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More Than 100 Mahoning County Businesses Recognized For Workplace Safety Efforts
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator and CEO Steve Buehrer today participated in the Mahoning Valley Safety Council Awards banquet recognizing more than 100 local businesses for their efforts to save lives and prevent injuries in their workplaces.

BWC Investigations Result in Seven Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in April
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced seven individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during April.

Cambridge car salesman sentenced for workers' comp fraud
COLUMBUS - A Cambridge (Guernsey County) man has been sentenced for working as an automobile salesman while receiving benefits from a workplace injury.

Gallia County woman sentenced for workers' comp fraud
COLUMBUS - A Vinton (Gallia County) woman pleaded guilty to workers' compensation fraud and forgery this week after she was found forging documents in order to receive undue injured worker benefits

BWC awards more than $350,000 to support workplace safety
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has awarded safety intervention grants to 16 Ohio employers totaling more than $350,000.

Youngstown man sentenced for workers' comp fraud
COLUMBUS - A Youngstown (Mahoning County) man who pleaded guilty to workers' compensation fraud has been ordered to repay more than $6,000 or face jail time.

BWC stabilizes private employer workers' compensation premium rates
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) presented a plan to hold next year's statewide average base premium rate for private employers paying into Ohio's workers’ compensation system at the current level.

Bloomville man caught on video working while collecting injured worker benefits
COLUMBUS - A Bloomville (Seneca County) man has been ordered to repay nearly $5,000 in restitution for returning to employment while he was supposed to be off work recovering from a prior workplace injury

Managed care open enrollment for Ohio employers begins April 30
COLUMBUS - Ohio employers will soon have an opportunity to select a new managed care organization (MCO) to manage health-care services for workers injured on the job.

BWC Investigations Result in 10 Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in March
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced 10 individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during March.

Ohio employers encouraged to apply for new rating program by April 30
COLUMBUS - Ohio employers interested in protecting their workers and their bottom line have until the end of the month to take full advantage of Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation’s (BWC) new rating plan, Destination: Excellence.

BWC recognizes National Workplace Wellness Week
COLUMBUS - This week marks National Workplace Wellness Week and the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has several resources that help employers add a wellness component to their safety programs, which can reduce costs and improve the health and well-being of their workforce.

BWC formulary now available through mobile app
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) outpatient prescription formulary is now accessible via a mobile application available on any wireless communication device and Internet connected computers.

BWC Recognizes Marion Goodwill Industries with Safety Innovations Award
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) today recognized Marion Goodwill Industries with a People's Choice award during the first annual Safety Innovations Awards competition.

BWC Recognizes Aexcel with Safety Innovations Award
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) today recognized Mentor's Aexcel with a People's Choice award during the first annual Safety Innovation Awards competition.

BWC Recognizes City of Akron with Safety Innovations Award
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) today recognized the City of Akron with a People's Choice award during the first annual Safety Innovations Awards competition.

BWC Recognizes Green Lines Transportation with Safety Innovations Award
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) today recognized Carroll County’s Green Line Transportation with a People's Choice award during the first annual Safety Innovations Awards competition.

BWC Recognizes the City of Ironton with Safety Innovations Award
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) today recognized the City of Ironton, winner of the first annual Safety Innovations Awards competition.

Company's refusal to protect employees results in court action
COLUMBUS - A Cuyahoga County judge has ordered Gray Container, a 55-gallon drum manufacturer, to discontinue its operations for repeatedly refusing to maintain workers' compensation coverage.

Workplace Safety Takes Center Stage at the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo 2012
COLUMBUS - Ohio Safety Congress & Expo 2012 (OSC12), the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) annual three-day health and workers' compensation conference begins today and runs through Thursday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Hamilton man caught on video committing workers' comp fraud
Columbus – A Hamilton (Butler County) man who was caught on video working while receiving workers' compensation benefits pleaded guilty to fraud last week in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. David Jenkins was ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), which discovered he was working for a scrap materials processor while he was supposedly unable to work while recovering from a prior workplace injury.

