1. What is the 100% EM Cap Program?

The EM Cap Program is designed to alleviate the cost of an employer’s premium payments to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) by capping their Experience Modifier (EM) by 100% from the 2008 policy year. Employers must implement portions of the BWC’s 10-Step Business Plan within the first year in order to be eligible for the EM Cap.

2. What is an Experience Modifier (EM)?

The EM is the percentage of the premium that is paid to the BWC.

3. What is the 10-Step Business Plan?

The 10-Step Business Plan is a comprehensive safety program designed to assist companies in reducing workplace accidents and injuries, and therefore reducing claims costs and BWC premium payments.

4. What are the eligibility requirements of the 100% EM Cap program?

State-funded employers must have a minimum EM of 1.01 and have an active BWC policy in good standing (current on all payments to the BWC) and no cumulative lapses in excess of 40 days within the 12 months preceding the EM Cap application deadline.

5. What are the application & compliance deadlines?

Please note that the BWC has already applied the capped EM to your rates. In order to maintain this cap you must complete and return to the BWC the 100% EM Cap agreement that accompanied your rate letter in June 2009. The agreement deadline is September 30th for the 2009 rating year. If you do not have a copy of the agreement, please contact CompManagement (CMI) at (888) 264-2635, extension 2495.

Employers must file the 10-Step Business Plan for Safety Self-Assessment and Plan of Action by March 31, 2010 to prove implementation of the required steps of the plan during the first year of the program.

6. Do I need to use a BWC certified sponsor for participating in the 100% EM Cap Program?

No. Employers can check the BWC representative box on the agreement for no additional fee. Please note that the BWC will not assist in the implementation of the 100% EM Cap Program; they will only review the required documentation for compliance. CMI Risk Services department that specializes in safety & loss control will serve as your liaison between the BWC and your organization.

7. Is there an advantage for using a BWC certified sponsor instead of the BWC?

No. The certified sponsor’s role is to monitor compliance of the program. CMI Risk Services has worked directly with the BWC to assist companies with the implementation of the 10-Step Business Plan since its inception and we have a 100% success rate for assisting companies to meet the requirements.

8. What should I do if I receive another company’s solicitation for services regarding the 100% EM Cap Program?

If you receive another company’s solicitation, please contact CMI immediately. By submitting completed paperwork from another organization, you may be signing up for services that have not been fully explained or for which you do not need and incur a fee for doing so when not necessary.

9. If my capped EM exceeds 1.0 (penalty rated), can I still pay a reduced premium to the BWC?

Yes. For example, if the penalty rated capped EM is 1.08 and the individual EM is 1.16, then employers can still receive the benefit of the program.

10. Can I stack other discount programs while participating in the 100% EM Cap Program?

Yes, the BWC allows employers to stack discounts such as the Drug-Free Workplace Program with the 100% EM Cap Program.

11. What do I receive from CMI Risk Services for program implementation assistance?

CMI Risk Services offers different levels of service. Our basic 100% EM Cap package includes:

• BWC Liaison – Communicate with BWC representative responsible for approving compliance with the program requirements
• In depth onsite Safety GAP Analysis and Hazard Assessment
• Detailed Plan Of Action to implement the 10-Step Business Plan
• Completion of the Self-Assessment and Plan of Action
• Safety Coordinator Training & Mentoring
• Access to discounted online safety training

In addition to the basic package, we offer Safety Consulting Services to implement a comprehensive Safety Management Program that exceeds the requirements of the 10-Step Business Plan and improves overall business performance.

12. Who may I call to discuss the 100% EM Program in further detail?

For further information, please contact Bryan Carpenter of CMI Risk Services at (888) 264-2635, extension 2495.