How Manufacturers Can Avoid Costly Mistakes with OH BWC Claims

Managing workers' compensation claims is a major challenge for many Ohio employers. The process has numerous detailed rules, strict deadlines, and a substantial amount of paperwork. Even minor errors, such as missing a report or filing a form late, can result in costly penalties, higher insurance premiums, and prolonged delays.

While Ohio's Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has strict regulations, these rules are meant to protect injured workers. Still, they can be confusing and frustrating to manage, especially if your business lacks dedicated support staff.

Here, we discuss common BWC mistakes that Ohio manufacturers make and how to avoid them with the help of a trusted partner like Compensation Solutions, Inc. (CSI).

Common Mistakes That Ohio Employers Make with BWC Claims

Understanding typical BWC claim errors can help you prevent making them and thus protect your bottom line. It also enables you to support injured employees more effectively, so you can improve your reputation and work morale.

Failing to Investigate Incidents Thoroughly

A simple accident can become a costly claim without a written record. Unfortunately, many manufacturers don't document incidents thoroughly. Their documentation often lacks vital details, such as:

• The date and time of the incident
• A clear description of the injury
• What the employee was doing when injured
• Photos or diagrams of the accident site
• Equipment or materials involved

Without solid documentation and a thorough incident investigation, the BWC may incorrectly deny or classify a claim, resulting in higher costs for the employer.

Not Offering Timely Support

Injured workers have the right and responsibility to file a BWC claim in Ohio. While employers aren't responsible and won't incur penalties for late filing, delaying support can still create serious issues.

If an employer doesn't promptly guide a worker to report the injury and support the process, it may result in delayed medical treatment approval. Furthermore, employees may feel that the company isn't doing enough to compensate them. They may then seek legal representation, which can increase the cost and complexity of the claims.

Failing to Track Medical Treatment Timelines

Employers should track when an injured worker first saw a doctor and the treatment plan that they received. They should also be aware of the expected recovery period and whether the worker can return to their job on a light-duty basis. Failure to gather these details and monitor medical timelines can cause issues like:

• Unnecessary delays in return-to-work programs
• Higher medical costs for the claim
• A lack of trust between the employee and the employer

Having Poor Internal Communication

Safety teams, supervisors, and HR staff must work together when dealing with the BWC. Most claims fail to yield the expected results because key departments don't collaborate. Without proper communication, an employer may make other mistakes, such as:

• Missing important claim deadlines
• Submitting inconsistent or incomplete forms
• Failing to inform the injured worker about the next steps

These errors then complicate claim processing and lead to missed cost-saving opportunities.

Letting Claims Spiral Out of Control

Manufacturers often lose track of open claims because they stop following up with employees or fail to close cases when they return. If multiple claims remain open longer than necessary, they can cause additional costs and damage the company's BWC experience rating.

A firm with an elevated experience rating may incur higher insurance premiums, have fewer group rating opportunities, and face more scrutiny from the BWC.

Streamlining Claims Management with CSI

Working with a skilled third-party administrator like CSI can resolve all the issues associated with BWC claims. The firm has decades of experience helping Ohio employers manage their claims accurately and efficiently.

Here’s how CSI can streamline claims management.

Timely and Accurate Claim Filing

CSI helps employers submit claims to the BWC quickly and correctly. Its team members know what details must be provided, and they can ensure that you don't miss any deadlines. Their services help injured workers receive the care that they need quickly, enabling your company to avoid potential problems.

Proper Documentation and Reporting

CSI ensures that all injury reports submitted to BWC are complete and consistent. Its claim processing experts will help you compile the following:

• Incident reports
• Witness statements
• Medical notes
• Return-to-work plans

The assistance saves your team time and reduces the likelihood of errors.

Ongoing Claim Monitoring

It's easy to file a claim with BWC and then forget to follow up, which can cause further delays. Fortunately, CSI can help you monitor every case by checking in regularly with BWC. You'll speed up claim processing and avoid a high experience rating.

Strategic Claim Mitigation

CSI can help your company create effective plans for getting your employees back to work, even if they will only perform light-duty work. These return-to-work strategies prevent the costs incurred on claims and reduce the time spent away from the job.

These also help injured workers feel valued and connected to your firm. They'll then likely recover better and be able to return to their regular duties more quickly.

Eligibility Maintenance for Group Rating Programs

Ohio has a Group Experience Rating Program for employers with excellent safety and claim records. It enables companies to team up and share the risk to save on premiums. However, failure to manage your claims can cause you to lose your spot in the group and thus, the potential savings.

CSI can help you stay eligible by overseeing BWC claims to reduce costs and avoid issues that could impact your experience rating.

Key Benefits of Partnering with CSI

Choosing CSI as your partner can transform how your business handles BWC claims. You'll avoid costly errors and connect with your injured employees when processing their claims or helping them return to work. Other benefits include:

• Improved employee retention
• Staying audit-ready and compliant
• Lower workers' compensation premiums
• Less stress for your HR and management teams
• Access to professional guidance

Letting CSI handle your workers' compensation claims will also give you peace of mind. You can focus on running your business, and the experts will track deadlines and communicate with all parties involved.

Simplify Your BWC Claims Process with CSI

Handling workers' comp claims in Ohio is complex, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right partner, you can minimize errors, save money, and support your employees.

Managing workers' compensation claims in Ohio shouldn’t be a headache. Partner with CSI to take the hassle out of claims, lower costs, and stay compliant with Ohio BWC regulations. Focus on your business and employees, and let our seasoned experts guide you through the complexities of workers' comp. Contact us today to streamline the process and experience stress-free claims management!