The COSE workers’ comp team at Minute Men HR (MMHR/COSE) is here to help you increase workplace safety by using the BWC’s complimentary safety services. As we reported in February, increased participation in BWC safety programs has led to a decrease in claims filed and overall claims costs. That has resulted in significant reductions in BWC premium rates over the last 8 years with a 20% decrease in base rates for the 2019 policy year—the biggest drop in rates in the history of the BWC.
For more information, visit the Ohio BWC website at www.bwc.ohio.gov and select Safety from the pull-down Menu at the top. You’ll be able to register for classes, request a safety consult and learn about safety grants and other programs designed to keep your workplace safe.
Green Year Injury – 2 Hour Training Requirement
Each year, policies enrolled in a group savings program (Group Experience Rating or Group Retrospective Rating) that had a workplace injury during the defined green year period, are required to take 2 hours of safety training to maintain your eligibility to remain in the group program. Participants in the 2019 MMHR/COSE workers’ comp group programs with workplace injuries between July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2018 are required to take the training before June 30, 2020. We will be sending you a letter this month which will include an explanation of the requirement as well as training options and information about the BWC Learning Center. You have options for completing the training
- The BWC Learning Center provides both classroom and online training.
- This is the only BWC training requirement that allows you to use external training – so, if you have internal safety training/meetings or participate in 2 hours of safety/security related training through an outside source, it will satisfy this requirement.
Please click here for a link to the BWC Guidelines for Group Rating Training and an FAQ developed by the MMHR/COSE Workers’ Comp Team to help you through this process.
We also want to encourage you to be more active in monitoring and managing your policy (if you aren’t already). The following action items can help you:
- Set up an e-account on the BWC website (www.bwc.ohio.gov).
- Pay premiums online through the BWC website and opt to receive your BWC invoice electronically to obtain the Go Green rebate (electronic invoices are required as of 7/1/19)
- Check your BWC policy online once a month to stay on top of any changes and make sure you don’t have a balance due.
- Make sure your contact information is current – on the BWC website and with your Third Party Administrator (TPA) and Managed Care Organization (MCO) so that you never miss important information. If you have an e-account, but can’t find your login information, you will need to contact the Ohio BWC at 1-800-644-6292 for assistance in resetting your account information.
The MMHR/COSE Workers’ Comp Team is here to answer questions and help you with BWC issues. Please call us at 216-452-0107 for more information about our programs or for assistance.
BWC Group Program 2-Hour Safety Training: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I have to do this?
A: The Ohio BWC encourages all employers to maintain a safe workplace. For employers participating in group savings programs that experience a workplace injury during the defined “green year” period are required to take 2 hours of safety training to help maintain a safe workplace and avoid future injuries.
Q: I did this last year/in a prior year, do I really have to do it again?
A: Yes. As long as you are participating in a group savings program and experience a claim during the defined green year period, you will be required to complete 2 hours of safety training.
Q: What is a defined green year period?
A: Each policy year begins on July 1 and runs through the following June 30. The defined green year is the period of time when claims have not yet entered the experience period and have not started to impact your rates/premiums. It generally starts 2 years prior to the start of the current policy year and runs 18 months (July 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018 is the defined green year for the 2019 policy year).
Q: What are my options for meeting this requirement?
A: You have several options. You can take advantage of the BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene/BWC Learning Center and take online or in person safety classes. Or, you can utilize external safety training such as CPR/AED/First Aid certification, OSHA training or any specific industry training that is related to safety or security. This is the ONLY BWC safety training requirement that allows you to use external training. Safety Council meeting attendance DOES NOT satisfy this requirement.
Q: Does the owner have to take the training?
A: You can designate anyone on staff to complete the training.
Q: We have scheduled safety meetings, do those count?
A: Yes, they can. If the training goes above and beyond expected day to day workplace training. Just be sure to keep a sign in sheet that includes the date, start and end time, topic, speaker and the names/signatures of employees that attended. You can submit more than one sign in/log to meet the 2 hour requirement (if the meetings are shorter).
Q: Does my safety council meeting attendance satisfy this requirement?
A: No. Since Safety Council meeting attendance meets the requirement for the Safety Council rebate, it cannot satisfy this requirement. Neither does BWC training taken for any other program (Industry Specific Training, One Claim, EM Cap, etc). In other words, you cannot “kill 2 birds with one stone” by taking one class and applying it to more than one BWC program.
Q: Where do I submit my documentation?
A: Please submit your documentation to the email address/fax number we will provide in the letter that we send you.
Q: How do I access the BWC Learning Center?
A: Instructions are included on the one page information sheet from the BWC that will be included with the letter we send you. You will also receive reminders throughout the policy year to make sure you meet this requirement. You can also access the BWC Learning Center through the BWC website at www.bwc.ohio.gov.
Q: What if I have trouble with the BWC Learning Center?
A: Since the site is maintained by the BWC, you will need to call the BWC for assistance with your log in or the site in general. We cannot help you with login or system issues. The BWC can be reached at 1-800-644-6292.
Q: What type of documentation will I get from the BWC Learning Center?
A: In most cases, you should be able to print a certificate, but you may need to “print screen” and send that as your documentation if you are having trouble printing the certificate. Note the date, time, online course name and policy number when sending the print screen to us.
Q: When do I have to complete this?
A: You must complete the 2-hour safety training by June 30, 2020. We encourage you to complete it as soon as possible so as not to be overwhelmed at the last minute.
Q: What happens if I don’t complete the 2-hour safety training?
A: Since this is a BWC requirement, the BWC can disqualify you from participating in group savings programs in the subsequent year. We know that your discounts/rebates are important, so we encourage you to complete the training, and do it as early as possible to avoid paying higher premiums.
Q: If I still have questions, where do I call?
A: For issues related to the BWC Learning Center or website, please call the BWC at 1-800-644-6292.
If you have questions about the MMHR/COSE Workers’ Comp program, please call our team at 216-452-0107.