Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

Sorting Out the Confusion Surrounding CBD

Confused about Ohio’s legalization of products containing hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and what it means for your workplace? Join OMA Connections Partner Working Partners® on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. (EDT), for a 30-minute webinar, Sorting Out the Confusion Around CBD. Participants will learn about what CBD is and get answers to questions such as: Is CBD legal? Is it safe? Will CBD show up on a drug test? 9/18/2019

Recorded BWC Webinars Now Available

Every month, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) offers employers brief, informative webinars on topics of interest — with subjects ranging from drug testing, to workplace safety tips, to Workers’ Compensation deadlines and notices. If you’ve missed a recent webinar, they have been recorded and are available for playback online. Each lasts approximately 20 minutes. See them here. 9/9/2019

BWC Extends Policy Activity Rebate Program

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has extended its Policy Activity Rebate (PAR) pilot program for a second year. PAR is an activity-based incentive program that allows employers to choose from among 33 activities to earn a premium rebate. Employers can earn a 50% premium rebate, up to $2,000, by completing 11 credits during the enrolled policy year.

Private employers can enroll now through Jan. 31, 2020. Visit the BWC’s Policy Activity Rebate web page for additional information. 8/30/2019

Ohio Courts Address Light-Duty Assignments for Injured Workers

The “good faith” requirement of a light-duty offer was just examined by the 10th District Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Ohio — with a somewhat surprising result. In its new analysis, OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore writes that employers must remember that “providing employees with menial tasks or requiring them to watch training videos for the majority of their shifts could fail the ‘good faith’ requirement of a light-duty job offer.” 8/28/2019

BWC Increases Cash Awards for Safety Innovation Contest

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has increased the prize amounts for its 2020 Safety Innovation Awards to encourage participation and creative solutions to enhance workplace safety. BWC has bumped the top award to $10,000, while second place will receive $6,000 and third place $4,000. There’s also a new $1,500 honorable mention prize.

If your business has developed advanced technologies, creative use of existing equipment, or unique processes and practices to reduce workplace risks, apply by Sept. 30 for your chance at a cash award. 8/26/2019

At a Glance: 25 Years of Worker Injury & Fatality Data

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has published a slideshow analyzing a quarter century of data on work-related injuries and illnesses in America. The findings include:

• From 1992 to 2016, U.S. fatal occupational injuries declined by about 17%.
• Heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers had the most fatal occupational injuries within the manufacturing sector.
• Fatal injuries declined for workers in the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups from 1992 to 2016, but there was an increase for workers in the 55-64 and 65-and-older age groups. (Workers 55-plus made up around 20% of injuries in 1992 and 36% in 2016.)

A BLS report released earlier this year said Ohio’s manufacturing sector has seen “a significant decline” in workplace injuries and illnesses. 8/29/2019

Still Time to Submit True-Up Report, Payment to BWC

The deadline has passed for Ohio’s private employers to complete their payroll “true-up” reports. But even if you missed the Aug. 15 deadline, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) encourages you to provide your report and pay any amount due as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in removal from BWC programs and result in a 10% hike to the estimated premium. Late payments will be referred to the Ohio Attorney General’s office for collection. 8/20/2019

New Details on OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program

A new brochure from OSHA explains how the agency’s no-cost and confidential On-Site Consultation Program can help businesses reduce the likelihood of worker injuries or illnesses, and help save on workers’ compensation costs. In Ohio, the BWC administers this program. The consultation is confidential. According to OSHA, no citations or penalties will be issued — and your only obligation is to correct serious job safety and health hazards. 8/12/2019

Hiring Security for Your Workplace? Read This First

This month’s tragedies in Dayton and El Paso — which mirrored events that have become far too common since the late 1990s — have more employers looking at hiring their own private security. In Ohio, security services are required to be licensed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) and its Ohio Homeland Security division.

If you are considering hiring contract security for your business, or currently use such services, the ODPS encourages you to use its Private Investigator and Security Guard Services (PISGS) as an informal resource. This will help ensure that a company is operating legally in Ohio, and that security guards are properly trained and registered. See more here or call (614) 466-4130. 8/12/2019

BWC Offers Safety Training Events, August 12 & 15

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and its Division of Safety and Hygiene will hold a Safe + Sound event at its Pickerington training facility (Fairfield County) on Aug. 12, as well as at The Ohio State University South Centers (Pike County) near Piketon on Aug. 15. Both events run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This training is for any employer that wants to learn more about safety program requirements.

Topics covered will include safety program management; OSHA recordkeeping; emergency preparedness; personal protective equipment; accident analysis; and hazard communication. The event will provide Industry Specific Safety Program (ISSP) credit and credit for Safety Council participation. 8/8/2016