Ohio's Comp Bureau Nears Full Recovery from Investment Scandal

A June 6 report by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation indicates BWC has substantially recovered from an investment scandal two years ago that brought major changes. BWC could have lost its $50 million investment in Capital Coin Fund, but the fund's liquidation has brought BWC close to a recovery of the entire amount, says the progress report, which is available at www.ohiobwc.com/reform/. The report says an investigative task force has obtained 19 criminal convictions in connection with fraudulent investment activities and other matters from its probe of the case.

The report was released one year after passage of HB 100, a reform bill that created a new external oversight board for BWC, which has a $17 billion investment portfolio. The reform law also created the Office of the Deputy Inspector General specifically for BWC and the Industrial Commission. (BWC is the administrative and insurance arm of the Ohio comp system, while IC adjudicates claims.) New Gov. Ted Strickland, who signed HB 100 on June 11, 2007, had appointed BWC's current administrator, Marsha Ryan, in March 2007 as part of the shakeup.

"The progress report released today outlines the accomplishments and the numerous changes currently under way at BWC," Ryan said as the report was released. "There is much work to be done; however, we are on a steady path to comprehensively improve the performance of Ohio's workers' compensation system." BWC has reduced overall premium rates for private employers by 5 percent and for universities and state agencies by 10 percent. The agency will soon implement a more accurate system that gives employers a clearer look at factors affecting reserves for their workers' injuries.

Industrial Hygiene Product Showcase

  • Halo™ Eye/Face Wash Provides Greatest Washdown

    Halo™ Eye/Face Wash Provides Greatest Washdown

    Bradley’s Halo™ eye and eye/face wash arms users with the most effective emergency relief available in the industry. Halo provides 20 percent better protection than any other model on the market. With a more uniform and complete spray pattern distribution, and exclusive features that increase hygiene, users attain the greatest contaminant relief and protection available. Using the latest technology in fluid dynamics, Halo works in tandem with a pressure regulated flow control and the spinning motion of water, which creates an optimal spray pattern to rinse off contaminants quickly and thoroughly, ensuring the most effective flush available. 3

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without needing to be recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Additionally, it is durable enough to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, which is why it has an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as Gas Clip Technologies’ new GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. 3

  • Combating Combustible Dust with Compressed-Air Operated Vacs

    Combating Combustible Dust with Compressed-Air Operated Vacs

    VAC-U-MAX offers a full range of compressed-air operated industrial vacuum cleaners for high volume recovery of combustible dust, flammable liquid, and reactive powder. Systems do not require electricity for operation, only compressed air and are ATEX tested and Certified. Fill out RFQ at www.vac-u-max.com/vacuum or call (800) VAC-U-MAX. 3

Featured

Webinars