Ohio Workers Comp Bill Addresses Work From Home Injuries

In June, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a first-of-its-kind bill into law, House Bill 477.  The bill brought about a long-anticipated amendment to Ohio law, dealing with eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits when an employee is working for their employer from the employee’s home. The bill is effective beginning on September 23, 2022.

The Ohio Revised Code §4123.01 provides that, subject to certain exceptions, an employee’s injury is compensable in the Ohio workers’ compensation system when that injury was suffered in the course of, and arising out of, the injured person’s employment. Up until September 23, 2022 and the enactment of H.B. 447, the section highlights four exclusions for injuries that may otherwise be compensable under workers’ compensation when sustained in the course of and arising out of employment: