What are my legal requirements as an employer in Ohio for providing workers' compensation insurance to my employees?
As an employer in Ohio, you are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for all of your employees. This requirement applies to all employers who have one or more employees, whether they are full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary.
Under Ohio law, workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job. These benefits include medical expenses, lost wages, and disability compensation. Employers are required to pay for this insurance, and may not require employees to contribute to the cost.
To obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage, you must contact the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and apply for coverage. Employers must provide accurate and complete information about their business and their employees to the BWC. Failure to obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage can result in civil penalties and fines.
The cost of workers’ compensation insurance coverage varies depending on the type of work your employees perform, your claims history, and other factors. Employers may be eligible for discounts or rebates if they have a good safety record or participate in BWC-sponsored safety programs.
If an employee is injured on the job, they should notify their employer as soon as possible. The employer is then required to file a claim with the BWC within a specific timeframe. Failure to do so can lead to penalties and fines.
In conclusion, as an Ohio employer, you have a legal obligation to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for your employees. Failure to do so can result in penalties and fines. To obtain coverage, you must apply with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and provide accurate information about your business and employees. If an employee is injured on the job, you must file a claim with the BWC within a specific timeframe.