Drug Free Safety Program (DFSP) is BWC's voluntary safety program developed to address workplace use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs. It's designed to help state-fund employers more effectively prevent on-the-job injuries and illnesses by integrating drug-free efforts into their overall workplace safety program. DFSP can help employers achieve both long-range safety and cost-saving benefits.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the program, as of the application deadline you must:

• Be a private, state-fund employer or a public employer taxing district;
• Be current on all payments due BWC;
• Not have cumulative lapses in workers' compensation coverage in excess of 40 days within the preceding 12 months;
• Be in an active policy status; and
• Report actual payroll for the preceding policy year, and pay any premium due upon reconciliation of estimated premium and actual premium for that policy year.

Enrolling in the program

Complete the Application for Drug-Free Safety Program (U-140) by the following deadlines:

• Private employers by the last business day of May preceding the policy year that starts July 1.
• Public employers by the last business day of November preceding the policy year that starts Jan. 1.

On the U-140, check the program level you are requesting.

You will also be asked whether you want to be placed in the State of Ohio construction contractor/subcontractor database, making you eligible to bid or work on state construction projects.

We provide the Drug-Free Safety Program Directory Listing of vendors to assist employers that have, or are implementing, a drug-free program. If you are a vendor who wishes to apply for the directory or update your information on the directory, please submit the Application for the Drug-Free Safety Program Vendor Directory (DFSP-6) and your supporting documentation to BWCDFSPVendor@bwc.state.oh.us. Vendors are required to be licensed/certified professionals with a concentration in drug and alcohol. Supporting documentation could be a copy of a license/certification, license number, name of professional used in the Ohio e-Licensure look-up, etc.

Current participants

The DFSP at a glance page provides details about program levels, participation requirements, and deadlines. There you can also finds links to resources, forms, and annual reporting. Use the at a glance page as a guide for completing program requirements. Use the Drug-Free Safety Program progress look-up to see your progress toward completing activities.

DFSP grants

Grant funds can help you create a workplace free of alcohol and other drugs while using proven safety processes. By adopting a drug-free environment, you can make a difference in the lives of your employees, their families, and the community.

BWC offers limited start-up grants to help you offset the costs of implementing a DFSP. Eligible employers must be in their first or second year of participation at the Basic or Advanced level without a gap in program participation. Grant recipients also must provide documented expenses related to DFSP implementation.

These reimbursements do not cover the program's full costs. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available.

If you do not participate in DFSP the year following your initial year, you are not eligible for a second year of grant reimbursement.

For detailed information about DFSP grants, including eligibility and application requirements, see the Drug-Free Safety Program Safety Grants Procedural Guide.