BUREAU OF WORKERS COMPENSATION

Covid-19 Update – Due to Covid-19 causing schools to be closed early and many staff members continuing to work from home, the BWC has added a telecommuting classification to all public employer policies for the 2020 policy year.  This classification is rated in a way so as to offset the financial impact caused by Covid-19.  The base rate for the telecommuting code (9444) is .19 vs. the typical district rate of .49 for manual 9434.  The actual rate each district pays will vary, based on their claim history and discount program participation. 

It is important that districts keep track of the employees that worked from home and the amount of time spent telecommuting, as the BWC may request verification of the reporting.  Only payroll for the period of the duration of the Stay at Home Order can be reported under the 9444 classification, all other payroll will be reported under 9434.

Subject: Public Employers Teleworking Manual Classification 

Continuing Class Code 9444-PEC Teleworking: In June 2021, when Governor DeWine ended the state of emergency, the Underwriting & Premium Audit Department announced the discontinuation of Public Employer classification code, 9444-Clerical Telecommuter. This was made effective on July 1, 2021. Public Employers were advised to report payroll for the remainder of policy year 2021 to the assigned PEC class code for staff teleworking on or after July 1, 2021. However, after further discussion and review by Employer Services and Actuarial, we have decided to continue this classification code for the remainder of policy year 2021 policy year and for the upcoming PEC policy year (2022). With the ongoing pandemic, we understand PEC staff continue to telework, therefore we feel it is appropriate to continue use of class code 9444. 

Examples relating to public employer taxing districts

•       Any public employees performing clerical duties while working from home are reportable to 9444.

•       Public employee teachers who conduct classes on-line working from home are reportable to classification 9444. If tutoring is done by the teacher away from the teacher’s home, then their entire payroll is reported to the operational classification.

•       Public employee teachers who ended the previous school year working from home are reportable to 9444, including summer break, and as long as the schools remain closed.

•       After a public school has students return to in-school classes, all payroll for teachers will be reportable to the operational classification code again.

•       This revision to the class code assignment rule only applies beginning with the time of Governor DeWine’s State of Emergency order, which he initiated March 9, 2020.

•       To request the addition of class code 8871 – Clerical Telecommuter or 9444 for public employer taxing districts to your policy, please call 1-800-644-6292 or send an email to RTSclass@ohiobwc.com. Remember to include your policy number in your email request.

Dear Public Employer:

Don’t forget! Public employers must submit their Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (300AP) to the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program (PERRP) on or before Feb. 1.

https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/employer/forms/InjuryIllnessSummary/nlbwc/InjuryIllnessSummary.aspx

As a reminder:

• Public employers are required to report hospitalizations, amputations, and loss of an eye within 24 hours and work-related fatalities within 8 hours to PERRP at 1-800-671-6858.
• Public employers are required to post the PERRP Safety and Health poster at each physical location. Click here to download or request a poster: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/bwc/for-employers/safety-and-training/safety-consultations/request-safety-health-poster

PERRP is currently providing virtual safety and health training, consultations, and written program reviews during COVID-19. Please request our services at: https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/employer/services/peservicerequest/nlbwc/RequestForServicePERRP.aspx

Should you need assistance in completing or filing your PERRP 300AP Summary, please contact PERRP at 1-800-671-6858.