We have received several inquiries regarding an email sent to participants in the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation’s Drug Free Safety Program (DFSP). The email basically outlined a few new requirements. The requirements are for the upcoming year, so if you successfully submitted your report for last year, you do not have to change anything at the moment.
The biggest change in the program is for contractors in the lowest level of the program, the “Comparable Level.” In the past, you only needed initial training with no refreshers. The new requirement requires yearly refresher training. The OBWC seems to be concerned that unqualified trainers are being used for the DFSP and will require the credentials to be sent to them when reporting (this will be provided at the time of training). It also requires a refresher every five years for the trainer.
Finally, OBWC wants to make sure you are maintaining all supporting documentation from the training of all your employees and be able to send that information on request. I will keep you updated with any more updated information.