The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is making changes to enhance its efforts in addressing substance abuse among the state’s workforce. The new program, known as the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Program (SUPR), combines the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP), DFSP Safety Grants, and the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program. This single program helps to address workplace misuse of alcohol and other drugs. The goal is to help state-fund employers prevent work-related injuries and illnesses by combining drug-free efforts into an employer’s safety program. ​

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) provides workers’ compensation coverage based on estimated payroll. Therefore, at the end of the policy year, BWC asks employers to report their actual payroll for the prior policy year and pay any shortage (or receive a refund for any overage) in premiums. This process is called a true-up. If the true-up is not completed in a timely, the following may occur:
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• Employer will not be eligible for prior-year rebates and incentives
• Employer will be removed from the current year programs
• Employer will become ineligible for programs the following year and will continue to remain ineligible for all future years until all past true-ups are completed.

How to report payroll and complete the true-up
Although employers may contact BWC at (800) OHIO-BWC (800.644.6292) and complete their true-up report over the phone, BWC anticipates high call volumes and long wait times. They strongly encourage employers to complete their true-up report online through their BWC e-account at www.bwc.ohio.gov. If you do not have an e-account, select the Create E-Account Link to begin. You will need your BWC policy number and/or Federal Tax Identification Number. 

Deadlines
Private employers: The true-up report must be completed and payment received by no later than August 31, 2025.

Please note: There is no longer a grace period. True-up and payment (if owed) must be POSTED by the deadline date.

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dave Deyo, at [email protected].

​Guest content provided by Sedgwick

Did you know the Sedgwick Safety and Loss Prevention Department has safety consultants who can assist you and your company with developing and maintaining an effective safety and risk management program.  Our goal is to provide professional safety consulting services and the resources necessary for employers to minimize risk, prevent injuries and implement an effective, on-going safety program.  The key to a safe workplace starts with a strong and effective safety program.