Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Drug Free Workplace Discount Program (DFWP)

In July 1997, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) introduced an incentive program designed to help employers establish a safer and more cost-effective workplace. This voluntary program encourages employers to detect and deter substance use and misuse and take appropriate corrective action. Participating employers can receive discounts from 10 to 20 percent on their workers compensation premiums for up to five years.

Overall, employers who implement the DFWP will provide greater protection for all employees, increase productivity, decrease accidents and the severity of accidents, reduce workers’ compensation costs and use of medical benefits by substance users, and protect the employer’s bottom line. The greatest value of this program is in its long-range benefits rather than the discount. Implementing the DFWP is truly a good business decision for any employer.

BWC’s DFWP offers employers the flexibility of three levels, each with its own set of program requirements. The higher the level of program, the greater the percentage of premium discount an employer may be eligible to receive.

CONCERN can provide services to accommodate the following five basic components required at each level of the BWC Discount Program.

• A written substance use policy
• Employee education
• Supervisor training
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Employee assistance

Written Policy

Every DFWP starts with a written substance use policy to set the tone of the program, outline the responsibilities of the employer and employee, and fully explain the program. Employers are encouraged to involve all levels of employees in the development of the program. The BWC provides employers with details as to what should be included in the policy as well as a sample policy.

Employee Education

Employers must provide a total of two hours of education for all employees each program year. This training will include information about the company’s policy, the disease model of addiction, and signs and symptoms of substance abuse in the workplace. The education also includes information about community resources employees can go to for help for themselves or their family members.

Supervisor Training

Employers must provide a total of four hours additional informational and skill-building training to all supervisors the first year of the program (Bureau of Workers' Compensation Drug Free Workplace Mandatory Alcohol and Drug Training). Each subsequent year supervisors must receive a two-hour refresher course. New supervisors should receive at least two hours of training within six weeks of becoming a supervisor. CONCERN is a certified trainer for the Workers’ Compensation Discount Program, offering this education to the corporate community. A discount is given to its EAP client companies. Contact Us for specific information regarding this training.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

The heart of every DFWP is drug and alcohol testing. The employer’s written policy must clearly spell out all aspects of drug and alcohol testing, including cut-off levels and the procedures or protocols that define the testing process.

Our division, Corporate Health Services, offers seven occupational medicine sites, conveniently located throughout the city, plus after-hours locations at the following TriHealth emergency departments: Bethesda North Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Bethesda Medical Center at Arrow Springs. For more information about the testing program Contact Us.

Levels of participation in the BWC-DFWP

The program is spread over a five-year time span with three levels of participation. Each level of participation successfully implemented results in increasing discounts to Bureau of Workers' Compensation premiums.

Level 1:

• DFWP written policy
• Employee education
• Supervisor training
• Drug and alcohol testing: (Pre-employment/new hire, post accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up)
• Treatment options and providers provided to employees

Level 2

• Same as level 1 plus 10 percent random drug testing
• Referral to an established employee assistance provider (EAP) for assessment and treatment

Level 3

• Same as level 1 and 2 plus company offers health care coverage for chemical dependency treatment
• Company now increases to 25 percent random drug testing
  

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Assistance is a cornerstone of any Drug-Free Workplace Program. The BWC’s DFWP offers a progressive approach to employee assistance, with additional services required for higher program levels.

The written DFWP policy must clearly express management’s commitment to help employees with substance-use problems, with options for assessment information, referral to assessment and/or treatment and a general commitment to rehabilitation. This policy should inform the workforce of available Employee Assistance services. In addition, the written DFWP policy should identify who will pay for the services associated with an assessment and treatment. Reasonable employee co-pays are permitted.

An Employee Assistance Plan does not imply that an employer will provide treatment for an employee with a substance-use problem. However, the employer must identify a plan of action and applicable resources for employees who seek help on their own, who are referred by management for a possible problem with alcohol/drugs or who have a positive alcohol/drug test.

The Bureau of Workers' Compensation also has an EZ Drug Free Workplace Program. This is designed for companies with 25 or fewer employees. For more detailed information about the BWC Drug Free Workplace programs, visit their Web site at www.ohiobwc.com or call 800-OHIOBWC.

CONCERN welcomes the opportunity to respond to your needs. Contact Us if you would like a proposal or for more information about purchasing any of our products and services.