Workers’ compensation insurance is an important factor in Ohio’s economy. It not only ensures Ohioans injured on the job get healthy and back to work, but it also protects businesses from costly litigation from workplace incidents.

That said, Gov. John Kasich has tasked the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation with helping to improve Ohio’s economy with reasonable and stable workers compensation costs to employers being a key strategy.

Over the past two years, BWC has saved businesses an estimated $210 million through rate and budget reductions. In fact, the collectible rate for private employers (the amount BWC actually collects after various discounts and adjustments) is the lowest in 24 years.

These efforts are beginning to make a difference. A recent national study had Ohio’s premium costs dropping from 17th highest to 28th highest compared to 2010.

While it’s a good start, more needs to be done. BWC Administrator Steve Buehrer recently appointed me to work with businesses in central and southeastern Ohio to help them reduce their costs even more.

The best way for me to meet this goal is to create awareness of the services and strategies we offer that help companies prevent accidents, and reduce the costs of the accidents that do occur. Fewer accidents will lead to lower costs, allowing us to pass on the savings.

We have bundled our services and strategies into programs to give companies a financial incentive to learn and implement sound safety and cost management strategies. Our Destination: Excellence portfolio of programs focuses on creating safer work places and transitioning injured workers safely back to work.

If you’re a business that is interested in learning more about how BWC can help you improve the safety and health of your employees while reducing your workers’ compensation costs, please feel free to call or email me. I can be reached at 614-204-4705 or James.B.14@bwc.state.oh.us.

Jim Blazer

Regional Business Development Manager

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation