The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation has rolled out a health and wellness program designed to cut back on the number of on-the-job injuries and illnesses.
According to a BWC press release, the program will be available for industries that have above-average injury rates. Owners of construction, agricultural or manufacturing businesses that have 50 or fewer employees may be eligible to sign up for this free program, which was launched Feb. 1.
The National Safety Council's Safety + Health magazine and other media outlets reported on the new Better You, Better Ohio! program, which is managed by ActiveHealth Management (an Aetna subsidiary).
According to the BWC, this program not onyl provides a cost-saving opportunity for employers but also has benefits for employees. By reducing the number of injury claims, companies will save money on legal fees, medical expenses and other costs tied to workplace accidents and injuries.
Ohio workers to "take ownership" of their health
As Safety + Health reports, the program allows employees to "take ownership" of their health. Companies will have resources to pay for assessments, biometric screenings, and education and training about well-being. Employees can visit a website and create custom health plans as well as track their progress to reach goals. If your employer participates in the program, you can download a mobile app to create weekly action plans and receive health tips.
The goal of the program is to maintain a healthy workforce in occupations in which workers are more likely to sustain injuries on the job. According to the BWC press release, research finds that healthy workers are less likely to get hurt on the job and, if injured, will recover more quickly than someone who is less healthy.
The program will be available for the following industries:
- Public safety
- Public employers
- Restaurant and food service
- Transportation and trucking
- Trash collection
- Wholesale and retail
While we applaud the state for its effort to protect the health of employees and the safety of their workplace, experience shows us that anyone can get injured on the job. This is especially true for people who work in high-risk jobs, such as the ones listed above. A workplace accident or illness can turn your life upside down in an instant. An accident can hurt you financially, physically and emotionally.
As workers' compensation attorneys in Dayton, we protect the rights of those injured on the job. We bring exceptional litigation skills to every case and offer our clients the hope they need, even when they are facing extremely challenging circumstances.
If you or a loved one was injured on the job, don't hesitate to contact an experienced attorney for a free consultation. Contact us at Hochman & Plunkett today.