Is workers comp required in Ohio?
Ohio requires employers to obtain workers compensation through the state Bureau of Workers' Compensation unless they qualify to self-insure. Owners, partners and corporate officers are treated under their own rules, and some workers such as certain agricultural or domestic employees may be handled differently.
Buying coverage in Ohio
Private insurers cannot sell standard workers comp in Ohio. Employers obtain it from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) unless they qualify to self-insure. Because the state coverage does not include employers liability the way a private policy does, many employers add stop-gap employers liability from a private insurer, often on their general liability policy. Businesses with employees in other states also need private workers comp for those states.
Who sets the rules
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) oversees workers comp in Ohio. Ohio sets premiums through its state fund rather than a private rating bureau.
What Ohio employers should know
- Ohio employers commonly buy stop-gap employers liability from a private insurer, because the state coverage does not include it the way a private policy would.
- Ohio offers group rating and other programs through the state system that can affect cost.
Ohio facts employers ask about
Ohio is a monopolistic state. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is the only source of standard workers comp for private employers that are not approved to self-insure, and coverage is required once a business has one employee. Disputed claims are heard by the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Private employers' BWC policy year runs from July 1 to June 30.
A BWC policy pays the benefits required by Ohio law, but it does not include the employers liability coverage that comes with a private workers comp policy in other states. Many Ohio employers therefore buy stop-gap employers liability from a private insurer, often as an endorsement to their general liability policy, to respond to lawsuits such as employer intentional tort claims. Contracts with larger customers frequently require it.
BWC offers premium programs such as group rating and group retrospective rating through sponsoring organizations and third-party administrators, along with safety and drug-free workplace programs. If your employees also work outside Ohio, you need private workers comp for those other states, since BWC coverage is built around Ohio.
Sources: Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation; Industrial Commission of Ohio. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the agency before you rely on them.
How premiums are calculated
Premium for Ohio state-fund coverage is set by the fund under its own rules and rate tables. Ask the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) for current rates and programs, and ask an agent about private stop-gap and other-states coverage. Learn more about how workers comp rates work and preparing for an audit.
Industry guides for Ohio employers
Contractor workers comp
Workers comp for general contractors and trades like roofing, electrical, plumbing and painting.…
Trucking workers comp
Workers comp for trucking companies, owner-operator fleets and delivery operations: driver…
Restaurant workers comp
Workers comp for restaurants, cafes, bars and caterers. Burns, cuts and slips, tipped payroll,…
Ohio workers comp FAQ
Is workers comp required in Ohio?
Ohio requires employers to obtain workers compensation through the state Bureau of Workers' Compensation unless they qualify to self-insure. Rules and exceptions change, so confirm your situation with the state agency or an agent.
Who oversees workers comp in Ohio?
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) administers the workers compensation system in Ohio.
Can I buy Ohio workers comp from a private insurer?
No. Standard coverage comes from the state fund, though private insurers can provide stop-gap employers liability and coverage for other states.
How is workers comp priced in Ohio?
Ohio sets premiums through its state fund rather than a private rating bureau.