BWC Recognizes Safety Council of the Year
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced the annual safety council of the year award winners. The winners are among Ohio's 81 safety councils, which work to increase safety awareness in the workplace and educate businesses on occupational safety and health issues. The Ashtabula Safety Council received the top recognition for its commitment to stimulating interest in safety and encouraging the development of more effective accident/incident prevention programs among its members.

BWC Investigations Result in Eight Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in February
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced eight individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during February.

Woods Appointed BWC Chief Medical Officer
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen T. Woods, M.D. (43203) as Medical Director.

Akron man worked two jobs while collecting injured worker benefits
COLUMBUS - An Akron (Summit County) man has been ordered to pay more than $14,000 in restitution for collecting paychecks from two employers while he was supposed to be off work recovering from a workplace injury.

BWC Seeks Investment Managers
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today moved to further diversify the State Insurance Fund (SIF) portfolio with approval to issue a Request for...

Lancaster man sentenced for workers' comp fraud
COLUMBUS - A Lancaster (Fairfield County) man has been sentenced for fraud following an Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) investigation that revealed his work as a chef while receiving workers' compensation benefits.

BWC Investigations Result in Seven Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in January
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced seven individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of January.

BWC now accepting applications for new Workplace Wellness Program
Columbus - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is now accepting applications for the new Workplace Wellness Grant Program.

Cleveland Woman Collecting Workers' Comp Caught Working at Veterinary Hospital
COLUMBUS - A Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) woman was sentenced last week for fraud after Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) investigators found she was working for a veterinary hospital and a local charity while receiving benefits for a workplace injury.

BWC Hires Investment Managers
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today approved the selection of six active managers to manage a portion of the State Insurance Fund (SIF) investment portfolio allocated towards the long duration credit fixed income mandate.

BWC Pharmacy Lock-in Program to Improve Medication Safety, Limit Abuse
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced new measures to improve the safety of medication prescribed to Ohioans recovering from workplace injuries and limit the practice of doctor and pharmacy shopping.

BWC awards more than $71,000 in December to support workplace safety
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) awarded four safety intervention grants totaling more than $71,000 in December.

Austintown DJ Faces the Music for Workers’ Comp Fraud
COLUMBUS – An Austintown (Mahoning County) man was sentenced last week for workers’ comp fraud after Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) investigators caught him on video entertaining partygoers and bar patrons as a disc jockey.

Carlson Appointed BWC Chief Actuarial Officer
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced the appointment of Christopher Carlson as Chief Actuarial Officer.

BWC Investigations Result in Three Workers’ Comp Fraud Convictions in December
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced three individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio’s workers’ compensation system during the month of December.

Ohio Safety Congress & Expo Registration Now Open
COLUMBUS – Registration is now open for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) 2012 Safety Congress and Expo (OSC12), the largest and longest-running occupational safety, health and workers’ compensation conference in Ohio.

Two Geauga County men owe a combined $200,000 for workers’ comp fraud
COLUMBUS – Two Geauga County men have been sentenced after they were convicted of fraud for working while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. Kenneth McElroy was self-employed performing equipment repair and snow plowing services and owes $80,000 to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).

BWC wellness program to support healthy workforce
COLUMBUS – Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced the addition of a workplace wellness program to help employers meet the challenges related to rising incidences of obesity and chronic disease.

BWC Investigations Result in Five Workers’ Comp Fraud Convictions in November
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced five individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio’s workers’ compensation system during the month of November

BWC receives Auditor of State Award
COLUMBUS – Excellent recordkeeping has earned the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) the Auditor of State Award after a review by State Auditor Dave Yost's office returned a clean audit report. The audit was completed by Schneider Downs and accepted by Auditor Yost.

Amsterdam man sentenced for doctor, pharmacy shopping
COLUMBUS - An Amsterdam (Jefferson County) man who used deception to obtain narcotic prescriptions was sentenced this week in a Franklin County courtroom. Thomas McAllister had a valid claim for a workplace injury with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) but he was found to be abusing the system by visiting multiple physicians and pharmacies in order to receive more narcotics than necessary.

