Bureau lowering workers’ comp rates

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio’s bureau of workers’ compensation says it will lower rates next year, saving taxpayers an estimated $22 million.

The bureau voted Friday to lower the rates for Ohio’s 3,900 public employer taxing districts by 5 percent beginning Jan. 1.

Bureau Administrator Stephen Buehrer says the rate reduction is meant to help local communities cut costs in tough economic times.

Workers’ compensation is the system by which employees injured on the job through no fault of their own have their medical expenses reimbursed and lost wages paid while they recover. In general, they receive the benefits in an agreement to not sue their employer.