For immediate release: July 13, 2012

BWC accepting applications for transitional work grant program

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is now accepting applications for a new grant program designed to assist employers in developing transitional work programs that return employees to work or keep them working in some capacity following a workplace injury. The Transitional Work Grant Program provides funds for employers to design programs that personalize job accommodations for a specified time period to gradually return injured workers to their original jobs.

"Transitioning an injured employee back into the workplace is an important factor in achieving a full recovery," said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. "Having a plan in place to ease the transition back to work keeps the employee active in their own recovery and saves the employer money by reducing the length, and therefore overall cost, of the claim."

The 3-to-1 matching grants are available to companies with more than 11 employees, although BWC will assist smaller employers in developing their plans. The maximum grant amounts range from up to $2,900 for companies with 11-49 employees, to as much as $6,300 for those with more than 200 employees.

Participating employers are required to hire a BWC-accredited transitional work developer to design a customized program. BWC will reimburse 75 percent of covered charges up to the maximum grant amounts after proof of payment to a developer.

Generally, to be eligible, employers must have 11 or more employees, at least one lost-time claim in their claims experience and been in existence for at least two years. A full list of requirements and details on applying can be found at http://bit.ly/BWCtw. Employers can email the transitional work support unit at TWSupport@bwc.state.oh.us with questions.

The Transitional Work Grant Program is one of the programs in BWC's Destination: Excellence initia-tive, designed to help Ohio employers focus on safety, accident prevention and return-to-work opportunities to bring injured workers back to work sooner.

Follow BWC on Twitter.

# # #