For a workers comp lawyer in Ohio, Sarah D. Morrison is a person deserving of our attention. She is the former administrator and CEO of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and in that role, Morrison was responsible for the state’s care for injured workers of all types throughout the state.
Only four states in the US are “monopolistic” states, in that they require employers to get workers’ compensation coverage from a compulsory state fund. (North Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, and Ohio are those four.) In a 2018 op-ed piece she wrote in the Norwalk Reflector, Morrison discussed some victories for Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Among them, she mentions that the state’s 2.7 injuries per 100 workers is a half percent below the national average:
“That half percent means Ohio has 20,369 more people returning home safe to their loved ones than if we were just performing at the national average,” wrote Morrison. She also described a $1 billion rebate that increased Ohio workers’ comp savings. Reportedly, the bureau has saved $6.3 billion for Ohio employers since 2011.
Better You, Better Ohio!
The BWC now has a wellness program called, “Better You, Better Ohio!”, which features initiatives such as:
- Health and wellness education and training
- Health assessments
- Biometric screenings
- A specialized website and an app for health planning and health progress tracking
- Digital coaching to support workers on their health journey
Focusing on health and wellness is a good idea for employers and employees alike. Anything that can be done to reduce the rate of workplace injuries is something we can get behind. We applaud these initiatives by the BWC and we hope that these opportunities help Ohio workers stay healthy and well.
However, if you ever find yourself dealing with the consequences of a workplace injury, and you need to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer here in Cincinnati for assistance with workplace safety related questions, please reach out to us at 513.721.6500. We know the challenges of the workers’ compensation system, and we can help give you the support you need with the process, maximizing your settlement and giving you peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.