What is the Drug-Free EZ program? 

Drug-Free EZ is an incentive program designed to help small employers (with 25 or less employees) establish and meet the guidelines for implementing a more productive and safe workplace.  
 
Who is eligible?

 

State-funded private and public employers with an average of 25 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for Drug-Free EZ. Employers must also be in good standing with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.  Each participant must meet ongoing annual program requirements to remain eligible for all incentives offered.

 

How long may an employer Receive a Discount for Participating in DF-EZ?

 

According to current BWC rules, an employer that has had an existing substance-free program in place for more than one year at the time of application is eligible for four years of discounts.  All other qualifying employers are eligible for five years of discounts.

 

What are the incentives & discounts of the Drug-free ez Program?

 

There are three premium discount rates based on the level of participation:

 

·         10% Discount for Level 1

·         15% Discount for Level 2

·         20% Discount for Level 3*

·         Premium rebates are also available based upon attainment of the following objectives:

§         5% rebate for reducing the injury frequency rate by 15% or more

§         10% rebate for reducing the injury severity rate by 15% or more

§         5% bonus rebate for achieving both frequency and severity rate reduction goals

 

What are the Important Dates to Remember?

 

There are two possible participation periods, July 1 to June 30 and January 1 to December 31.  Premium discounts are applied on the first day of the participation period.  (Please note that public employers may enroll at any time, but may only receive discounts at the beginning of their policy period, January 1).

 

Application Deadlines:

 

·         June 30 for programs beginning July 1

·         December 31 for programs beginning January 1

                                                                                                           

Reporting and renewal periods:

                                                             

·         March 31 for programs that began on July                                                           

·         September 30 for the programs that began on January 1                                             

                       

Certification of Implementation:

 

·         September 30 for programs that began on July 1

·         March 31 for programs that began on January 1

 

What are the Program Participation requirements?

 

DF-EZ participants are required to implement the following minimum program requirements regardless of their level of participation:

 

·         Written Company Policy

·         Annual Employee Education (1 Hour Annually)

·         Annual Supervisor Training

–        Initial Training – 2 Hours

–        Annual Ongoing Training – 1 Hour

·         Drug & Alcohol Testing

–        Pre-Employment

–        Post-Accident

–        Reasonable Suspicion

–        Return-to-Duty

–        Use of SAMHSA Certified Labs

·         Employee Assistance Plan

 

In addition to the above minimum requirements, the BWC requires DF-EZ participants to expand the following additional components based upon their level of program participation:

 

Program Level	Drug & Alcohol Testing	Employee Assistance	10-Step Business Plan
1	No Random Required**	Provide employees with a list of qualified resources	Not Required
2	10% Random Testing	Provide employees with a list of qualified resources	3 Steps: Senior Leadership, Employee Involvement, and Communicated Safe Work Practices
3	25% Random Testing	Provide employees with a list of qualified resources	3 Steps: Senior Leadership, Employee Involvement, and Communicated Safe Work Practices

  

Does BWC offer Grants to Help Employers Offset the Cost of This Program?

Yes, BWC’s SafetyGRANT$ reimburse private employers up to $150/hour for the education/training costs of meeting the requirements of the program for a total of up to $10,000 over their participation years. Public employers are also reimbursed up to $150/hour for the education/training costs of meeting the requirements of the program for a total of up to $15,000 over their participation years. Grants are issued at the sole discretion of BWC.

*Employers must participate at Level 1 and/or Level 2 for at least two years to qualify for Level 3 discounts.
**Employers who enroll to meet state contractor requirements must implement a minimum of 5% random testing at Level 1.