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House Bill 269 if passed would change the name of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to the Office of Worker Safety and Rehabilitation. State Representative Mike Henne (R, Clayton) claims the Bill as introduced would overhaul the system while remaining neutral in affecting worker benefits.

HB 269 has 25 Republican co-sponsors, a sizeable effort. The new Office would create incentives for employers to use state programs to increase safety in high-risk professions such as construction.  Currently, these programs are voluntary, such as the state-version of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Some benefit changes are proposed, such as eliminating wage replacement benefits after the age of retirement, and changing the formula for death benefits.

Representative Henne is an insurance agent by profession. He also introduced House Bill 268, which would create the self-insuring employers’ guaranty fund, requiring some employers to contribute to the state program.

Employer trade associations and Labor Unions have yet to take a position on the legislation.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact attorney Luther L. Liggett of Graff & McGovern at 614-228-5800, ext. 6.