchase services an employer needs to facilitate the use of their transitional work program.
Deadline nears for Indoor Air Quality program
The deadline to apply for BWC’s Indoor Air Quality Assistance Program is June 30. This federally funded $28 million program provides reimbursement for improvements to HVAC systems at nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospices, and other facilities that serve vulnerable Ohioans. Experts say such improvements weaken COVID-19’s spread.
Applications being accepted for Trench Safety Grant program
We are now accepting applications for the Trench Safety Grant (TSG) Program. The TSG program helps Ohio employers purchase trench shoring and shielding to substantially reduce or eliminate injuries associated with trenching operations.
The Division of Safety and Hygiene (DSH) encourages Ohio employers to participate in the National Trench Safety Stand-Down activities. June 2021 has been declared “Trench Safety Month” by OSHA and the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). The “Trench Safety Stand Down” week, will occur June 14 – 18, 2021.
Every June since 2016 OSHA, the NUCA has held a Trench Safety Stand Down (TSSD) Week for the construction industry. This year’s event will occur at hundreds of job sites across the nation, reaching tens of thousands of workers. BWC will host multiple trench safety education opportunities in the month of June.
