Notice to Policyholders on Changes in Ohio Law

March 5, 2009

Employers should be aware of recent changes to Ohio state law that may affect you if you have employees working in Ohio, even if only on an occasional or temporary basis.

According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the new law requires out-of-state employers with employees working in Ohio to provide workers’ compensation coverage for such employees, even in situations where employers may have valid coverage in their home state.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive insurer for workers’ compensation in Ohio. A policy with the New York State Insurance Fund or a private insurance carrier does not and will not cover claims for workers’ compensation benefits made by your employees brought against you under Ohio law.

The New York State Insurance Fund cannot provide advice or answer specific questions regarding workers’ compensation coverage in Ohio. If you have employees who work in Ohio, even if only on an occasional or temporary basis, it is recommended that you contact the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to determine if such employees are affected by the new law.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation may be reached by mail at 30 W. Spring St., Columbus, Ohio  43215-2256, by telephone at 1-800-OHIOBWC (1-800-644-6292) or at www.ohiobwc.com.