08/18/2016
BWC True-up Extension / BWC Updates
Courtesy of CareWorksComp:
True–Up Report Deadline Extended:
As you already know the first-ever payroll true-up period for private employers has begun and payroll true-up reports were due to BWC no later than August 15, 2016.
GOOD NEWS! The Ohio BWC has provided a grace period for businesses that did not meet the August 15th deadline. Businesses will now have until Friday, September 30th to complete the true-up.
BWC's records indicate there are still a significant number of businesses that have yet to complete the new payroll true-up process. It is important that businesses complete this process by the September 30th deadline. We suggest that your company complete the true-up via the BWC’s online process at your earliest convenience. The process can be started by going to http://www.bwc.ohio.gov and log on with your user ID and password. If you don’t have one, you will need to create one by simply following the directions located near the top right-hand corner of the BWC’s home page.
Other Upcoming Deadlines:
- August 30, 2016 - deadline for the DFSP-5 (Drug Free Safety Program report)
- August 31, 2016 - due date for the 2nd 2016 premium installment
BWC UPDATES
Unemployment Update
- Ohio to Pay the Federal Unemployment Debt: A plan has been put into place to pay off the lingering federal government loan that caused Ohio employers an increase in federal unemployment tax (FUTA) over the past several years. Because Ohio was unable to pay back a $3 billion loan within the two-year grace period, a penalty was charged that increased FUTA from the base rate of $42/employee to $147/employee. If the loan would remain outstanding, FUTA would have increased the base rate to $168/employee in 2017! To stop this increase from taking effect, next month the state will take a loan from the Unclaimed Funds account in order to pay back the remaining debt. The penalties will be abated and FUTA will once again be $42/employee; however, employers will also be assessed a surcharge in 2017 so the current loan can be repaid. The loan repayment surcharge, which is expected to be approximately $45/employee, plus the base FUTA of $42/employee, will total approximately $87/employee. This is almost 50% less than the $168/employee if nothing had been done. For additional information about this or controlling your unemployment expenses, please contact Kammy Staton at 614.526.7165 or Staton@careworkscomp.com.
OSHA Update
- OSHA Delaying Enforcement of Retaliation Provision: OSHA is delaying enforcement of the anti-retaliation provisions in its new injury and illness tracking rule in order to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers. Originally scheduled to begin August 10, 2016, enforcement will now begin November 1, 2016. Under the rule, employers are required to:
- Inform workers of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without fear of retaliation;
- Implement procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses that are reasonable and do not deter workers from reporting; and,
- Are prohibited from retaliating against workers for reporting injuries and illnesses.
Other News
Impacts of Medical Marijuana: Although medicinal use of marijuana will become legal in our state in a limited capacity this September, it won’t have an effect on the Drug-Free Safety Program. BWC does not pay for access to marijuana, and an employer still does not have to allow or condone an employee’s use of it. I have included a synopsis of the law itself and how it does and does not change the landscape of your workers’ compensation program. For any interpretation of this issue, I would recommend consulting with your legal counsel.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation recommends employers set-up drug-free workplace policies in preparation for the state's medical marijuana law which goes into effect next month.
Ohio's medical marijuana law allows employers to operate drug-free workplace programs and does not require employers accommodate medical marijuana use.
Read Columbus Business First article
Read OBWC fact sheet referenced in article