Media Advisory: June 28, 2010

BWC Drug-Free Safety Program Enrollment Period Ends June 30

Program Targets Prevention of Workplace Injuries Related to Substance Use

COLUMBUS – Ohio’s private employers have until June 30 to sign-up for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) new Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP). The program is designed to promote the health of Ohio’s workforce and to prevent workplace injuries attributed to use/abuse of alcohol and/or drugs. The program was approved by the BWC Board of Directors in March, and goes into effect on July 1, 2010.

“Planning and education are our greatest tools for preventing accidents that occur as a result of substance use in the workplace,” said BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “The modernized program extends eligibility to more employers, and uses a tailored approach to improve overall workplace accidents and end injures that are the result of substance abuse.”

More than 3,600 employers have already enrolled in the DFSP, which will replace the current Drug-Free Workplace Program. The DFSP was created as a result of the recommendations of a recent comprehensive study of Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, its programs and services. It eliminates the past program’s participation limitations and offers the ability for premium discounts from three to seven percent for eligible employers.

The DFSP will be available first for private employers on July 1, and for both public and private employers effective Jan. 1, 2011. The initial application deadline is 5 p.m. on June 30, 2010, for the July 1, 2010, program year and October 29 for the Jan. 1 program year.

Employers can submit an application for the DFSP at ohiobwc.com or learn more about the program here.

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