Expanding Savings Opportunities for Ohio Employers Through BWC Programs
For many Ohio employers, workers’ compensation premium savings start with Group Rating or Group Retrospective Rating programs. But when a company isn’t accepted into one of those traditional BWC programs, there are still powerful ways to reduce costs and strengthen workplace safety.
Two Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) initiatives, the Substance Use Prevention & Recovery (SUPR) Program and Risk Management Essentials, offer cost effective alternatives that help employers reduce claims, improve safety culture, and earn rebates. These programs create meaningful opportunities for organizations seeking workers’ comp savings outside of group programs.
1. Substance Use Prevention & Recovery (SUPR) Program
The SUPR program, formerly the Drug Free Safety Program, has been redesigned to make participation simpler and more accessible for Ohio employers. With year-round enrollment, companies can apply whenever they’re ready.
Key SUPR Benefits for Employers
SUPR provides several financial and operational advantages, including:
- Premium bonuses of 4% or 7% based on participation level
- Reimbursement grants for substance use prevention activities such as:
- Developing or updating drug free workplace policies
- Employee and supervisor training
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Substance use assessments
These reimbursements are available to employers even at lower participation levels, ensuring SUPR remains a flexible, cost effective BWC program for companies of all sizes.
Sheakley’s Role in SUPR Compliance and Management
Sheakley supports employers by providing full service SUPR program management, including:
- Drug & alcohol policy design
- Employee education and supervisor training
- Coordination of drug testing programs
- Referral support for employee assistance
- Ongoing compliance management
With Sheakley’s guidance, employers can quickly meet BWC requirements while maximizing available rebates.
2. Risk Management Essentials
Risk Management Essentials is a BWC pilot program created specifically for employers not participating in Group Rating or Group Retrospective Rating. It offers another structured path to premium savings while helping companies build a safer, more proactive work environment.
Risk Management Essentials: Key Requirements & Benefits
Eligible employers who complete the program requirements can earn an additional premium bonus for the current policy year. Requirements include:
- Participation in a local Safety Council
- Six hours of approved safety and claims management training
Employers interested in this program should note the deadline:
👉 Applications for the next rate year must be submitted by May 29.
This makes now an ideal time for companies not accepted into group rating programs to explore this opportunity for workers’ compensation cost reduction.
How Sheakley Helps Employers Participate
Sheakley assists with every step of Risk Management Essentials, including:
- Verifying employer eligibility
- Completing the application process
- Delivering BWC approved safety and claims training
- Providing live webinar courses that satisfy program requirements
With Sheakley’s support, employers can stay compliant while maximizing available bonus opportunities.
A Strategic Alternative for Workers’ Compensation Savings
Both the SUPR program and Risk Management Essentials create valuable pathways for employers to:
- Strengthen workplace safety
- Reduce workers’ compensation claims
- Earn meaningful premium rebates
These programs offer practical, financially beneficial alternatives when group rating or group retro participation isn’t an option. With SUPR available year round and the Risk Management Essentials deadline approaching, now is the right time for employers to act.
Sheakley supports employers across Ohio by helping them evaluate eligibility, complete BWC program applications, meet training requirements, and manage participation from start to finish making it easier for organizations to improve safety, reduce claims, and maximize available savings.
