Ohio’s rich history of helping workers and employers throughout the state cope with work-related injuries, diseases and deaths dates back more than 100 years. Today, Ohio’s workers’ compensation system remains essential to ensuring the safety, health and economic well-being of all Ohioans.

 

Workers’ compensation in Ohio is a no-fault system that offers protection from costly lawsuits to employers and guaranteed benefits to injured workers. It is comprised of two parts. 

 

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is the administrative and insurance arm.

The Industrial Commission of Ohio (IC) is the claims adjudicative branch.

 

The Ohio Revised Code governs both agencies.

 

BWC is the only insurance entity that may underwrite workers’ compensation insurance in the state. It provides insurance to approximately two-thirds of Ohio’s workforce. The remaining workers receive coverage directly through their employers. These companies are part of a self-insurance program for large and financially stable employers who meet strict qualifications set by BWC.

 

BWC maintains a central office in Columbus and customer service offices throughout the state.  BWC manages all lost-time claims, initiates coverage and determines premium rates and manual classifications. The agency also collects premiums from employers, determines the initial allowance or denial on claim applications, disburses money to pay compensation and medical costs, keeps account records, develops actuarial data and manages the State Insurance Fund.

 

Through its Division of Safety & Hygiene (DSH), BWC promotes safer, healthier workplaces for Ohio workers and employers.  BWC allocates 1 percent of all premium dollars to developing and presenting safety and health education and services.

 

DSH performs research to prevent industrial accidents and diseases, and offers safety training, and accident and occupational disease-prevention programs to employers and their employees.  The division provides consultation services in ergonomics, industrial hygiene and other safety-related matters to reduce the number and severity of workplace injuries.

 

A governor-appointed administrator and 11-member BWC Board of Directors oversee BWC. Board members represent the interests of Ohio workers and employers, and the public at large. The board also includes members with professional expertise in financial accounting, investments and securities, and actuarial management. All 11 members have full voting rights.

 

As fiduciaries of Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, the board provides independent verification of BWC’s financial and operational performance. It also has direct authority in advising BWC’s administrator and setting the agency’s overall policies.

 

The IC hears and decides contested claims and determines permanent total disability. The governor appoints the three-member IC board and the Ohio Senate confirms it. One member represents labor, one represents industry and one represents the public. There are three appeal levels for workers’ compensation claims.

 

BWC offices

 

Cambridge Customer Service Office                                                              740-435-4210

61501 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge, OH  43725-9114

 

Canton Customer Service Office                                                                    330-471-0937

400 Third St., S.E., Canton, OH  44702-1102

 

Cleveland Customer Service Office                                                               216-787-3060

615 W. Superior Ave., Sixth Floor, Cleveland, OH  44113-1889

 

Columbus Customer Service Office                                                               614-752-4538

30 W. Spring St., 11th Floor, Columbus, OH  43215-2256

 

Dayton Customer Service Office                                                                    937-264-5217

3401 Park Center Drive, Suite 100, Dayton, OH  45414-0910

 

Garfield Heights Customer Service Office                                                     216-584-0115

4800 E. 131 St., Suite A, Garfield Heights, OH  44105-7132

 

Governor’s Hill Customer Service Office                                                      513-583-4403

8650 Governor’s Hill Drive, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH  45249-1369

 

Lima Customer Service Office                                                                       419-227-4116

2025 E. Fourth St., Lima, OH  45804-4101

 

Mansfield Customer Service Office                                                               419-529-4528

240 Tappan Drive, N., Suite A, Mansfield, OH  44906-1367

 

Portsmouth Customer Service Office                                                             740-353-3419

1005 Fourth St., Portsmouth, OH  45662-4315

 

Toledo Customer Service Office                                                                    419-245-2474

1 Government Center, Suite 1136, Toledo, OH  43697-0794

 

Youngstown Customer Service Office                                                           330-797-5010

242 Federal Plaza W., Suite 200, Youngstown, OH  44503-1206

 

Division of Safety & Hygiene                                                                         614-995-8622

Ohio Center for Occupational Safety and Health

13430 Yarmouth Drive, N.W., Pickerington, OH  43147-0338

 

 

Updated September 2013