Transitional work grant updates

Submitted by Sedgwick

Helping employers get their injured workers back to work as soon as safely possible, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation launched its revamped Transitional Work Grant (TWG) program June 1, offering free grants and guidance worth thousands of dollars.

To encourage participation, the agency removed its 3-to-1 matching requirement for grants as well as its one-grant-per-lifetime limit. Employers are now eligible for 100% reimbursement up to their approved grant maximum, and one grant every five years.

“Transitional work programs work – they help injured workers stay onthe job or get back to work more quickly, and they save employers resources when it comes to lost production, hiring and training substitute workers, and claims costs,” said BWC Interim Administrator/CEO John Logue.

BWC also added services to the TWG program that help employers manage an injured worker’s return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another service assists employers in managing their workspace for health and safety during COVID-19.

Employers with a transitional work plan actively participate in the recovery and return to work of their employees. Injured employees can resume their work functions with minimal time off, and employers are better prepared to place an injured employee in a job or given work tasks consistent with any medical or physical restrictions.

Transitional work grants are based on the employer’s number of employees and range from $2,900 to $6,300. To learn more, visit Transitional Work Programs on BWC’s website or email questions to TWSupport@bwc.state.oh.us.

Important reminders

Private employers

· 2021 rate year begins July 1, 2021

· 2020 rate year True-Up report and payment (if monies owed) due August 13, 2021

Public employers

· Group retrospective rating paperwork due to Sedgwick by July 23, 2021

If you have any questions regarding premium installments or the true -up process, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dom Potina, at 614.579.4723.