Lack of medical license not enough to keep Toledo man from treating injured workers
COLUMBUS – A Toledo (Lucas County) man who treated injured workers without a medical license must repay the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) more than $100,000 as a result of his sentencing yesterday for workers’ compensation fraud.

Sharonville man on workers’ comp caught working for brother’s company
COLUMBUS – A Sharonville (Hamilton County) man was sentenced in court last week after the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) discovered he was working as a cable installer for his brother’s Milford company.

Ohio businesses awarded more than $273,000 in October to support workplace safety
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) awarded 13 businesses safety intervention grants totaling more than $273,000 during October to make Ohio workplaces safer.

BWC Proposes new rating plan to protect workers, encourage return to work
COLUMBUS – Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer has introduced a new rating plan that encourages employers to maintain safe workplaces and to work with injured workers to speed their return to work.

Beavercreek nursing home the first SHARP health-care facility in Ohio
DAYTON – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) last week recognized the United Church Homes/Trinity Community in Beavercreek (Greene County) for attaining Safety and Health Achievement Program (SHARP) status through the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

BWC Investigations Result in 13 Workers’ Comp Fraud Convictions in October
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced 13 individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio’s workers’ compensation system during October.

Licking County businessman had no workers’ comp, owes more than $200,000
COLUMBUS – A Newark (Licking County) man who operated his business for more than a decade without proper workers’ compensation insurance was sentenced recently after he was found guilty of failure to comply with the law.

Cuyahoga Falls Man Finds Two Ways to Violate Workers’ Comp Laws
COLUMBUS – A Cuyahoga Falls (Summit County) man who worked for three employers and served time in the Akron Oriana House while on workers’ comp was sentenced for fraud last week in a Franklin County courtroom.

Ohio Public Employer Workers Comp Rates Falling
COLUMBUS – Ohio’s 3,900 public employer taxing districts will pay an estimated $22 million less for workers’ compensation coverage next year following today’s decision by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors to lower overall rates five percent beginning January 1.

Ohio businesses awarded more than $200,000 in September to support workplace safety
COLUMBUS – Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced 10 Ohio businesses received more than $217,000 in safety intervention grants in September to improve workplace safety.

Toledo Man Caught on Camera Roofing While on Workers' Comp
COLUMBUS – A Toledo (Lucas County) man has been sentenced in a fraud case after investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) captured video not only showing him working a roofing job while receiving benefits, but also leaving the worksite to attend a hearing on his workers' comp case, and later returning to finish the job.

BWC Investigations Result in 3 Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in September
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced three individuals were convicted of defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of September.

BWC Chief visits NE Ohio, talks safety and bureau priorities
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer was in northeast Ohio today spreading a message of safety and talking to local businesses about efforts to keep workers safe and get injured workers back healthy and productive quickly.

BWC Chief visits NE Ohio, talks safety and bureau priorities
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer was in northeast Ohio today spreading a message of safety and talking to local businesses about efforts to keep workers safe and get injured workers back healthy and productive quickly.

BWC Chief visits NE Ohio, talks safety and bureau priorities
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer was in northeast Ohio today spreading a message of safety and talking to local businesses about efforts to keep workers safe and get injured workers back healthy and productive quickly. Buehrer met with representatives of Aluminum Line Product Company and toured the company's Westlake facility.

Brunswick Man Caught Running Roofing Company While on Workers' Comp
COLUMBUS - A Brunswick (Medina County) business owner has been sentenced following a fraud investigation that showed he was operating his business in violation of the law that forbids injured workers from working while receiving benefits from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).

Grow Ohio to Lower Workers' Comp Rates for New Employers
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors has approved the creation of Grow Ohio, a program targeted toward job creation by lowering workers' comp costs for employers new to Ohio

Workers' Comp Rates for Public Employers Decreasing
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors heard a proposal from BWC Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer this week to lower rates for public employer taxing districts (PEC) by an overall five percent beginning January 1, 2012.

