Page 12 - Ohio RA 2011 Winter FlipBook

10 www.ohiorestaurant.org Winter 2012 Issue

Are You Launching a New Concept in Ohio?

Start with getting workers’ compensation coverage

Welcome to Ohio! As a new employer here, one of the frst things you should consider is workers’ compensation coverage. You’re probably asking: how do I apply? How will it impact my business? Why do I need to purchase coverage through the state of Ohio?

Applying for Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Private employers may obtain coverage by submitting a completed coverage application, Application for Ohio Workers’ Compensation Coverage (U-3) and a $10 security deposit.

Public employers are unique in that they do not fle for coverage in the same manner as private employers, such as fling a U-3 application. They also do not pay a premium security deposit. To obtain coverage, they must provide a Resolution or a copy of meeting minutes, signed by an Appointing Authority.

Completing the U-3

When completing the application, it’s important to:

• Provide your legal name;

• Furnish your federal identifcation number, or if operating as a sole proprietor, provide your Social Security number;

• Provide your street address and P.O. Box number;

• Furnish as many details as possible when describing the type of work performed and equipment used. This helps the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to properly classify your operations.

Security Deposit

The initial deposit ranges from $10 to $1,000, depending on the estimated payroll entered on the Application For Coverage.

Payment Method

The $10 security deposit can be paid in one of four ways: 1. Mail a check or money order with the U-3 to: The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Attn: Cash Control Unit

P. O. Box 15698, Columbus, OH 43215-0698;

2. Deliver payment to any of the BWC Customer Service Offces located throughout the state (if paying in cash, exact change is needed);

3. Pay online with a credit card (Visa, American Express or MasterCard) if completing the U-3 application online; or, lastly,

4. Authorize a payment from your checking or savings account online.

Understanding the Ohio BWC’s Recently Unveiled Grow Ohio Incentive Program

The Ohio BWC created the Grow Ohio Incentive Program to help spur job creation in the state by offering new employers* one of the following premium discount options.

1. The opportunity to join a group-experience-rating program and receive a premium discount – potentially up to 51% – effective on their frst day of coverage 2. An automatic 25% discount on their workers’ compensation premiums

Whichever option you choose, your business can receive a signifcant discount on workers’ compensation costs at a critical time – while you are getting started.

The group-experience rating option

In the past, new employers had to wait until the next policy year to apply for group rating. Grow Ohio gives your business the option to apply for group rating immediately and, upon acceptance, receive a

premium discount possibly up to 51%, which is the current maximum allowable group discount.

If you’re interested in joining a group:

• You must notify the Ohio BWC within 30 days of the date you submitted your application for coverage. This informs us of your intent to join a group through a sponsoring organization.

• Once you’ve notifed the BWC, you should select a sponsoring organization, such as the ORA, to place you into their group rating program.

• As a reminder, make sure you ask the sponsoring organization about any fees for group participation. The sponsoring organization may charge employers for the additional services and information they provide.

Maintaining eligibility - safety requirements

To remain eligible for any Grow Ohio discounts, you must: 1. Complete a safety assessment;

2. Acknowledge you’ve read an introduction to the Ohio BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene’s offerings;

3. Complete at least two hours of safety training offered by the Division of Safety & Hygiene. You may complete the course work at one of our training locations or online through the BWC Learning Center.

In the next few months, the Ohio BWC will provide a link that will allow you to complete the frst two requirements mentioned above. Employers must complete all three components before the end of the frst full reporting period after acceptance into the program. To learn more, visit: www.ohiobwc.com/employer/services/GrowOhioInc/ GrowOhioIncInfo.aspx.

*For purposes of the program, the BWC defnes a new employer as a new business entity or an out-of-state business that creates one or more jobs in Ohio on or after July 1, 2011. The following are NOT eligible for the Grow Ohio Incentive Program: private employer organizations (PEOs), self-insuring employers, employers transferring experience and employers reporting zero payroll.

** Ohio BWC programs not compatible with the Grow Ohio Incentive Program include: EM capping, group-experience rating, group-retrospective rating, Large Deductible, One-Claim Program and individual-retrospective rating.

Ohio law requires employers to obtain workers’ compensation coverage from BWC.

If you have no employees in Ohio, but still need a workers’ compensation certifcate, please complete the (U-3) Application for Workers’ Compensation Coverage and mail it with a $10 check or money order to: BWC P.O. Box 15698

Columbus, OH 43215-0698

Or, you may submit your application online at http://www.ohiobwc.com/ employer/forms/coverage/default.asp. BWC accepts Visa, American Express and MasterCard.

To get answers to questions you may have, visit the ORA’s website, click on “Workers’ Comp” under the Membership tab and review the FAQ section on the right-hand side of the page in the gray box.