Menu

The Workers’ Compensation Oversight Commission, the independent body that oversees financial matters of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), voted to reduce premiums 9 percent on average for Ohio’s agricultural employers.

The decision was coupled with the Oversight Commission also voting to concur with BWC’s recommendation to grant a 20 percent dividend on bills all Ohio private employers will receive this month. This decision will save private employers more than $170 million. A possible dividend for January will be determined in November.

BWC Administrator and Chief Executive Officer James Conrad praised employers in the agriculture industry for working safer.

"Agriculture companies and their workers are being rewarded for working to reduce injuries and the costs associated with those claims," Conrad said. "Their efforts to promote a safer workplace are not only good for their bottom line, but the families and friends of workers appreciate that these employers care enough about their employees to keep them safe during the workday."

The average 9 percent rate reduction will take effect July 1, 2004. Agriculture employers will see the reduction on the bill they receive in January 2005.

Premium rates increased 2 percent on average for all Ohio private sector employers.

The rate reduction is largely because employers in the agriculture industry are doing a better job at promoting workplace safety and are aggressively identifying and correcting hazards that could lead to injury. These efforts have led to fewer workers being injured and reduced claims costs. According to OFBF Director of Member Services Dan Rapp, the organization’s safety programs and training have helped members become more safety minded. Advances in agricultural equipment also contribute to fewer accidents on farms, he said.

"Employers who create safe environments and report fewer accidents benefit from reduced regulatory fines, they avoid lawsuits and complaints and increase employee productivity," Rapp said.

For more information on OFBF’s Group Rating Program, visit www.ofbf.org, Benefits of Membership, or contact Rapp at 614-246-8272.