Government worker’s comp rates lowered

Ohio BWC information

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors today approved a recommendation by BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer to reduce average rates for public employer taxing districts by 5 percent. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which public employer rates have been reduced by at least 5 percent. Average rates, based on an employers’ payroll, have not been this low since at least 1983.

“I’m glad that Ohio can again reduce workers’ comp rates for local governments,” said Ohio Governor John Kasich. “They’re taking the right steps to help keep employees safer, and good management and strong investments at BWC are bringing rates down to the lowest level in nearly 30 years.  At a time when government at all levels is expected to tighten its belt, Ohio is promoting shared services and lowering workers comp rates to help local governments cope.”

The reduction is projected to lower combined premiums by an estimated $12.7 million for Ohio’s 3,900 cities, counties, townships, villages, schools and special districts, beginning January 1, 2013. Combined with last year’s 5 percent rate reduction, Ohio’s public employers will experience an estimated two-year savings of approximately $40 million, when compared to 2011 rate levels.

The overall average decrease of five percent will result in base rate reductions, based upon recent and projected experience, for 12 of the 14 public employer types, known as manual classifications. This decrease includes some classifications in which base rates will decrease even more than the average statewide level. For example, counties’ base rate will decrease by 7.1 percent, and the base rates for public libraries, joint vocational schools and special public universities will all decline by 15.7 percent. Actual premium changes for individual public entities will differ based on several factors including their own recent claims history and program participation.

Numerous representatives of public employers applauded today’s news, including those from the County Commissioners Association, Ohio Municipal League, Ohio School Boards Association and Ohio Association of School Business Officials. Quotes from these associations and several local officials can be found here.

BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer also used the opportunity to encourage public employers to take full advantage of the bureau’s rate-savings and safety programs.

“We’re doing our part to help keep workers’ compensation rates as low as possible for Ohio’s local governments, but there are a number of programs and services BWC offers that can help even more,” said Buehrer. “Last year, we awarded $720,000 in grants to help nearly 40 public employers make their workplace safer. And safer workplaces mean fewer accidents, which translates to lower premiums.” Buehrer also noted that hundreds of public employers and thousands of public employees have benefited from safety programming through BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene.

Public or private sector employers wanting to know more about money saving programs and services are encouraged to call 800.OHIO.BWC or visit OhioBWC.com.