Getting Started
New Policy / New Employer
Everything you need to know about Ohio BWC requirements as a new employer — and how to start saving on workers' compensation from day one.
Remember — You have 30 days from your policy start date to get enrolled in the Group Rating Program and receive a 50% discount!
Welcome to Ohio BWC — What New Employers Need to Know
If you are a new employer in Ohio, you are required by law to obtain workers' compensation coverage through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) or to qualify as a self-insured employer. Ohio is one of only a few states with a state-run workers' compensation system, which means all employers must work directly with the Ohio BWC.
Getting started on the right foot is critical. The decisions you make as a new employer — from how you classify your employees to which programs you enroll in — will directly impact your premiums for years to come. Ohio Professional Claims Management is here to guide you through every step.
Ohio BWC Requirements for New Employers
What you are required to do as soon as you hire your first employee.
Register with the Ohio BWC
You must register within 2 weeks of hiring your first employee. Failure to do so can result in penalties and personal liability for any claims.
Pay Your Premium
New employers are assigned a standard industry rate. Premiums are based on your payroll and the risk classification of your employees' job duties.
Post Required Notices
Ohio law requires employers to post BWC notices in the workplace informing employees of their rights under the workers' compensation system.
Maintain Accurate Payroll Records
You must keep accurate payroll records by job classification. Misclassification can result in audits, back premiums, and penalties.
Report Claims Promptly
When an employee is injured, you must report the claim to the Ohio BWC within the required timeframe to avoid penalties and protect your rights.
Cooperate with the BWC
As an employer, you have the right — and responsibility — to participate in the claims process, including attending hearings and providing documentation.
Understanding Your New BWC Policy
Key facts about how Ohio BWC policies work for new employers.
New Employer Rate Period
As a new employer, you will be assigned a standard industry rate for your first three years of operation. After that, your rate is based on your own claims experience — which is why proactive claims management from day one is so important.
Experience Modification
Once you have enough claims history, the BWC calculates an experience modification factor (EMR) that adjusts your premium up or down based on your actual claims performance compared to other employers in your industry.
Policy Year
Ohio BWC policy years run from July 1 to June 30. Premiums are paid in installments, and your rate is set at the beginning of each policy year based on your prior claims experience.
Payroll Reporting
You are required to report your actual payroll to the BWC at the end of each policy year. Estimated premiums paid during the year are reconciled against your actual payroll, resulting in a refund or additional payment.
True-Up Process
Ohio BWC requires all employers to complete an annual "true-up" — reporting actual payroll figures so premiums can be adjusted. Missing the true-up deadline can result in penalties and loss of program eligibility.
Start Saving Immediately: The Group Rating Program
New employers can qualify for the Group Rating Program — one of the best ways to reduce your workers' comp costs right away.
Ohio's Group Rating Program allows employers to join a group of similar businesses, every member receives a significant discount on their workers' compensation premiums — up to 50%.
As a new employer, you may be eligible to join a group rating program even before you have your own claims history. This is one of the most powerful cost-saving tools available to Ohio employers, and getting enrolled early can save your business thousands of dollars per year. Once you open a new policy you have 30 days to get enrolled in the group rating program. If you lapse over these 30 days you will have to wait until next year's open enrollment date.
Why New Employers Should Enroll in Group Rating
- Premium discounts of up to 50% — starting in your first eligible year
- No claims history required to join many groups
- Positions your business for long-term premium savings
Other Programs for New Employers
Additional Ohio BWC programs that can help new employers reduce costs and build a safe workplace.
Drug Free Workplace Program
Get certified as a drug-free workplace and earn a premium discount while building a safer work environment.
Learn MoreTransitional Work Bonus Program
Return injured workers to modified duty and earn BWC bonuses — reducing lost-time costs from the start.
Learn More15K Program
Proactively manage smaller claims before they grow — protecting your experience modifier and group eligibility.
Learn MoreHandicap Reimbursement Program
Recover costs when a pre-existing condition contributes to a workers' comp claim — a benefit many employers overlook.
Learn MoreReady to Get Started the Right Way?
Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll help you navigate Ohio BWC requirements and enroll in the programs that will save your business the most money.
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