MANSFIELD – Mansfield-area employers can expect $25.2 million in rebate checks this month from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), agency officials announced today during a visit to the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce.
“BWC is pleased to present the region’s employers with $25 million they can use to strengthen and grow their businesses,” said Jim Wyse, BWC Regional Business Development Manager. “While the money is theirs to spend as they see fit, we encourage employers to invest in workplace safety measures that prevent injuries and reduce their workers’ comp costs.”
The checks are part of a $1.5 billion rebate to Ohio employers this summer, BWC’s fourth rebate since 2013 and the agency’s largest in 20 years.
The rebates are possible because of the agency’s healthy investment income, falling claims and prudent fiscal management. The rebate brings workers’ comp savings for all Ohio employers to $8 billion since 2011.
Wyse asked employers to watch their mailboxes for the checks, which BWC is mailing in batches through the end of July. He also detailed the totals each of the region’s six counties can expect to receive:
Knox County: $3,368,190.87
Richland County: $7,848,044.38
Crawford County: $3,213,349.63
Ashland County: $3,679,604.95
Morrow County: $1,475,055.09
Huron County: $5,668,814.68
Richland Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jodie Perry said the rebate will be a boon to the region’s economy.
“To have $25 million coming back to our business community is huge,” Perry said. “It comes at a time that businesses are looking to expand and grow to meet the demands of this strong economy. We appreciate BWC for this rebate, and we look forward to watching our community benefit.”
Rebate amounts going to individual public employers by county can be found here. Rebates for specific private employers are not public record.
The rebate also includes several safety initiatives BWC announced at a press conference last week. The $44 million investment over two years includes $8 million in safety grants for law enforcement and to improve school safety and security.
