BWC launches pilot program to encourage employers to hire people recovering from addiction

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has announced plans to launch a pilot program in three Ohio counties to support employers willing to hire workers overcoming a drug addiction (Source: “$5M pilot program to encourage employers to hire recovering addicts,” Dayton Daily News, Sept. 8, 2018).

The Opioid Workplace Safety Program will provide up to $5 million over two years to help employers in Montgomery, Ross and Scioto counties hire, manage and retain workers in recovery from an opioid addiction.

BWC will partner with each pilot county’s Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health board to administer the program, which includes reimbursing employers for expenses related to both pre-employment and random drug testing, training and employee support if they hire people in recovery.

Under the program, BWC will allot a lump sum to each ADAMH board. It hasn’t been determined how much each county in the pilot program will get. Employers must pay for expenses up front and apply to the boards for reimbursement.