Another type of BWC certificate: Showing our appreciation to yet another source

By Jeff Baker, Program Administrator, BWC Special Investigations Department

Normally, when our readers think of the words “BWC” and “certificate”, they think of the BWC Certificate of Coverage. This makes sense. The certificate is widely seen and easily recognized. It is the official document employers often frame to display within their business.

Understandably, the law-abiding business owner wants every employee and customer to see that they have secured workers’ compensation coverage from our agency. They know that others see it as proof of the business’s legitimacy and a sign of the owner’s prudence.

That might explain why Shelly Young, the co-founder and co-owner of a Cambridge business, Acute Nursing Care LLC, was surprised when we contacted her, asking to present her with another type of BWC certificate: a Certificate of Appreciation.

Scott Lape, a Special Agent in Charge with the Special Investigations Department (SID), explained to Mrs. Long that the certificate acknowledges the business owner’s referral of a fraud allegation to BWC – a referral that had resulted in the successful prosecution of the subject.

Signed by SID Director Jim Wernecke, the framed certificate is a simple way to demonstrate our thanks to Shelly Long and others who are our partners in combating fraud.

Significantly, Mrs. Long will receive her Certificate of Appreciation during International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) 2015. Sponsored annually by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, IFAW is dedicated to the prevention, identification and investigation of fraud – wherever it might occur throughout the world.

Just like Shelly Long, you are our eyes and ears in Ohio! Thank you for your help in stamping out fraud, and please, keep those tips coming. To report workers’ comp fraud to BWC, click here or call our fraud hotline at 1-800-644-6292.