Along with a new year comes new obligations and requirements that schools must meet with respect to Workers Compensation. One of the easiest ways to stay up-to-date is by attending one of the upcoming SchoolComp workshops to hear the latest on workers compensation, rates, filing deadlines, retrospective and group requirements, unemployment, MCO and BWC updates, and safety training. While designed with our programs’ plan participants in mind, anyone can certainly attend. Additionally, these workshops meet the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) two-hour safety training requirement, so it is a great way to fulfill this requirement early in the year.
Remember, plan participation deadlines remain earlier than in the past. To enroll - or re-enroll - in a group-rating program for the new program year, the filing deadline is May 29, 2020. The deadline for group retrospective is July 31, 2020. Therefore, schools should expect to receive their invitations as early as February. If you have yours, bring it along. We’ll be glad to discuss it with you.
Workshops will be held this March around the state for your convenience. Dates and locations can be found on both OSBA’s and OASBO’s websites. This event is free; however, registration is required. Districts can register on-line at www.oasbo-ohio.org or by calling (614) 431-9116.
Another important training opportunity coming up is BWC's Safety Congress & Expo, 2020. The expo will be held from March 11 to 13 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, so it is time to make your plans to attend this event as well.
The Safety Congress offers more than 200 free educational sessions, 200 exhibitors and free continuing education credit. By attending the safety congress, you’ll learn to:
- Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses;
- Achieve better outcomes for injured workers;
- Reduce workers’ compensation claims costs;
- Keep Ohio’s workforce healthy and productive.
Of particular importance to school districts will be the sessions held on Weds., March 11, which is traditionally “school day.” Every year, more and more schools are represented at Safety Congress, so if you haven’t attended a Safety Congress, make 2020 your first year.
Best of all, registration for Safety Congress is also absolutely free. For more information and to register on-line, go to https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/employer/programs/safety/safetycongress.asp