Ohio BWC’s Substance Use Prevention & Recovery Program: A Smarter Approach to Workplace Safety
As of July 1, 2026, Ohio employers have another opportunity to strengthen workplace safety, support employee well-being, and potentially earn financial incentives through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Substance Use Prevention & Recovery (SUPR) Program. Formerly known as the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP), SUPR takes a broader approach by focusing not only on prevention, but also on recovery and employee support.
For employers across Ohio, participation in the program can help reduce workplace risk, promote a safer culture, and provide funding to offset implementation costs.
What Is the SUPR Program?
The Substance Use Prevention & Recovery Program is a voluntary BWC program designed to help employers address the workplace use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs. The program encourages organizations to integrate substance use prevention into their overall safety strategy while providing resources and incentives to support implementation.
Employers can participate at several levels, including Basic, Advanced, Comparable, or Reimbursement Only, depending on their organizational goals and compliance requirements. Eligible employers may receive premium bonuses or reimbursement funding for qualifying expenses related to implementing a substance use prevention and recovery program.
Why Participation Matters
Substance use in the workplace can have a significant impact on safety, productivity, absenteeism, and workers’ compensation costs. Implementing a structured program helps employers:
- Create a safer work environment
- Reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries
- Promote employee health and well-being
- Demonstrate a commitment to supporting employees in recovery
- Meet requirements for certain construction and public improvement projects
- Potentially qualify for BWC bonuses and reimbursements
SUPR is more than a compliance program. It provides employers with a framework to proactively address workplace substance use issues before they result in serious incidents.
Reimbursement Opportunities Available
One of the most valuable features of the SUPR program is the reimbursement funding available to eligible employers. BWC allows qualifying employers to request reimbursement of up to $5,000 for approved expenses related to managing substance use issues in the workplace.
Eligible reimbursement expenses include:
- Development and legal review of drug and alcohol policies
- Employee training related to substance use prevention
- Supervisor and management training
- Drug and alcohol testing programs
- Substance use assessments
These reimbursements can help reduce the financial burden associated with implementing or enhancing a workplace substance use prevention program.
Key Program Requirements
While specific requirements vary by participation level, most employers will need to establish and maintain key program elements such as:
- A written drug and alcohol policy
- Annual employee education and awareness training
- Supervisor training
- Drug and alcohol testing procedures
- Employee assistance and recovery resources
- Annual reporting and documentation requirements
For many employers, keeping up with these requirements can feel overwhelming. That’s where having the right partner can make all the difference.
How Sheakley Makes SUPR Easier
Whether you’re enrolling in SUPR for the first time or enhancing an existing program, Sheakley can help simplify implementation and ongoing compliance.
Our team offers comprehensive support, including:
Drug & Alcohol Policy Development
A well-written policy serves as the foundation of a successful SUPR program. Sheakley can help employers develop or update their policies to align with BWC requirements and workplace best practices.
Online Training Solutions
SUPR requires ongoing employee and supervisor education. Sheakley offers flexible training options to help employers meet program requirements, including an easy-to-use online training portal, onsite training at your location, and live public webinars. Our solutions make it easy to complete annual training requirements while maintaining the documentation needed for compliance.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Management
Our user-friendly drug and alcohol testing portal makes it simple to schedule tests, access results, and manage testing requirements. Whether you need pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, follow-up, or random testing, Sheakley can help coordinate the process. We also offer drug-free workplace consortiums for employers participating in state construction projects and those enrolled in the Advanced level of the SUPR program, helping organizations satisfy random testing requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.
Ongoing Program Support
From implementation guidance to training administration and testing management, Sheakley helps employers navigate every aspect of the SUPR program. For organizations looking for a fully managed solution, our Drug & Alcohol Program Management service oversees program administration from start to finish, including policy development and updates, access to our online training portal, testing program coordination, and submission of annual reports and reimbursement requests. We handle the details so you can focus on running your business while maintaining compliance.
Get Started with Confidence
The Ohio BWC’s Substance Use Prevention & Recovery Program provides employers with an opportunity to improve workplace safety, support employees, and take advantage of valuable reimbursement funding. With potential reimbursements of up to $5,000 and resources available to help offset implementation costs, there’s never been a better time to evaluate your program.
Sheakley can help you develop a compliant policy, manage testing requirements, deliver employee and supervisor training, and streamline program administration through our convenient online tools.
Ready to simplify SUPR implementation? Contact Sheakley today to learn how we can help your organization build a safer, healthier, and more compliant workplace.
