Do you want to learn about assessments and blended rates?

The actual rate that appears on the employer’s payroll report and is used to calculate workers compensation premiums is called a blended rate.

The blended rate consists of several assessments added to the premium rate.
The assessments underwrite administrative costs, the operating costs of BWC and the Industrial Commission of Ohio, and fund the Disabled Workers Relief Fund (DWRF).

The Disabled Workers Relief Fund is for injured workers who have been declared permanently and totally disabled. DWRF is a supplemental benefit to those injured workers whose regular benefits have not kept pace with inflation.

There are two separate DWRF assessments. The first DWRF assessment (10 cents per $100 of payroll) covers injuries that occurred prior to January 1, 1987. BWC bases the additional DWRF assessment on a percentage of the premium rate. This additional assessment covers injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1987.

One percent of the premium an employer pays is used to finance BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene. The mission of the Division of Safety & Hygiene is to educate employers to help prevent industrial accidents and occupational diseases.

The remaining premium is used to pay compensation and medical benefits for injured workers’ claims.