Ohio Workers Compensation — Small Business Owner's Cheat Sheet

Ohio is monopolistic — what that means

Unlike most states where Workers Comp is written by private insurance carriers, **Ohio runs its own state monopoly through the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)**. You can't shop your Ohio workers comp around to multiple carriers — it's the BWC or nothing.

However, you CAN influence what you pay through: • Accurate classification codes • Group rating programs • Experience modifier (EMR) management • Drug-Free Workplace Discount Program • Industry-Specific Safety Programs (ISSP)

Classification codes — the biggest lever

Every job duty in your company is classified to a 4-digit BWC manual classification code. Each code has a base rate per $100 of payroll. If your classification is wrong (too high), you're overpaying.

Common Columbus-area examples: • Office clerical: 8810 — rate around $0.10/$100 • Home health care: 8835 — rate around $1.85/$100 • Trucking (long-haul): 7228 — rate around $5.50/$100 • Roofing contractors: 5551 — rate around $6.80/$100

Make sure office workers in your home health agency are coded 8810, not 8835.

Group rating — save up to 53%

Ohio allows employers to join 'group rating' programs sponsored by trade associations and sponsors. By pooling risk with similar businesses with good safety records, you can save up to 53% off base BWC rates. Most home health agencies, trucking companies, and contractors qualify for at least one group.

Noah Insurance Agency LLC helps you find the active group that fits your industry and applies on your behalf.

Drug-Free Workplace Discount

Adopting a written drug-free workplace policy + employee drug testing program qualifies for a 4–7% BWC premium discount. Small ROI investment with consistent annual savings.

What happens during a BWC audit

BWC audits payroll every few years. They compare your reported payroll to actual tax records and verify classification accuracy. **Misclassified employees** (e.g. a 1099 contractor who's actually an employee) and **unreported overtime** are the two biggest audit hits. Penalties can include retroactive premium owed plus interest.

Keep clean payroll records and have a broker review your classifications annually.

Getting help

Noah Insurance Agency LLC handles Ohio BWC filings for home health, contractor, and trucking businesses across Ohio. We also write standard Workers Comp in Iowa and Minnesota for employers in those states. Call 814-718-0060.