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What are my responsibilities as an employer in Ohio when it comes to workers' compensation insurance?

As an Ohio employer, you are required to carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for your employees. This is mandated by Ohio law, which stipulates that employers with one or more employees must have a workers' compensation policy in place.

The workers' compensation system in Ohio is administered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), which provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job or develop work-related illnesses. The BWC is responsible for administering the system, processing claims, and collecting premiums from employers.

As an employer in Ohio, your responsibilities with respect to workers' compensation insurance include:

  1. Obtaining a workers' compensation insurance policy from an approved provider.
  2. Providing information to the Ohio BWC about your business and employees so that they can assign the appropriate premium rate.
  3. Reporting any workplace injuries or illnesses immediately to the Ohio BWC.
  4. Cooperating with the Ohio BWC throughout the claims process, including providing any necessary documentation, information, or assistance.
  5. Paying the premiums on time and in full, based on the assigned rate for your business and the number of employees you have.

There are some limitations or exceptions to the above responsibilities. For example, some employers may be exempt from carrying workers' compensation insurance under certain circumstances. For example, self-employed individuals or sole proprietors may not be required to carry coverage, depending on certain factors. Additionally, some types of workers may not be covered by workers' compensation, such as independent contractors or certain types of agricultural workers.

If you have any questions or concerns about your responsibilities as an employer with respect to workers' compensation insurance in Ohio, it is recommended that you speak with a licensed attorney or contact the Ohio BWC directly for more information.