NIOSH-BWC study published in industry journal By Steve Naber, Ph.D., BWC Business Intelligence and Analytics Manager For more than 10 years, our Division of Safety & Hygiene has enjoyed the benefits of being in a cooperative research program with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Through the program, we share claims with … Continue reading BWC safety grants protect worker health, save employers time, money
workers’ comp
BWC board reduces rates for Ohio’s private employers
Employers will pay $132 million less in premiums next year Ohio’s private employers will pay nearly $132 million less in premiums to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation next fiscal year under a 13% rate reduction the agency’s Board of Directors approved last week. The reduction marks BWC’s third largest rate cut in 60 years … Continue reading BWC board reduces rates for Ohio’s private employers
Make 2020 healthier and happier with Better You, Better Ohio!®
By Kristen Dickerson, Ph.D., BWC Statewide Health, Wellness, and Special Program Manager The arrival of 2020 brings a new year, a new decade, and some changes to Better You, Better Ohio!®, our health and wellness program for workers who work for small employers (150 or fewer employees) in high-risk industries.* With Better You, Better Ohio!, … Continue reading Make 2020 healthier and happier with Better You, Better Ohio!®
BWC secures 14 fraud-related convictions in October
Fraudsters owe BWC more than $283,000 in restitution The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) secured 14 fraud-related convictions in October, with those convicted owing BWC a combined $283,146 in restitution. Those convicted include injured workers found working while collecting disability benefits, family members collecting their deceased parent’s compensation benefits, and business owners whose coverage … Continue reading BWC secures 14 fraud-related convictions in October
Happy Anniversary to Us!
On Nov. 14, 2019, our BWC Special Investigations Department celebrated the second anniversary of its Fraud Hotline system. We launched this system during Fraud Awareness Week 2017 as an important new customer service tool for external sources to report their suspicions of workers’ compensation fraud. What a successful launch and two years it has been! … Continue reading Happy Anniversary to Us!
Fraud of the Day during Fraud Awareness Week
By Jeff Baker, BWC Special Investigations Department When the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) created its Special Investigations Department (SID) in 1993, investigative professionals in the new department knew they would need to do more than detect, identify and investigate suspected workers’ compensation fraud. To fully meet the department’s mandate and mission, SID professionals would need to also deter fraud. We felt one of the most … Continue reading Fraud of the Day during Fraud Awareness Week
A letter from Jim Wernecke – Director of BWC Special Investigations
As Director of the BWC Special Investigations Department (SID), I am honored to kick off Fraud Awareness Week. I invite you to view my video message, “Fraud Hurts Us All.” In the video I discuss how workers’ compensation fraud increases premiums for employers, which reduces the money employers can invest in their employees, community and … Continue reading A letter from Jim Wernecke – Director of BWC Special Investigations
Northeast Ohio business owners owe BWC nearly $1.3 million following fraud convictions
Two northeast Ohio businessmen must pay the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) nearly $1.3 million in restitution following their recent convictions on multiple fraud charges in separate, unrelated cases. “We look forward to recouping these dollars and directing them where they belong — taking care of injured workers, creating safe workplaces, and giving employers … Continue reading Northeast Ohio business owners owe BWC nearly $1.3 million following fraud convictions
Cincinnati caterer convicted of workers’ comp fraud
Woman ran catering business while collecting disability benefits A Cincinnati woman claiming to be permanently disabled from work owes the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) nearly $41,000 after her felony conviction Oct. 24 for workers’ compensation fraud. Michelle D. Smith, 57, pleaded guilty to the fifth-degree felony in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court … Continue reading Cincinnati caterer convicted of workers’ comp fraud
Nearly $1 million owed BWC in employer fraud case
Cleveland-area business owner convicted of fraud Monday A northeast Ohio business owner owes the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation nearly $1 million in restitution following his conviction Monday in Cleveland on workers’ compensation fraud charges. Robert E. Fitz, an attorney and owner of Action Maids residential cleaning company in Westlake, Ohio, pleaded guilty to a … Continue reading Nearly $1 million owed BWC in employer fraud case
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