Beginning Jan. 1, Ohio public employers are paying less in workers’ compensation insurance premiums. In fact, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation says the total savings will be about $17 million for the full year. BWC officials say the 10 percent rate cut is due to declining injury claims and relatively low medical inflation costs by counties, cities, public schools and other public taxing districts.

That is good news.

“I applaud Ohio’s employers who continue to adopt a culture of workplace safety, which helps to allow for continued rate reductions,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “By lowering premiums, our public employers can take this $17 million in savings and invest in their employees and workplaces.”

Administrator Stephanie McCloud echoed the sentiment: “These rate cuts are a result of public employers continuing to work hard on reducing injuries.”

One can’t help but wonder whether employers’ safety efforts were helped along by adjustments made to allow for remote work during the pandemic, though officials did not mention that possibility.

Whatever the reasons, Ohio’s public employers do seem to be getting something right in terms of employee safety, and surely are looking for more ways to keep their workers healthy and on the job.

Kudos to those who have taken on such an effort, as they look for more ways to get the job done — safely.

editorial@tribtoday.com