September Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

September Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

OABA is pleased to partner with Sedgwick to offer members quality service and stability through the complex workers' compensation environment. Check out this update from Sedgwick regarding the Role of the Industrial Commission and Ohio BWC's new SUPR program.

Complimentary Workers' Compensation Quote from Sedgwick

This is the time of year when you undoubtedly receive multiple phone calls, emails and hardcopy mail promoting workers' compensation programs.

Our endorsed partner, Sedgwick , helps members save significantly on workers' compensation premiums and provides valuable advice to our members who are navigating Ohio's workers' compensation system. Sedgwick's clients annually save $160 million in workers' compensation premium through their Group Rating and Group Retrospective Rating Programs. Sedgwick not only offers the savings but expert guidance of all areas of worker' compensation including claims management as well as other cost containment programs .

If you are not participating in this member benefit, you can request a no-cost, no-obligation analysis of your potential savings. Please contact your Sedgwick program manager David Deyo at [email protected] .

Bureau of Workers Compensation - Safety Intervention Grant

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) reopened the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) on July 1, 2025 and is accepting new applications. This is great news for employers who are looking for funding to purchase equipment to help reduce or eliminate workplace injuries or illnesses. All applicants must submit a new application as previous ones will not carry over. Additionally, applicants are required to obtain three vendor quotes or one quote with a sole source justification for the proposed intervention.

The SIG is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. Recipients are eligible for a 3-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year eligibility cycle. As an example, the program will give your organization $3 for every $1 you contribute. Employers must work with an assigned BWC grant coordinator throughout the process and will be required to submit a one-year case study, one year after the implementation date for the intervention.

The BWC's website contains a timeline of events and detailed information on program requirements, including:

➢ What to know before you apply

➢ SIG eligibility requirements

➢ After you apply

➢ Reporting and documentation requirements

➢ Application timeline

Visit the BWC's SIG website here: Safety Intervention Grant

Employers should contact the BWC prior to purchasing any equipment, however, the BWC has come up with a list of "Fast Track Grants". Fast Track Grants are those in which the task(s) are high risk, and it is highly likely the intervention will have a significant impact on eliminating injuries in the future. Some of the "Fast Track Grant Equipment" includes:

➢ Bathing systems

➢ Conduit bending equipment

➢ Floor cleaning equipment

➢ Fume extractors for welding

➢ Lift gates

➢ Lift tables

➢ Patient lifting devices

➢ Shrink wrap equipment

Keep in mind there is equipment that is not covered by the SIG Program. The complete list can be found here Unapproved Items for the SIG Program . Some of the items include:

➢ Anti-fatigue mats

➢ Automated external defibrillators (AED's)

➢ Certain food industry items

➢ Equipment intended to meet minimum OSHA requirements

➢ Passive safety/security devices

➢ PPE, back belts and wrist splints

➢ Sitting and/or standing workstation equipment

➢ Training and training simulators

➢ Vehicle lifts

In addition to the SIG, employers can also apply for other Safety Grant Programs such as:

➢ Body Armor Grant

➢ Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grants Program

➢ School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG)

➢ Workplace Wellness Grant Program

All of the grant programs can be found at https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-services/safety-grants . The BWC allows for employers to participate in the SIG program concurrently with any combination of BWC's Safety Grant Programs, which is great news! If you decide to apply, you will need to arrange for a BWC safety field consultant (safety consultant, ergonomist or industrial hygienist) to assist with the grant application. To start, you can:

➢ Call 1-800-644-6292 and request a consultation.

So, if you are looking to improve safety in your workplace and reduce injuries and illnesses, take advantage of this great opportunity from the state of Ohio!

Learn more about Sedgwick!

Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers' compensation costs? Through the OABA workers' compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers' compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. Our program, administered by Sedgwick, offers you quality service and stability through the complex workers' compensation environment.

For over 50 years, Sedgwick has been helping employers navigate Ohio's workers' compensation system, providing services to help them control claim-related costs and reduce premiums. Our team includes experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp.

Learn more about how Sedgwick can help your company save significantly on your workers' compensation premium by clicking here.