August Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

OABA is pleased to partner with Sedgwick to offer members quality service and stability through the complex workers’ compensation environment. Check out this update from Sedgwick regarding the Role of the Industrial Commission and Ohio BWC's new SUPR program.

Role of the Industrial Commission

The Ohio workers’ compensation process can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when there is a need to contest a claim before the Ohio Industrial Commission (IC).

The State of Ohio charges the IC with the responsibility of resolving disputes that may arise between the parties of a workers’ compensation claim.  Those parties are the injured worker, the employer and the administrator (Bureau of Workers’ Compensation). 

The IC schedules an informal conference, referred to as a “hearing”, whenever one of the above noted parties files an appeal to a decision issued by the Bureau or if one of the parties to the claim files a motion requesting consideration of a specific action.     Most hearings are scheduled within 45 days of the appeal/motion being submitted to the IC.

There are three levels to the IC hearing process –

• Level 1 is the District Level
• Level 2 is the Staff Level
• Level 3 is the Commission level

Once an issue is referred to the IC for scheduling the IC will send notices to all parties of the claim advising of the date and time of the scheduled hearing.

At Sedgwick, your hearing will be assigned to a Sedgwick Hearing Consultant who will review the claim file and attend the hearing.    As the employer, you are always encouraged to attend any hearing where your testimony may impact the decision.     Your Sedgwick Hearing Consultant can participate in a pre-hearing phone call with you to review the claim file information and their plan for the presentation to the IC hearing officer.    Because the IC offers a call in option for all hearings you are able to attend the hearing without leaving your office.

It is important to remember that all hearings are scheduled for 20 minutes and that each party present for the hearing is allotted a portion of that time for their presentation.    Any documentation that you wish to be considered that is relative to the scheduled issue should be submitted to the IC claim file and all other parties well ahead of the hearing date.  This allows the hearing officer the opportunity to review the pertinent information beforehand and formulate any specific questions he or she may have relative to the information.

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, David Deyo, at david.deyo@sedgwick.com

Ohio BWC launches new SUPR program

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is making changes to enhance its efforts in addressing substance abuse among the state’s workforce.  The new program, known as the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Program (SUPR), combines the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP), DFSP Safety Grants and the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program.  This single program helps to address workplace misuse of alcohol and other drugs.  The goal is to help state-fund employers prevent work-related injuries and illnesses by combining drug free efforts into an employer’s safety program. 

The changes to the program took effect for private employers on July 1, 2025 and will take effect for public employers on January 1st, 2026. 

Some highlights of the changes include:

• Most program participants will automatically be eligible for reimbursement grants.
• Expenses eligible for reimbursement have been expanded to include substance use assessments for employers with “second chance” policies.
• Enrollment has moved to year-round with the ability to earn a pro rata bonus.
• The requirement to file the Safety Management Self-Assessment (SH-26) has been eliminated.
• The requirement to file the Safety Action Plan (DFSP-5) has been eliminated.
• The requirement to file the online Accident Report (DFSP-1) will be required for lost-time claims only.
• An online portal is being developed to report on program requirement completion and request reimbursement of activities in one place.

As with many BWC programs, employers must meet certain eligibility requirements.  To participate in SUPR, employers must:

• Be current on all BWC premium payments.
• Be in an “active” policy status (not lapsed or inactive).
• Have reported actual payroll and paid any premiums due for the previous year.
• Have no more than 40 days of lapsed workers’ compensation coverage in the last 12 months (Advanced and Basic Levels).

Employers electing to participate in the program have four program levels to choose from:

• Advanced – 7% bonus on premium payments.
• Basic – 4% bonus on premium payments.
• Comparable – Allows employers to be included on the list of approved state construction contractors.
• SUPR Reimbursement only – Eligible employers can request reimbursement of up to $5,000 for costs associated with developing or reviewing a drug-free workplace policy, employee and supervisor training, drug and alcohol testing and substance use assessments.

Program requirements vary by level of participation, so employers will need to provide the requirements as outlined by the BWC based on the participation level they select. Program Requirements include:

• Written policy
• Employee education
• Supervisor training
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Annual report
• Employee assistance
• Accident analysis
• Online accident reporting

As an example, if you choose to participate in the Basic, you will only be required to complete specific program requirements.  However, if you choose Advanced you will need to complete Basic requirements in addition to other requirements.

If you would like to learn more about the changes to the program, go to Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Program or if you would like to enroll in the (SUPR) Program go to Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program.

This is just one of the great opportunities the state of Ohio offers for employers, but there are other grant programs designed to help employers reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace, as well.  Click on the link to go to the BWC’s Safety Grant Programs.

If you would like to know more about Sedgwick’s safety services or would like to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact Andy Sawan at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330.819.4728.

Learn more about Sedgwick!

Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers’ compensation costs? Through the OABA workers’ compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers’ compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. Our program, administered by Sedgwick, offers you quality service and stability through the complex workers’ compensation environment.

For over 50 years, Sedgwick has been helping employers navigate Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, providing services to help them control claim-related costs and reduce premiums. Our team includes experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp.

Learn more about how Sedgwick can help your company save significantly on your workers’ compensation premium by clicking here.