Policy Activity Rebate Program activities

March 02, 2021 | Agency

Employers choose from 33 activities, including option for safety, claims and policy management.

Employers enrolled in the Policy Activity Rebate Program must sign up for activities and track their progress toward the required 11 credits. Private employers have until May 31, 2021, to complete their activities. Public employers have until Nov. 30, 2020.

Activities

Below are the options from which you can choose. Employers must use the Policy Activity Rebate progress look-up to record their completed activities.

General

Complete any online class on BWC's website

Employers may complete any online class offered through the BWC Learning Center for one credit. An employer can earn a maximum of two credits.

Share an injured worker's (IW's) success story with BWC communications

If you have a great story to share regarding one of your injured worker's recovery and return to work, our communications department wants to hear from you. We'd like to work with you to possibly publish the story. Contact BWC communications department directly to see how we may possibly highlight the positive story. BWC communications will review all submissions; two credits are only earned if BWC publishes the success story.

Claims

Bring an IW back to work on light/modified duty during the current policy year

A successful early return-to-work with restrictions is the goal.

Employer attends at least one Ohio Industrial Commission (IC) or Handicap Percentage Reimbursement hearing

Employers earn a credit by attending an IC hearing or a handicap reimbursement hearing for a claim issue related to their policy.

Employer creates a post injury packet to provide to injured workers

By working with their managed care organization (MCO), third-party administrator, and/or possibly BWC safety consultant, an employer can earn one credit by developing a post injury packet. The goal is to assist the injured worker with proper instructions, injury management contacts, treatment expectations, communication opportunities, and potential return-to-work goals. Packets could include a First Report of Injury, employer accident report, MCO information, light duty, return to work, transitional work expectations, and local treatment facilities.

Formally develop or show proof of a transitional work plan

Employers can earn a credit for developing a transitional work program when not prohibited by a labor agreement. Transitional work allows injured workers to return to work in a productive capacity during their recuperative period. Those in need of assistance with program development may opt to use BWC's transitional work grant. Employers who have an existing, developed transitional work program earn a credit as well.

Policy

Complete any training class through the Division of Safety & Hygiene.

Employers may enroll in any class here.

Complete true-up by July 15 (for private employers) or Jan. 15 (for public employers)

BWC normally requires employers to complete their true-up within 45 days of the end of the policy year. Employers can earn one credit by completing, including payment, the true-up within the first 15 days. You must complete true-up and pay via BWC's website only.

Create/maintain an e-account, sign up for eNotices and update/maintain demographics once a year

We require the employer to create/maintain an e-account, maintain and update their demographics online, and sign up for eNotices with BWC. The employer must join, update, and/or maintain all three to earn one credit.

Eligible employer has two or more employees enrolled in Better You, Better Ohio! wellness program

Employers with 150 workers or less in the following industries are eligible: Agriculture; automotive repair and service; construction; firefighters; health care; manufacturing; police and public safety; public employers; restaurant and food service; transportation and trucking; trash collection; wholesale and retail. Additional information can be found here.

Employer conducts drug/alcohol testing

Employers can earn one credit by conducting either pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, or random alcohol and drug testing. BWC strongly advises an employer to check with their legal counsel before performing any drug and alcohol testing.

Employer has a wellness program

Employers can earn one credit for offering (not included through the employer's insurance plan) and managing a workplace wellness program for their employees.

Employer pays all installments (online only) by the due date(s)

BWC encourages employers to pay premium installments timely to avoid potential lapses on their policy. An employer can earn one credit if they complete all installment payments online and timely by the due date(s) that may lead to other potential year-end rebates.

Employer schedules policy review with employer services specialist (ESS) or business consultant (BC)

Employers can earn one credit if the employer schedules and meets with their ESS or a BC for a comprehensive review of their policy.

Participate in BWC online monthly webinars

Employers can earn two credits by registering and participating in two BWC monthly update webinars.

Safety

Attend the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo

Employers can attend two days at the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo and earn a credit for each day. Attendance will satisfy credit requirements for Policy Activity Rebate (PAR) and/or Industry Specific Safety Program (ISSP).

Complete consultations with DSH

Employers can earn two credits by using two disciplines from DSH (an industrial safety consultant, ergonomist, hygienist) for consultation, including but not limited to safety program assessments, work station evaluation, or air/noise monitoring. You can view a summary of consultative services on the About safety consultations page. To request consulting services, see requesting consultations or contact your local service office.

Create an accident analysis/reporting policy

Employers can earn one credit by developing a comprehensive policy using the elements for an effective written accident analysis program to prevent and/or minimize the occurrence of future occupational accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Employer attends a minimum two-hour safety/health/wellness training provided by an external, non-BWC source

Employers can earn one credit for attending an external training event (not provided by BWC) that incorporates safety training. Examples include but are not limited to, attendance at a national industry conference (i.e. any association conference, National Safety Council Conference, National Workers' Compensation Conference), OSHA/MSHA training, National Driver Safety, CPR/AED/First aid, or other privately held safety training the employer has used. Employers who attend training through a third-party administrator (TPA) is acceptable. An employer can earn a maximum of two credits.

Employer creates a safety & health committee/team

Employers can earn one credit if they create a safety committee comprised of management and employee representatives whose responsibility is to handle problem solving and decision making for safety and health related issues and improvements in the workplace.

Employer sponsored safety event

Employers can earn one credit for providing a meaningful safety event as a tangible means to affirm and recognize employees for supporting and following prescribed safe work practices.

Purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) or any safety equipment outside of BWC's safety grant program

Apart from using BWC's Safety Intervention Grant, an employer who sustains their loss prevention program efforts with purchases of safety equipment and/or personal protective equipment for all staff can earn one credit.

Submit online accident report for all claims during evaluation period

Employers with claims occurring during their participation year can earn one credit by completing the online accident report (DFSP-1) for those claims. DFSP-1 is generally used by employers participating in BWC's Drug Free Safety Program (DFSP). Accident reports help to identify the root causes of accidents and implement corrective measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Use of an external safety service for either Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requirements

Employer can earn one credit if an employer chooses to use a private safety consulting company for OSHA or MSHA safety training and program requirements.

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