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Sedgwick Update
Reportable payroll Client Education program for workers’ compensation Sedgwick offers a comprehensive, webinar-based education program to current clients, covering a variety & true-up of topics within the workers’ compensation industry. These training webinars are free to member clients of Sedgwick. Sedgwick’s workers’ compensation educational series is designed to familiarize yourself with Ohio’s workers’ compensation system and show you how to maximize your program.
Webinar topics include:
• Introduction to Ohio workers’ compensation • Understanding your rate calculation • Destination Excellence • Seven steps to a successful workers’ compensation program • Cost containment strategies New topics coming in 2023 include: • Return to work strategies • Workers’ compensation strategies for the smaller business Sedgwick offers these educational programs once or twice monthly. The programs are designated for both private and public employers, private employers only or public employers only. Additionally, all sessions qualify for 1-hour of the 2-hour Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation safety training requirement for group and group retrospective-rated employers. Sedgwick will be offering OSHA/PERRP Recordkeeping webinars. For questions or to register, please email sedgwickohriskservices@sedgwick.com • OSHA Recordkeeping (private employers) will be offered: o January 11, 2023 – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm • PERRP Recordkeeping (public employers) will be offered: o January 11, 2023 – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm • Recordkeeping Roundtable – Ask the experts (private and public employers) will be offered: o January 18, 2023 – 10:00 am to 11:00 am Sedgwick will be releasing their 2023 education program schedule in January. Look for future communications with the dates, times and topics for the 2023 series. If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Bob Nicoll at (330) 418-1824 or robert.nicoll@sedgwick.com.
Reportable payroll In defining payroll, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) generally follows the guidelines of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, as well as the Federal Unemployment Tax Authority (FUTA) in the businesses section. Examples of reportable payroll The more common types of reportable payroll include gross hourly wages and gross salaries less qualifying deductions for section 125 cafeteria plan benefits, sick pay and vacation pay, bonus payments, including stock given as a bonus, sales commission and tips. Contact BWC or go to www.bwc.ohio.gov, select For Employers/Compliance/ Reporting Payroll for a complete list of reportable payroll. You may also contact Sedgwick’s Rate Department at (800) 825-6755 with any questions. True-up process
BWC provides workers’ compensation coverage based on estimated payroll. Therefore at the end of the policy year, BWC asks employers to report their actual payroll for the prior policy year and pay any shortage (or receive a refund for any overage) in premium. This process is called a true-up. If the true-up is not completed timely, the following may occur: • Employer will not be eligible for prior year rebates and incentives • Employer will be removed from current year programs • Employer will become ineligible for programs the following year and will continue to remain ineligible for all future years until all past true-ups are completed. How to report payroll and complete the true-up Although employers may contact BWC at (800) OHIO-BWC (800.644.6292) and complete their true-up report over the phone, BWC anticipates high call volumes and long wait times. They strongly encourage employers to complete their true-up report online through their BWC e-account at www.bwc.ohio.gov. If you do not have an e-account, simply select the Create E-Account Link to begin. You will need your BWC policy number and/or Federal Tax Identification Number. Additional rebates Additional rebates are available should an employer utilize their e-account through the BWC’s website. Eligible employers will qualify for a 1 percent Go Green premium rebate (up to $2,000 maximum) by filing electronically. To be eligible for the Go-Green Rebate, you must complete the true-up online and pay any balance at that time as well as opt in to invoice email notifications. Deadlines
Reportable payroll Safety during the Holidays The holidays are upon us! This is the time of year we spend with family and friends, do some shopping, & true-up decorate the house, cook meals, and hopefully, relaxing. It’s also the time of year where we may shift our focus away from safety. Remember, just because we are taking a break during the Holidays, doesn’t mean that safety will. In fact, with all the distractions the Holidays bring, it is more important than ever we maintain our focus on safety. In this month’s safety article, we will discuss safety tips when decorating and how to handle stress. Decorations are a great way to get into the holiday spirit but putting up those decorations may be hazardous. A few tips to remember when decorating: • Before using a ladder, inspect it for any damage and ensure it is placed on a stable surface. Landscaped areas provide potentially unstable bases. • When putting up outdoor lights, be sure they are identified for outdoor use. Do not use indoor lights outside. • Do not use damaged or frayed extension cords. Inspect them for any damage and replace them if necessary. • When you are using indoor/outdoor lighting, make sure there are no missing or broken bulbs. • When attaching lights to the house, use clips. Nails or staples may cause damage to the string of lights and be a potential hazard. • Indoor lights should be kept off the ground and away from high traffic areas to prevent breakage and accidental trips and falls. • Be sure to turn off lights when leaving the house or going to bed. Most home fires occur during the evening and at night. • If you decide to use a live Christmas Tree, be sure to keep it watered. A dry tree has a much higher potential to catch fire. The holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time with family and friends but sometimes stress can be overwhelming during this time. Here are some tips to help relieve some of that stress. • Plan Ahead – If you are hosting a meal, be sure to plan a menu. Having a predetermined list will make grocery shopping easier. • Budget for the Season - Create a budget for meals and gifts and stick to it. • To-Do List – Create a To-Do list to keep you organized. Cross off those items so you feel a sense of accomplishment. • If family or friends offer to help, take advantage of it. This could be one less thing on your “To-Do” List. • Maintain Healthy Habits – The holidays are a time to indulge but keep it in moderation. Limit the amount of food and beverages you consume. Exercise is a great way stress reliever and a great way to recharge your batteries. • Engage in activities that make you feel good: Reading a book, listening to music, taking a walk, or just having a conversation with family or friends. Remember, don’t lose sight of what’s important. The Holidays should be an enjoyable time with family and friends and celebrating safely and stress-free is key to a successful Holiday Season. Finally, be sure you take control of the Holidays and don’t let the Holidays take control of you. If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Bob Nicoll at 330-418-1824 or robert.nicoll@sedgwick.com.
Reportable payroll In defining payroll, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) generally follows the guidelines of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, as well as the Federal Unemployment Tax Authority (FUTA) in the businesses section. Examples of reportable payroll The more common types of reportable payroll include gross hourly wages and gross salaries less qualifying deductions for section 125 cafeteria plan benefits, sick pay and vacation pay, bonus payments, including stock given as a bonus, sales commission and tips. Contact BWC or go to www.bwc.ohio.gov, select For Employers/Compliance/ Reporting Payroll for a complete list of reportable payroll. You may also contact Sedgwick’s Rate Department at (800) 825-6755 with any questions. True-up process BWC provides workers’ compensation coverage based on estimated payroll. Therefore at the end of the policy year, BWC asks employers to report their actual payroll for the prior policy year and pay any shortage (or receive a refund for any overage) in premium. This process is called a true-up. If the true-up is not completed timely, the following may occur: • Employer will not be eligible for prior year rebates and incentives • Employer will be removed from current year programs • Employer will become ineligible for programs the following year and will continue to remain ineligible for all future years until all past true-ups are completed. How to report payroll and complete the true-up Although employers may contact BWC at (800) OHIO-BWC (800.644.6292) and complete their true-up report over the phone, BWC anticipates high call volumes and long wait times. They strongly encourage employers to complete their true-up report online through their BWC e-account at www.bwc.ohio.gov. If you do not have an e-account, simply select the Create E-Account Link to begin. You will need your BWC policy number and/or Federal Tax Identification Number. Additional rebates Additional rebates are available should an employer utilize their e-account through the BWC’s website. Eligible employers will qualify for a 1 percent Go Green premium rebate (up to $2,000 maximum) by filing electronically. To be eligible for the Go-Green Rebate, you must complete the true-up online and pay any balance at that time as well as opt in to invoice email notifications. Deadlines
