Ohio’s New Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program Replaces the Drug Free Safety Program (DFSP)
Did you know that the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC) Drug Free Safety Program (AKA Drug Free Workplace) has changed names?
Whether this is your first time hearing about the change or you are already familiar with it, we’ve compiled the key information, essential facts, and important updates you need to know.
Let’s dig in:
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has transitioned its Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) to the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program. As part of this change, BWC consolidated the former DFSP Safety Grants and the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety (SUR) Program into a single, unified initiative focused on addressing workplace use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs.
In practical terms, SUPR is the updated Ohio BWC drug-free workplace program, reflecting a broader and more current emphasis on both prevention and recovery.
The programs focus remains on supporting safer workplaces and strengthening safety culture.
SUPR replaced DFSP and related programs effective July 1, 2025 for private employers and January 1, 2026 for public employers.
So, what is the Ohio BWC SUPR Program?
SUPR is designed to help Ohio employers reduce workplace risks by supporting key prevention efforts such as workplace safety policy development, employee education, supervisor training, and other safety-aligned programs. Many employers reading this may recognize these as tenets of Ohio’s DFSP program. SUPR brings them under updated branding and a new broader approach.
What Changed From DFSP to SUPR?
Here are some of the biggest changes straight from the Ohio BWC:
• Most program participants will automatically be eligible for reimbursement grants.
• Expenses eligible for reimbursement have been expanded to include substance use assessments for employers with “second chance” policies.
• Enrollment has moved to year-round with the ability to earn a pro rata bonus.
• The requirement to file the Safety Management Self-Assessment (SH-26) has been eliminated.
• The requirement to file the Safety Action Plan (DFSP-5) has been eliminated.
• The requirement to file the online Accident Report (DFSP-1) will be required for lost-time claims only.
• Employers will now use a new online portal to report on program requirement completion and request reimbursement of activities in one place.
You can find a link directly to the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Program changes webpage right here:
https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/incentive-programs/supr/substance-use-prevention-and-recovery-program-changes
One of the most noticeable changes is the language. Instead of emphasizing only “drug-free,” Ohio BWC’s SUPR program highlights substance use prevention and recovery support, better reflecting how modern employers manage real-world workplace safety challenges today.
You may find the official Ohio Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program Website right here: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/incentive-programs/supr
How Do I Stay Compliant as an Employer?
1. For employers, the practical takeaway is straightforward: If you previously referred to the Drug Free Safety Program (DFSP), you may now want to update your internal policy documents and materials to say, “Ohio BWC SUPR Program (formerly DFSP)” and ensure you’re using current Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation resources and rules.
2. The best way to stay compliant is receiving the required education through official Ohio BWC vetted providers of SUPR training. And we at Certified Training Solutions are proud to be recognized as an official vendor for the Ohio BWC SUPR program.
The SUPR program requires employers to maintain a written drug-free workplace policy outlining the purpose of the policy, employee responsibilities and expectations, and available support for those seeking assistance.
It also mandates annual education, including 1 hour of training for all employees (including supervisors).
Supervisors are also required to take 2 hours of “new supervisor” training in their first year for a total of 3 hours in their first year, followed by 1 hour of supervisor refresher and 1 hour of employee training for a total of 2 hours in subsequent years.
If you’re looking for Ohio BWC SUPR training or an approved SUPR vendor, it’s critical to partner with a provider that thoroughly understands the program requirements, documentation standards, and compliance expectations.
Certified Training Solutions LLC has been a long-time, recognized provider of Ohio BWC drug-free workplace training, delivering compliant, approved programs for employers across the state for many years.
To help you meet the Ohio BWC’s annual Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) training requirements, we offer these certifications for new supervisors, existing supervisors, and employees.
Visit the following webpage to view details and pricing for our Ohio SUPR (DFSP) convenient, online training courses: https://certifiedtrainingsolutions.com/ohio-drug-free-safety-program-training.html/
So, be sure to reach out to us at (888)-684-1658 or visit us and see for yourself at: https://CertifiedTrainingSolutions.com/
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Date of this publication: March 3, 2026 © Certified Training Solutions, LLC
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