"BWC and its partners continually work to seek out those who commit fraud," said James Conrad, BWC's Administrator and CEO. "Fraud is a serious crime with serious consequences. BWC is committed to protect both Ohio's employers and injured workers by catching fraudulent activity."
Olasky was injured on the job in February 2001. He suffered injuries to both legs and right elbow while working for Clearvue Glass Co. BWC awarded temporary total disability benefits and living maintenance for his injuries.
BWC's special investigation unit (SIU), was alerted of possible fraud when Olasky mentioned to his doctor that he had been working. The SIU was able to confirm that Olasky was working for Transportation Unlimited as a truck driver while receiving workers' compensation benefits.
The SIU specializes in identifying and investigating workers' compensation fraud. Since its was established in 1993, the department has saved the agency over $820 million. In 2004, the department has saved the agency approximately $126 million, the highest amount yet recorded.
For every dollar spent on special investigations, BWC's SIU identifies more than $11 in savings. The average take in a fraudulent workers' compensation case is $34,000.