BWC established a five-point campaign to support workplace safety by establishing new relationships with doctors and medical
providers, rewarding employers who run safe workplaces and opening new opportunities for those injured on the job.
Return to work — Ohio has adopted a cutting-edge model for return to work that measures success individually. An
injured worker’s physician and managed care organization (MCO) will work together to determine the optimal
return-to-work date to full or modified duty, based on the injury and type of work.
Presumptive authorization — In another first for workers’ compensation, we have implemented a process that nearly
eliminates the need for a medical provider to receive prior authorization before treating an injured worker up to 60
days after the injury.
Remain at work — The best way to avoid the need to return to work is to remain at work. A workplace injury does not
have to result in a long absence from work. BWC’s goal is to provide early intervention and minimize the number of
days an employee is away from the job. The employer’s MCO will manage these services.
Vocational rehabilitation services — MCOs work with injured workers, employers and medical providers with the goal of
an optimal return-to-work date. If an injured worker has not returned to the job 30 days after the optimal
return-to-work date, BWC and MCO staff will work together to ensure the injured worker gets the vocational
rehabilitation he or she needs to pave the way for a safe return to work.
Transitional WorkGRANT$ — BWC’s Transitional WorkGRANT$ program can provide up to 80 percent of program development
costs to eligible employers who develop a transitional work program for their employees. Employers’ remaining
20-percent investment may save them thousands of dollars in disability costs.
These initiatives ensure that injured workers receive the right services at the right time, and they avoid long debilitating
periods off work. Moreover, your role is vital during this period. In addition to providing your specialized skills, you have
the opportunity to reinforce return-to-work expectations and encourage them to actively facilitate their recovery and return
to the job.
