Learn About: VSSR Awards

Learn About Ohio Workers' Compensation

VSSR Awards

The Ohio workers' compensation system can be confusing. Our learn about pages provide basic information about the Ohio workers' compensation system. You can find out more about the system from our Ohio Workers' Compensation Guide or our explanation of Ohio workers' compensation terms.

Learn about VSSR awards:

VSSR stands for violation of a specific safety requirement. The VSSR award acts as a penalty against the employer. The award is separate from the claim allowance and is in addition to any other compensation awarded.
Most VSSR awards are based on safety codes. Current safety codes can be found in the Ohio Administrative Code. Some claims are governed by older codes based on the date of installation of the machinery or other factors. Copies of old codes can be obtained by contacting the BWC Division of Safety and Hygiene Library.
VSSR stands for violation of a specific safety requirement. The VSSR award acts as a penalty against the employer. The award is separate from the claim allowance and is in addition to any other compensation awarded.
Most VSSR awards are based on safety codes. Current safety codes can be found in the Ohio Administrative Code. Some claims are governed by older codes based on the date of installation of the machinery or other factors. Copies of old codes can be obtained by contacting the BWC Division of Safety and Hygiene Library.
You must file the application for a VSSR award within two years of the date of injury, disease or death and after filing the claim. File the application on form IC 8/9. Identify the specific safety requirement you claim the employer violated with as much detail as possible and list any witnesses.
After you file the application, the BWC will investigate the VSSR. Then, a pre-hearing conference will clarify the issues, determine if the record is ready for hearing and set a the hearing date.
If you want to introduce any new evidence or witnesses at the hearing, you must request a record hearing and pay for a court reporter. You must file the application for a VSSR award within two years of the date of injury, disease or death and after filing the claim. File the application on form IC 8/9. Identify the specific safety requirement you claim the employer violated with as much detail as possible and list any witnesses.
After you file the application, the BWC will investigate the VSSR. Then, a pre-hearing conference will clarify the issues, determine if the record is ready for hearing and set a the hearing date.
If you want to introduce any new evidence or witnesses at the hearing, you must request a record hearing and pay for a court reporter.
An SHO holds the VSSR hearing. There is no appeal from the decision. To challenge the SHO decision you must request a rehearing within 30 days of receipt of the SHO order.
If the Industrial Commission makes a VSSR award, it will award a percentage between 15% and 50% of the maximum yearly rate which is in addition to the regular workers' compensation award. To calculate the amount of the award, multiply the VSSR percentage by the maximum rate for the year of injury. The VSSR award is paid as an additional amount when the injured worker receives workers' compensation. For example, if the injured worker receives temporary total, in addition to the regular temporary total award they will receive a VSSR award calculated by multiplying the maximum temporary total for the year they were injured by the VSSR percentage.

See our VSSR page for more information about the VSSR award.

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