WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LIABILITY FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES STATE BY STATE

OHIO

Generally, communicable diseases like COVID-19 are not workers’ compensation claims because people are exposed in a variety of ways, and few jobs have a hazard or risk of getting the diseases in a greater degree or a different manner than the general public. However, if you work in a job that poses a special hazard or risk and contract COVID-19 from the work exposure, the Ohio Workers Compensation Bureau could allow your claim.

An occupational disease (OD) claim generally results from repeated work-related exposure per ORC 4123.01(F). The work-related exposure has a harmful effect on the employee and there is a causal relationship between the exposure and the harmful effect that is confirmed by a medical diagnosis. The conditions of the employment create a greater hazard to the worker than to the general public. Occupational diseases may be caused by exposure to:

Dust, gases or fumes;
Chemicals and toxic substances;
Extreme changes of temperatures, noises or pressure;
Physical vibrations, constant pressure and use, physical movement in constant repetition or radioactive rays;
Infections and organisms; Radiation.

< Home