Staff Hearing Officers

The Staff Hearing Officer holds hearings and rules on disputed matters. A party unhappy with a District Hearing Officer decision can appeal to the Staff Hearing Officer (SHO). The Staff Hearing Officer hearing is the second level of decision making at the Industrial Commission. A party unhappy with a Staff Hearing Officer decision can appeal to the Industrial Commission. A SHO must have the same qualifications as district hearing officers, including being admitted to the practice of law in Ohio. Staff Hearing Officers exercise original jurisdiction over the following matters: applications for permanent total disability awards; appeals from district hearing officer orders; applications for VSSR awards; application for reconsideration of permanent partial disability awards; and reviews of settlement agreements approved by the Administrator pursuant to R.C. § 4121.65.