For Immediate Release: Sept. 19, 2007

BWC Offers Relief to Flood-Affected Employers

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced today that employers located in nine Ohio counties included in a state of emergency declaration during recent flooding may be eligible for relief in paying the first half of their 2007 workers’ compensation premiums. In addition, employers may also qualify for document recovery assistance. This Emergency Flood Initiative (EFI) will be in effect until Oct. 31, 2007.

“Those whose businesses were affected by the devastating floods in northern Ohio should not be penalized because they were unable to access files or compile data to pay their workers’ compensation premiums by the August 31, 2007 deadline,” said BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “This initiative will make it possible for these businesses to get back on their feet without the worry or fear of consequence for their late payment.”

Counties included in the state of emergency declared by Governor Ted Strickland on Aug. 22, 2007, are Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Richland, Seneca, Van Wert and Wyandot. Employers in the affected counties that can demonstrate the flooding caused them a delay in paying their premium may request that their BWC policies have the related lapse period removed and any associated penalties abated. Employers should submit a letter requesting these actions to: BWC Adjudication Committee, PO Box 15398, Columbus, OH 43215 or by fax to (614) 719-5941. Employers must submit requests by Oct. 31, 2007.

“Additionally, BWC is spearheading efforts to assist employers in the affected counties in recovering documents that may have been lost or destroyed by flood waters,” said Ryan. Employers that would like to initiate this process, or may have questions about this or the EFI, should contact BWC by calling 1-800-OHIOBWC. A number of these crucial documents are accessible to employers by accessing www.ohiobwc.com. These documents include: employer demographics; coverage history; elective coverage; payroll history; accounts receivable; and a reprint of the employers’ coverage certificate.

BWC assists Ohio's employers and employees in coping with workplace injuries by providing medical and compensation benefits for work-related injuries, diseases and deaths. BWC is the largest exclusive state-fund workers’ compensation system in the United States and is the nation’s second largest underwriter of workers’ compensation insurance.

Contact: Keary McCarthy
mccarthy.keary@bwc.state.oh.us

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