BWC Program Supports Fair Consideration for Minority and Women Investment Managers
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today approved the selection of two firms to oversee the selection and management of qualified minority-owned and/or women-owned (MWBE) firms to manage State Insurance Fund invested assets. Attucks Asset Management and Leading Edge Investment Advisors were selected as Managers-of-Managers (MoM) following a Request for Proposals search and evaluation process. Both are minority-owned firms.

BWC Investigations Result in Eight Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in August
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced eight individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of August.

Modern Medical to Repay BWC $400,000 for Improper Billing
COLUMBUS – A Lewis Center durable medical equipment company has reached a settlement with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and Attorney General Mike DeWine's office in a case involving improper billing of services and products provided to Ohio injured workers.

Lake County Man Caught on Camera Running Catering Business While on Workers' Comp
A surveillance operation conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Special Investigations Department (SID) landed a Lake County man in a Cuyahoga County courtroom recently to be sentenced for running a business while receiving workers' compensation benefits.

Linchpin in health-care fraud scheme to repay more than $200,000
The sentencing today of Fairfield (Hamilton County) chiropractor Bruce E. Holaday in a Franklin County courtroom is the culmination of a sweeping health care fraud investigation conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and Attorney General Mike DeWine's office.

Vanek to Lead BWC Internal Audit
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steven Buehrer today announced the appointment of Dennis A. Vanek as Chief of BWC's Internal Audit Division.

Fallen Workers Memorial Honors Those Who Lost their Lives on the Job
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) today hosted a program to honor the 145 workers killed on the job in Ohio over the past year.

BWC to Honor Workers Killed on the Job
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) will host a program to honor the 145 workers killed on the job in Ohio over the past year.

BWC Recognizes Brewster Dairy for Outstanding Safety Efforts
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has recognized long-time Brewster (Stark County) cheese manufacturer Brewster Dairy for its commitment to protecting its workforce. The company received the distinctive recognition of SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) status by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) On-Site Consultation Program, which is administered by BWC.

Workers' Comp Board Approves Real Estate
Investment Option

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Board of Directors today approved diversifying the State Insurance Fund (SIF) investment portfolio with the addition of real estate as an asset class.

Grow Ohio Workers' Comp Incentives to Support Job Creation
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation has proposed an economic development initiative that could discount a new Ohio employer's premium by as much as 51 percent.

BWC Investigations Result in Nine Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in July
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced nine individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of July.

Businessman Guilty of Filing Bogus Claim Against His Own Workers' Comp Policy
COLUMBUS - A Middletown business owner and his girlfriend have been sentenced in a case related to their scheme to file false workers' compensation claims against his company's policy in order to obtain narcotics and medical care.

Morrow School Bus Driver Sentenced for Workers' Comp Fraud
COLUMBUS - A Warren County woman must repay more than $13,000 following an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) that revealed she was working while collecting workers' compensation benefits

BWC steps up to save a life!
FARMDALE - Nearly 50 individuals from northeast Ohio today learned about the dangers of grain bins and silos during a special training sponsored by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).

BWC Formulary Subcommittee to Meet Aug. 10
COLUMBUS - The Formulary Subcommittee of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee will meet Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011.

BWC Board of Directors to Meet Friday
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors will meet for its monthly meeting at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 29 in Room 3 on Level 2 of the William Green Building, located at 30 W. Spring St., Columbus.

Columbus Woman Caught Working Four Jobs While On Workers' Comp
COLUMBUS - Annette McDaniel must repay more than $19,000 after the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) found she was working four jobs at Columbus area businesses while receiving workers' compensation benefits for a prior workplace injury.

BWC Investigations Result in 11 Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in June
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced 11 individuals were convicted of or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of June.

BWC Administrator Marks first Six Months
While attention has been focused on Governor John Kasich's historic budget efforts, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation has been quietly working on bringing service, simplicity and savings to Ohio's businesses and injured workers, according to BWC Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer.

BWC Launches Social Media Effort
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has entered the world of social media, launching both Twitter and Facebook accounts, each with its own distinctive purpose.

