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"Ohio BWC Celebrates 100,000th Online Claim"
"COLUMBUS, Ohio -- When the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation launched the Internet-based Dolphin Project four years ago, its potential for acceptance was debatable. While the e-business initiative was designed to revolutionize the state's workers' compensation system and bring the bureau's tools and services into the businesses and homes of Ohioans, some were skeptical, according to James Conrad, administrator and chief executive officer.Now, after BWC received the 100,000th claim online, www.ohiobwc.com has become an integral part of the Buckeye State's workers' compensation system, he said."Providing a high-tech tool that's continuously available to Ohio's businesses and injured workers has improved service, cut costs and reduced red tape," noted Gov. Bob Taft. "This is an important tool that improves Ohio's business climate to attract and retain jobs in our state."James Conrad agreed. "By providing our core services online and giving our customers what they've asked for, we have improved the efficiency with which we handle claims, get workers treated and return them safely back to work," he said.Since its launch in November 2000, the increase in usage of the online service has been substantial. BWC's online users have filed more than 34,000 claims online through October -- more than three times the number filed in 2001, Conrad said.In addition, while total claims continue to decrease statewide due to Ohioans working safer, a greater percentage of first reports of injury are being filed through BWC's Web site, Conrad said. In 2001, less than 5 % of claims were submitted via the Internet; two years later, that number jumped to more than 13%. This year, the number is expected to increase again. The Dolphin program "provides tremendous value to Ohio's injured workers by allowing them to file claims more easily, and it helps to keep them informed on the progress of their claims," said Bill Burga, president of the Ohio AFL-CIO. The Web site also has served as a core component in helping BWC increase the speed in which claims are filed, Conrad said. The faster a claim is filed, the sooner an injured worker can get treatment and return to work. In the four years prior to online claim filing, the average lag time was 36.6 days; since the Web site launch in November 2000 through today, that figure has dropped to 20.5 days."Employers can utilize this information 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help reduce costs and minimize injuries," said Andrew E. Doehrel, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. "Less burdensome regulation coupled with making it easier for companies and government to interact, especially in the workers' compensation system, is a plus for any business looking to expand or locate in Ohio."Visit the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation: www.ohiobwc.com"