The laws for workers’ compensation in your state vary depending on where you live and several factors. Preventing on-the-job injuries is an important responsibility. You provide your employees with personal protective equipment and carefully train them to ensure they understand safety protocols. However, workplace injuries can still happen despite these efforts, which is why you need a workers’ compensation insurance policy. There are also a few Ohio workers comp laws you need to be aware of as a business owner.
Workers’ Compensation in Your State and Why The Details Matter
Read on to learn more about workers’ compensation in Ohio.
Workers’ Compensation in Ohio Is Mandatory
There are many things to know about workers’ compensation in Ohio. First, it is a requirement for all businesses. Some states offer exemptions for small businesses with only a few employees, but Ohio state law mandates that all businesses with at least one employee must obtain workers comp coverage. Furthermore, the law states that all employees must have coverage under their employer’s policy regardless of their status or position. These mandates ensure that workers always have coverage if a workplace injury was to occur.
Failure To Buy Insurance Has Consequences
If workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory, what happens to businesses that don’t comply? Penalties can vary for this infraction, but it’s important to remember that employees can still file a claim even if your company has insurance. They can file their workers’ comp claim with Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. If the BWC approves the claim, your business will be entirely responsible for the associated costs. BWC also indicates that a lapse in coverage may cause monetary penalties as high as 15% of the monthly premium.
The Industrial Commission of Ohio Handles Disputes
The next law you should know about Ohio workers’ compensation is the fact that the Industrial Commission of Ohio handles any disputed claims. If an employee files a workers comp claim you suspect to be fraudulent, you may reject their claim. At this point, the Industrial Commission of Ohio will step in and conduct an investigation. This state agency will then hold hearings and decide the validity of the employee’s claim.
You Can Purchase Coverage Through BWC
In addition to overseeing disputed claims, BWC is responsible for managing the workers’ compensation marketplace for Ohio businesses. BWC is the exclusive source for policies and serves more than 250,000 employers in the state. When shopping for your policy, you’ll see a search engine that allows you to browse policies from approved providers. Investing in coverage from an insurer that caters to your business and your industry is essential.
Get the Right Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Understanding the laws governing workers’ compensation can help you ensure you’re compliant. However, businesses must take additional steps to prevent injuries and improve workplace safety. It is the best strategy for minimizing the potential risk of claims and keeping employees safe from harm. Reach out to your workers’ comp insurance agent to confirm your coverage and brainstorm strategies for creating a safer environment for everybody.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