Hamilton, Abrams Appointed to BWC Leadership Team
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Administrator/CEO Steven Buehrer today announced the appointment of two veteran workers' compensation and insurance industry professionals to leadership roles. Dale Hamilton will serve as Chief Operating Officer and Kevin Abrams will head BWC's Employer Services Division.

Workers' Comp Rates for Ohio Marine Industry Employers Decrease 20%
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has reduced its rates for marine industry employers by 20 percent, effective July 1.

Zannoni Sentenced for Fraud Related to Improper Prescribing and Billing
COLUMBUS - Dr. Jean Zannoni of Parma (Cuyahoga County) has been sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay more than $7,500 in fines and restitution after pleading guilty to theft, attempted workers' compensation fraud and telecommunications fraud.

Illinois Brothers' Workers' Comp Fraud Scheme Falls Apart
COLUMBUS - A pair of Illinois brothers who traveled to Columbus to practice psychiatry were sentenced for workers' compensation fraud after an investigation showed they were conducting inadequate...

Barnesville Man Guilty of Fraud, Illegally Collected $30,000 in Workers' Comp
Columbus - Frank Fogle, a Barnesville (Belmont County) truck driver, has been sentenced for fraud after he concealed his employment in order to continue receiving workers' compensation benefits.

BWC Safety Grants Help Ohio Employers Improve Working Conditions
COLUMBUS - As part of National Safety Month, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is reminding employers that hundreds of Ohio businesses are substantially reducing workplace injuries and creating safer work environments using BWC grants. Over the past year, BWC has awarded more than $3.3 million in Safety Intervention Grants.

BWC Investigations Result in Seven Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in May
COLUMBUS - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced seven individuals were convicted or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of May.

Pepper Pike Businessman Sentenced for Workers' Comp Fraud Now Faces Civil Action
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is seeking an injunction against a Pepper Pike man recently sentenced for operating his business without proper workers' compensation insurance coverage while his employees filed multiple claims.

National Safety Month Highlights Importance of Workplace Safety Education and Prevention
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is marking National Safety Month with the addition of two safety courses to its collection of more than 60 that are available to Ohio employers at no cost all year long.

BWC Establishes First Outpatient Prescription Drug Formulary
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today approved BWC's first ever formulary of medications approved for the treatment of injured workers. The outpatient formulary was established to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment, limit the inappropriate use of medications and lower BWC's prescription costs.

BWC Conference Links Small Businesses with Assistance to Grow, Increase Competitiveness
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is sponsoring a small and minority business expo that will connect southern Ohio entrepreneurs with experts who will provide guidance on utilizing all available government resources to improve operations and increase competitiveness.

BWC Investigations Result in 10 Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in April
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced 10 individuals were convicted or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of April.

Surveillance Video Captures Cleveland Man Committing Workers' Comp Fraud
COLUMBUS - A Cleveland man has been sentenced after an undercover investigation captured video showing his work remodeling homes during a time in which he was receiving workers' compensation benefits and claimed to be incapable of working.

BWC to Offer Grant Savings for Wholesale, Retail Employers
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO (BWC) Stephen Buehrer today announced a grant program to reduce or eliminate occupational injuries and illnesses in the wholesale/retail trade sector. As part of BWC’s ongoing research partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to enhance safety practices for Ohio’s workforce, the program provides funds to employers in this sector to purchase safety equipment while participating in a study that will guide future programming and establish best practices for accident and injury prevention.

Man Working in Kentucky While on Workers' Comp in Ohio Must Repay $20,000
COLUMBUS - A former Cincinnati man has been ordered to return $20,000 to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) following a fraud investigation that found he was concealing his employment with three companies in Kentucky in order to receive workers' compensation benefits to which he

BWC Investigations Result in 12 Workers' Comp Fraud Convictions in March
Columbus - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer today announced 12 individuals were convicted or pleaded guilty to charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system during the month of March.

BWC Recognizes Performance of Union County Safety Council
COLUMBUS - Stephen Buehrer, Administrator/CEO of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), honored the Union County Safety Council with an award for its leadership in increasing safety awareness in the workplace to prevent injuries and reduce workers' compensation insurance costs. Buehrer presented the award last night during the council's annual banquet to council representatives Brian Dostanko and Bob Whitman.

