Effective July 1, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has phased out the Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP). Its successor, the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP), will be available for employers the same day, with many of the same features as DFWP.
“The new program will be easier to understand and implement, more actuarially sound and more effective,” says Karen Conger, the CEO of Ohio Employee Health Partnership.
DFSP relies upon better integration of an employer’s drug-free efforts with its comprehensive workplace safety program. It also provides a long-term discount for an unlimited number of years of participation, as well as in-and-out-of-the-program privileges to provide greater flexibility for employers.
Smart Business spoke with Conger to learn more about the switch from DFWP to DFSP and what it may mean for your business.
Can an employer who is participating in DFWP make the switch to DFSP?
Yes. If the employer is currently participating in DFWP for the July 1, 2009 program year, they can complete the application for DFSP to switch to the new program. The employer designates on the application which level — basic or advanced — they are applying for.
Private employers will be eligible for DFSP beginning July 1, 2010, and may choose to wait to participate until the January program year. Public employers will be eligible beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
What are the basics of DFSP?
DFSP is one of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s premium discount programs, which incentivizes employers for implementing a strategy that addresses workplace use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
What are the differences between DFSP and DFWP?
DFSP is designed with expanded benefits, and there is not a five-year limit for participation. It was designed with two levels, a basic and an advanced, which should make it simpler and easier to implement. Also, the BWC has streamlined the application process, so there is better data reporting, with continuous measurement and evaluation built into the program.
