As a human resource professional in Ohio, you’re likely familiar with workers’ compensation. But did you know that having a dedicated occupational health strategy in place can significantly reduce your costs, improve employee outcomes, and keep your workforce safer? Let’s break it down—with stats, facts, and a closer look at what sets Ohio apart.

Why Occupational Health Matters—Especially in Ohio

Ohio is a monopolistic state fund, which means employers must obtain workers’ compensation coverage directly through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Unlike other states where private insurance is an option, Ohio employers have limited flexibility, making proactive occupational health partnerships even more valuable.

What’s at Stake?

The average workers’ compensation claim in the U.S. costs $41,353 when accounting for medical expenses and lost wages according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance. For high-risk industries like manufacturing and construction, the cost per claim can skyrocket.

Without an occupational health team in place:

Return-to-work programs are harder to coordinate
Injuries may go untreated or worsen, increasing time away
You lose out on early intervention that could reduce claim severity
You may miss opportunities for premium discounts through BWC programs

Understanding Workers’ Comp in Ohio: What HR Needs to Know

Ohio’s system is unique, and as an HR professional, knowing the rules gives you the edge.

Key Facts:

All employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ comp insurance through the Ohio BWC.
Ohio is a “Choice State”—injured workers can choose their own medical provider for their initial visit. Afterward, care must come from a BWC-certified provider.
Employers are not allowed to dictate where employees seek care but can provide guidance and information on certified providers.

This makes patient satisfaction crucial. A strong occupational health partner ensures your employees have a positive experience—which often leads them to stick with BWC-certified care aligned with your goals.

The True Cost of Not Partnering with Occupational Health

Aside from rising claim costs, consider the ripple effects of slow or mismanaged injury care:

Lost productivity: According to the National Safety Council, work injuries cost U.S. employers over $167 billion annually.
Premium increases: Your BWC experience modifier can go up, making you less competitive in your industry.
Legal liability: Missteps in handling claims or employee communication can lead to disputes and even lawsuits.
Employee dissatisfaction: Poor care experiences reduce morale and trust in HR.

How Occupational Health Reduces These Costs

A trusted occupational health provider like Bon Secours Mercy Health offers:

Same-day access for serious injuries
90% of injured employees return to work for their next scheduled shift
92% of urgent care visits have wait times under 30 minutes (vs. 4 hours nationally)
Accurate, fast diagnoses to reduce unnecessary testing (e.g., 90% of lower back pain cases don’t need an X-ray)

By integrating care, HR teams gain:

Real-time updates on injury status
A centralized contact for claim coordination
Return-to-work programs to shorten lost-time cases
Compliance with Ohio BWC regulations

Make Workers’ Comp Work for You

Ohio employers can reduce costs and improve care by choosing a proactive approach. Whether you’re new to HR or a seasoned leader, partnering with a certified occupational health provider streamlines your workers’ comp process and supports your employees’ recovery.

Ready to lower claim costs and simplify compliance? Reach out to Bon Secours Mercy Health to learn how we help employers like you protect their most valuable asset, their people.

Connect with us

Give your employees access to the best so they can feel their best. With Bon Secours Mercy Health Occupational Health, your employees will receive care from one of the largest health systems in the nation, offering quick, seamless connections to all the care they’ll ever need.

Bon Secours Mercy Health is a nationally renowned health system that offers a full spectrum of health care specialists and services. Our Mission is to strengthen the health of our communities, which means keeping your employees and your bottom line as healthy as possible.