How to File Ohio Workers' Compensation First Report of Injury

In Ohio, the first report of injury must be submitted to the employer within 30 days of the incident, and the employer must file a First Report of Injury (FROI) with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) within five business days after receiving it.

Employer's Immediate Obligations

Once an employee notifies an injury, the employer must provide the BWC Form 101 (First Report of Injury) and a copy of the employee's injury report. The employer then files the completed form electronically through the BWC's online portal, ensuring the submission occurs within the five‑day window. Failure to meet this deadline can trigger penalties and delay benefits.

Employee's Role and Timeline

Employees should report the injury to their supervisor or HR department as soon as possible, ideally on the same day. If the injury is not reported within 30 days, the employee must still file a claim, but the BWC may require additional proof that the delay was reasonable.

Key Information Required on the FROI

The form asks for:

• Employee name, address, and Social Security number
• Employer name, address, and Ohio BWC account number
• Date and time of injury
• Exact location of the incident
• Description of how the injury occurred
• Nature of the injury and body parts affected
• Witness names, if any

Accurate, detailed entries reduce back‑and‑forth with the BWC and speed up claim approval.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Missing or incorrect data, such as an outdated employer account number, is a frequent cause of rejections. Double‑check the form before submission and keep a copy of the completed report for records. Additionally, avoid using generic injury descriptions; specificity helps the BWC classify the claim correctly.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the injury is complex, involves multiple parties, or the employer disputes the claim, consulting a workers' compensation attorney early can protect rights and ensure compliance with Ohio statutes.

Summary of Deadlines and Responsibilities