True-Up available now!

The True-up period for policy year 2021 is available now through August 15! The Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) determines employer premiums based on the amount of payroll (exposure) reported multiplied by a specific rate. At the beginning of each policy period, we'll set an estimated annual premium (EAP) as follows.

• For a new employer, we'll establish your estimated annual premium by using the 12-month payroll estimate you submitted on your application for workers' compensation coverage.
• For an existing employer that had coverage before this policy period, we'll establish your estimated annual premium by using the estimated payroll from the previous policy year.

At the end of the policy year, we must ensure the estimated premium we set for you was correct. To do this you must file a true-up report that reflects the actual payroll for that policy year. You must complete the report online using the Payroll true-up report service offering.

If your true-up payroll exceeds the estimated payroll, you'll owe additional premium If your true-up payroll is less than your estimated payroll, you'll receive a premium credit.

Important An employer must submit a payroll true-up report even if it has zero payroll.

Industry-Specific Safety Program (ISSP) changes

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 took 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.

Private employers participating in ISSP for the July 1 policy year must submit the online Safety Self-Assessment (SH-26) no later than July 30.

Click here to submit the SH-26 online.

Deadline extended for Indoor Air Quality program

The deadline to apply for BWC Indoor Air Quality Assistance Program has been extended to December 31, 2021. 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 spread.  For an application and more on this program, visit this BWC webpage.

BWC joins Ohio Agribusiness Alliance

BWC and the Ohio On-Site Consultation Program are proud to join an alliance with the Ohio Agribusiness Association and the four Ohio area offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to raise awareness and develop safety education and training specific to the Ohio agribusiness industry.

Workers in the agricultural industry face unique hazards from grain storage and processing, farm and grain handling machinery, and falls. The alliance will focus on providing information, guidance, and access to consultation and training resources that will help protect the health and safety of workers.

BWC will provide free safety and health consulting through the Ohio On-site Consultation Program and our loss prevention services to assist in addressing site-specific hazards at individual locations. Ohio On-site, jointly funded by OSHA and BWC, has expertise in high-hazard industries, like agriculture.