Ohio BWC executes search warrant as part of fraud investigation
As part of an ongoing investigation into workers' compensation fraud, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation has executed search warrants at the Southeast Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Center, 23121 & 23131 Emery Rd., Warrensville Heights, as well as at 18165 Moss Point, Bainbridge Twp, Chagrin Falls, the residence of former chiropractor and BWC provider Vince DeNittis Jr.

North Baltimore Man Guilty of Working, Operating Hardware Store While on Workers' Comp
Columbus - A North Baltimore (Wood County) man has pleaded guilty to one count of fraud following the discovery of his work remodeling homes and opening a hardware store in violation of rules related to working while receiving workers' compensation benefits.

Buehrer Announces Expansion of Safety Council Program
COLUMBUS - Stephen Buehrer, Administrator/CEO of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), has announced the continuation and expansion of the Safety Council Rebate Incentive Program, which allows employers to earn rebates on their workers' compensation premiums for participating in their local safety council and reducing workplace injuries.

Workers' Comp Fraud Task Force Targets Postal Contractors
COLUMBUS - A task force created by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Special Investigations Department (SID) in collaboration with the US Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) has uncovered workers' compensation fraud at six businesses that contract with the Postal Service.

BWC Administrator Stephen Buehrer Statement on Scioto & Huron County Fraud Investigations
The following is a statement from Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) CEO/Administrator Stephen Buehrer regarding legal action taken today at the Portsmouth (Scioto County) and Plymouth (Huron County) offices of Dr. James E. Lundeen Sr.

Ohio Man Sentenced for Operating Business in Arizona While Receiving Workers' Comp
COLUMBUS - Robert Harnage, formally of Middletown, Ohio, has been sentenced after an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)...

Fourth Plea Entered in Workers' Comp Fraud Case; Chiropractor to Repay $104,000
COLUMBUS - A Fairfield (Butler County) chiropractor has pleaded guilty to workers' compensation fraud, a third-degree felony, in a case that already resulted in charges against...

Harrison Business Owner Convicted for Failure to Maintain Workers' Comp Coverage
COLUMBUS - A Harrison (Hamilton County) woman has been convicted of fraud in a Hamilton County courtroom for failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage to protect her employees in the event of a workplace injury or illness.

Toledo Man Sentenced for Fraudulent Collection of Workers' Comp Benefits
COLUMBUS - A Toledo (Lucas County) man was sentenced this week for fraud after he was convicted of illegally collecting workers' compensation dependent death benefits.

Record $830,000 Returned to BWC Following Insurance Fraud Conviction
COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has received a record $830,000 in restitution from an Akron area anesthesiologist five years after his conviction in an insurance fraud case that captured national attention and sent him to prison for life.

Coshocton Women to Repay $20,000 for Workers' Comp Fraud
COLUMBUS - A Coshocton (Coshocton County) woman has pleaded guilty to workers' compensation fraud after an investigation revealed she was working as a bartender while receiving Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits for a workplace injury from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).

Lancaster Woman Admits to Workers' Comp Fraud, Ordered to Repay $15,000
COLUMBUS - A Lancaster (Fairfield County) woman was sentenced yesterday in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court after pleading guilty to workers' compensation fraud, a fifth degree felony.

BWC Investigation Culminates in Indictment of Fairfield Chiropractor
COLUMBUS - A Fairfield (Hamilton County) chiropractor has been indicted on workers' compensation fraud and theft charges, the culmination of a years-long investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Special Investigations Department (SID).

Two, 11-ton A/C Units to be Lifted 13 Stories by Crane this Weekend
COLUMBUS - This weekend, crews will begin replacing two, 20 year old air conditioning units in the William Green Building, located at 30 W. Spring Street in downtown Columbus.

January Meeting of BWC Board of Directors Cancelled
COLUMBUS - The January meeting of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors has been cancelled

Buehrer Sworn in as BWC Administrator
COLUMBUS - Steve Buehrer was sworn in today as Administrator/CEO of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).


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