Media Advisory: Sept. 29, 2011

Workers’ Comp Rates for Public Employers Decreasing

Proposal would lower overall premiums for public employer taxing districts by $14 million

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors heard a proposal from BWC Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer this week to lower rates for public employer taxing districts (PEC) by an overall five percent beginning January 1, 2012. If approved by the board next month, the reduction could lower premiums by an estimated $13.6 million for Ohio’s 3,900 cities, counties, townships, villages, schools and special districts.

“We understand that public employers at all levels are being asked to maintain superior service with fewer resources, and we’re pleased to help them by keeping workers’ comp costs in check,” said Buehrer. “Through rate reductions and safety education and training services we are helping promote both cost effective government and safe workplaces for public employees.”

While the overall rate reduction would average five percent from the current year, several industry groups within the public sector would see greater overall decreases. Rates for counties and school districts would decrease by an overall six percent; villages by an overall nine percent; and special districts (excluding transit authorities) by an overall 20 percent.

Rates for individual PEC entities will differ based on several factors. Some employers may experience slight increases while others see decreases based on their own claims history and base rate changes for manual classifications that could b e smaller or larger than the rate change indication presented yesterday. The board is expected to review base rates and vote on the proposed overall reduction at its October meeting.

The next meeting of the BWC Board of Directors is scheduled for Friday, October 28.

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