Ohio Revised Code Title XLI. Labor and Industry § 4121.14

For the purpose of making any investigation with regard to any employment or place of employment, the administrator of workers' compensation may appoint, by an order in writing, any employee of the bureau of workers' compensation, any deputy, who is a citizen of the state, or any other competent person who is a resident of the state, as an agent whose duty shall be prescribed in the order.

In the discharge of his duties the agent shall have every power whatsoever of an inquisitorial nature granted in sections 4101.01 to 4101.16 and 4121.01 to 4121.29 of the Revised Code to the bureau, and the same powers as a master commissioner appointed by a court of common pleas with regard to taking testimony.

The bureau may conduct any number of investigations contemporaneously through different agents, and may delegate to agents the taking of all testimony bearing upon any investigation or hearing.

The decision of the bureau shall be based upon its examination of all testimony and records. The recommendations made by agents shall be advisory only and shall not preclude the taking of further testimony if the bureau orders, nor further investigation.