The Ohio Industrial Commission has just announced that in-person hearings are scheduled to resume on July 6, 2021. During the pandemic, hearings were conducted telephonically and through web conferencing. However, because legislation enabling the Industrial Commission to conduct hearings remotely is expiring, in-person hearings will be resuming.
Hearing notices informing parties of the change in venue have been mailed. The notices make it clear that the parties still have the option to participate through web conferencing. However, they will asked to affirm that they knowingly and voluntarily waive the right to appear in person. The resulting orders will indicate the parties’ response.