Rule 4123-3-25 | Application for change of occupation allowance.
(A) Eligibility for a change of occupation allowance.
(1) Where it is found that a change of occupation is medically advisable for an employee suffering from silicosis, coal miners' pneumoconiosis, or asbestosis contracted in the course of employment, but the employee is not totally disabled therefrom, and any other diseases which may be specified by law for which the statutory allowance for change of occupation may be granted, or
(2) Where it is found that a change of occupation is medically advisable for a fire fighter or police officer suffering from a cardiovascular and pulmonary disease contracted in the course of employment, but the employee is not totally disabled therefrom,
(3) Pursuant to the provisions of section 4123.57 of the Revised Code, such employee shall file a motion in accordance with paragraph (A) of rule 4123-3-16 of the Administrative Code requesting the approval of the statutory allowance for such change of occupation, in order to decrease substantially further injurious exposure.
(B) This rule is applicable to public employees, employees of employers contributing to the private fund, employees of self-insuring employers, and employees of amenable but non-complying employers.
(C) If there is no conflict in the medical or the matter is not contested or disputed, the bureau shall adjudicate the request. If a conflict in the medical exists or the request is contested or disputed, the bureau shall refer the request to the commission for further consideration.
(D) To qualify for an award, the employee must establish by appropriate evidence that the employee has discontinued employment or has changed his or her occupation to one in which the exposure is substantially decreased. The fact that the employee continues employment with the same employer will not preclude the granting of the award so long as the employment subsequent to the change is such that the exposure is substantially decreased and the change of occupation is certified by the claimant as permanent.
(E) An award for change of occupation in excess of the initial thirty weeks must be supported by evidence of employment in an occupation in which the exposure is substantially decreased or evidence of reasonable attempts to secure employment in an occupation in which the exposure is substantially decreased.
Supplemental Information