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
Employer attends a minimum two-hour safety/health/wellness training provided by an external, non-BWC source
Employer creates a safety & health committee/team
Employer sponsored safety event
Purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) or any safety equipment outside of BWC's safety grant program
Submit online accident report for all claims during evaluation period
Use of an external safety service for either Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requirements
Videos - Employers can earn a maximum of 4 credits from the videos below.
BWC program options
Discovering BWC's discount programs: What every employer should know.
Getting to know BWC
Ohio employers are not alone in managing their workers' compensation. From the safety and health of your employees to claims management strategies, BWC is here to help. In this video, you will learn about the many resources available at BWC to assist you in every aspect of workers’ compensation management.
How to get an injured employee back to work
How to read your invoice
This video provides an overview of a BWC invoice for Ohio employers.
Medication education and awareness
Navigating the MCO system
Managed care organizations, or MCOs, are an important part of Ohio's workers' compensation system. They help manage the needs of an injured worker on behalf of the employer. This video will help employers understand the role MCOs play in ensuring positive outcomes for injured workers.
The five critical items to manage your policy
BWC wants employers to be successful in managing their workers' compensation policy. This video provides five critical items every employer should know to reduce premiums, prevent coverage issues, and keep their employees safe. Topics include e-account management, installment schedule and premiums amounts, annual true-up, cost reduction options, and resources for policy and safety consultation.
What to do in the first 30 days of a claim
At BWC, we believe the best claim is one that never happens. Unfortunately, we all know workplace accidents do happen and when they do, the first 30 days after injury are pivotal to successful injury outcomes and future performance. In this video, we share some quick and easy tips to manage the first 30 days after a workplace accident occurs.