Ohio Workers' Compensation News

The Ohio Workers' Compensation Bulletin provides updates on what is happening in the Ohio workers' compensation system -- whether in the Ohio legislature, the Ohio Industrial Commission, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, or the courts.  Subscription information is available here.

News back to 1996 is available in our news archives. Click on the year at the right to see the news items posted that year. The following news from the 2009 Workers' Compensation Bulletin is available:

1. Administrative: On June 26, 2009, the Industrial Commission will close its Canton office. The Canton office will be relocated into the Akron office.  This closing follows the March, 2009, closing of the Springfield office, which was relocated into the Dayton office.  (June, 2009)
   
   
   
2. Administrative: The Industrial Commission has redesigned its web site.  The new design has quick links which are designed to make it easier to access information and provides Industrial Commission news on the front page of the site.  (May, 2009)
   
   
3. Court: The Supreme Court has found that temporary total is not terminated when an injured workers' condition has not reached maximum medical improvement, even if the condition will "permanently" prevent the injured worker from returning to their former position of employment.  (April, 2009)
   
   
4. Administrative: The BWC and Industrial Commission are closing the Springfield Service Office, effective March 27, 2009.  The Springfield Service Office will be consolidated with the Dayton Service Office.  Injured workers and employers who used the Springfield Service Office will be advised to go to Dayton or Columbus.  With the closing of the Springfield office, the BWC and IC will be down to 15 service offices throughout the state.   (March, 2009)
   
   
5. Court: In Thorton v. Montville Plastics & Rubber, Inc., 2009-Ohio-360, the Supreme Court indicated that the 2006 workers' compensation amendments (Am. Sub. S.B. 7) were effective August 25, 2006.  The amendments had previously been thought to have been effective October 11, 2006.  (February, 2009)
   
   
6. Administrative: The BWC has amended a number of rules.  The amendments are effective February 10, 2009.  For more information about these amendments. (February, 2009)
   
   
7. Administrative: On Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, the BWC Board of Directors will hold an open forum on paperwork reduction. (February, 2009)
   
   
8. Administrative: The rates for workers' compensation awards in 2009 are now available on our rates page. (January, 2009)