OhioBWC - Basics: (Policy library) - File

 

Policy Name:

Self-Insured (SI) Construction Projects

Policy #:

SI-03-05

Code/Rule Reference

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4123.35 and Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 4123-19-08, 4123-19-14, and 4123-19-16.

Effective Date:

08/27/2020

Approved:

Winnie Warren, Interim Chief of Employer Services

Origin:

Self-Insured Department/Employer Services

Supersedes:

N/A

History:

New

Review Date:

September 1, 2025

 

 

I.       Policy Purpose

 

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) may permit an active self-insuring (SI) employer, public school district, county school financing district, education service center, community school, state institution of higher education, or municipal power agency to administer a Controlled Insurance Program for approved construction projects.

 

II.     Applicability

 

This policy applies to eligible SI employers, public school districts, county school financing districts, education service centers, community schools, state institutions of higher education, municipal power agencies, contractors, subcontractors, and the Self-Insured Department (SI Department).

 

III.    Definitions

A.     Contractor Controlled Insurance Program (CCIP): A program held by an SI employer that is also a construction contractor during the construction or renovation of a property, to cover all workers’ compensation liability arising from the construction project.

B.     Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP): A program held by an SI employer, public school district, county school financing district, education service center, community school, state institution of higher education, or municipal power agency during the construction or renovation of a property, to cover all workers’ compensation liability arising from the construction project.

C.    Responsible Employer: The SI employer, public school district, county school financing district, education service center, community school, state institution of higher education, or municipal power agency that applies to self-insure a construction project.

D.    Self-Insured Review Panel (SIRP):  A three-person panel appointed by the Administrator to provide SI employers with hearings on matters referred to the panel, or as requested by the employer.

E.     Self-Insured Construction Wrap-Up Application (SI-50): Required form to apply for an OCIP or CCIP.

F.     Self-Insuring Employer (SI Employer): An employer that BWC has granted the privilege of paying compensation and benefits directly. 

IV.   Policy

A.     Eligibility Criteria.  Applicant must be at least one of the following: 

1.     An active SI employer as outlined in ORC 4123.35;

2.     A state institution of higher education;

3.     A public school district;

4.     A county school financing district;

5.     An educational service center;

6.     A community school established under Chapter 3314 of the ORC; or

7.     A municipal power agency as defined in ORC 3734.058.

B.     Application Criteria:

1.     All applications must be filed using the Self-Insured Construction Wrap-Up Application (SI-50) and include the following information:

a.     Demographic information;

b.     Project description;

c.      Project administration;

d.     Contractor and subcontractor information;

e.     Safety plan; and

f.       Notary certification.

2.     All applications must be received by BWC at least ninety (90) days prior to the date the construction project is to commence.

3.     The cost of the construction project for an active SI employer must be a minimum of $100 million and the duration of the project is a maximum of six years; however, if the construction project is estimated to exceed $25 million, the Administrator may waive these requirements as permitted under ORC 4123.35(O). For all other eligible applicants, the cost of the construction project must be a minimum of $25 million.

C.    Approved projects will be added to the existing self-insured policy of the applicant, if applicable; otherwise, a new self-insured policy number will be created. 

 

D.    Approved applicants are required to:

1.     Provide a list of all contractors, subcontractors, and their employees covered under the construction project prior to the start date of the project;

2.     Provide contractor and subcontractor payroll;

3.     Provide any changes to contractors and subcontractors, every three months, for the duration of the project;

4.     Notify BWC of any changes in the project’s scope or duration, including the project’s actual end date;

5.     Ensure that contractors, subcontractors, and their employees properly report claims under the assigned policy for the project; and

6.     Notify BWC of any wrongfully assigned claims.

 

V.     Resolution of Complaints

 

A.     Any complaints or disputes related to this policy must be submitted in writing to the SI Department, via mail or email, as detailed in the Self-Insured Employer Dispute/Protest Policy.

 

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation

Self-Insured Department

30 W. Spring St., 22nd Floor

Columbus, Ohio 43215-2256

Email: siinq@bwc.state.oh.us

 

B.     The SI employer may file a written appeal of the SI Department’s decision to the SIRP.