The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is switching from retrospective billing to prospective billing starting in 2015. That means private and public employers will pay in advance of receiving workers' compensation coverage. According to the BWC, prospective billing will help the bureau modernize its operations and provide better service to employers.

The switch will occur July 1, 2015, for private employers and Jan. 1, 2016, for public employers.

Learn more about the transition credit BWC will provide to employers in good standing as well as deadline changes for BWC rating plans and discount programs in this private employer prospective billing update  and public employer prospective billing update.

Prospective billing timelines, frequently asked questions, and more resources about prospective billing are available at bwc.ohio.gov.

For more information, contact your local BWC customer service office, call 1-800-644-6292 or email BWC.

The 2015 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo will be held March 31-April 2 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. There's no charge for Ohio employers and their employees to attend the event, which last year drew more than 6,000 people.

This annual event hosted by BWC helps Ohio employers prevent workplace injuries and achieve better outcomes for injured workers. New this year: Educational tracks for physicians and environmental specialists as well as certified medical education for physicians and medical providers.

A workers' compensation policy number is required to register. Register and check out the educational sessions by clicking here.

If you are currently hiring, and you know your new employees will need some training, you should  check out On-the-Job Training (OJT) -- a federally funded program that helps employers hire and train individuals for long-term employment. Employers will be reimbursed a percentage of the trainee's regular wages during the training period, up to $8,000.

 In addition, the Business Services team at OhioMeansJobs Clermont will help you to recruit and pre-screen prospective new employees and work with you to determine the specific skills they will need.

 For more information, please call Greg Cottrill or Sherri Bowling at 513-943-3000. They can also be reached by email at [email protected] or [email protected]

More information

Brothers Marcus and Jacob Simpson  work at Felicity Franklin High School  last summer.

OhioMeansJobs Clermont, through its partnership with Easter Seals Tri-State, is looking for employers who would be interested in hiring young people as part of a summer employment program.

There is no cost to the employer -- all wages are paid through Easter Seals Tri-State.

The summer work allows young people, ages 16-24, to develop work skills and explore possible careers. Among other things, they are expected to learn good work habits, such as being on time, being dependable, and following directions.

If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please contact Bobbi Brafford at 513-943-8023. 

An HR class -- Background Checks: Best Practices and New Developments -- will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m. April 8 at OhioMeansJobs Clermont County, 756 Old State Route 74.

Speakers Matt Messersmith, Signet Pre-Employment Screening, and Karl Ulrich, Sebaly, Shillito & Dyer, will present on the key legal rules governing the use of background checks, basic rules governing the hiring process, the nuts and bolts of background checks, and emerging trends and new laws 

To register please contact Business Services Representative Sherri Bowling, [email protected] or 513-943-3734.

Congratulations to these Clermont County companies and organizations, which were recognized in the Business Courier's annual Green Business Awards: 

The Cincinnati Nature Center, Union Township, for its algae-wheel wastewater system; Orcutt & Co., Miami Township, for using solar panels to deliver much of its electricity; Melink Corp., Union Township, for an employee clean fuel initiative which includes charging stations for hybrid and electric cars; and Simply Fresh Dry Cleaners, Union Township, for using recycled hangers and garment bags.

Speaking of awards, save the date -- June 17 -- for Cincy Magazine's annual Manny Awards, which recognizes the best achievements of Southwest Ohio manufacturers. 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout Ohio, and Clermont County is asking local businesses to support Wear Blue to Work day on Wednesday, April 8, in honor of this. Encourage your employees to wear blue that day; post pictures to your Facebook page and Twitter feeds, which we will then share on the county Facebook page as we thank your company for supporting awareness of this issue. 

For more information, contact Kathleen Williams, [email protected]. (You can also email your photos directly to her and she will post on the county's social media.)