Media Advisory: April 4, 2008

BWC Launches Multilingual Customer Service Tool

Interpretation service will provide assistance in 150 languages

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is providing Ohio’s non-English speaking injured workers and employers with a new, multi-language help line to better serve their needs. The telephonic interpreting service is available to those calling 1-800-OHIOBWC and will provide seamless multilingual services.

“Census figures show, 6.2 percent of Ohio’s population speaks a primary language other than English,” stated BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “As Ohio’s international population grows, it is imperative that we eliminate the language barrier to ensure BWC services are easily understood and available to all.”

BWC has contracted with TeleInterpreters, a telephonic interpreting service based in California, to perform its interpreting services. Previously, BWC employees fluent in multiple languages took time away from their regular duties to interpret phone calls from non-English speaking customers. Due to limited staff available to meet the growing need for bilingual operators, BWC opted to invest in this new service to ensure outstanding customer service.

Using the TeleInterpreters service, BWC customer service representatives with calls needing translation, dial a toll free number to connect with a translator speaking the appropriate language. TeleInterpreters offers callers a selection of 150 languages and dialects, with responses provided in real time.

You can access BWC’s call center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by dialing 1-800-OHIOBWC. For more information about all BWC programs and services, visit ohiobwc.com.

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Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
30 W. Spring St. | Columbus, Ohio 43215-2256
1-800-OHIOBWC | ohiobwc.com