Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

Workplace Fatalities Saw Big Drop in 2020

U.S. workplace fatalities for 2020 (the most recent year of data available) fell 10.7% compared to 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The total of 4,764 workplace injuries nationwide represented the lowest annual number of workplace injury deaths since 2013. (Work hours decreased 9% in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.)

Food manufacturers and fabricated metal product manufacturers reported 53 fatalities each in 2020. EHS Today reports transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal event, accounting for 37.3% of all work-related fatalities. Unintentional overdoses from non-medical use of drugs increased 24% and accounted for 388 deaths. 12/21/2021

Supporters of Legalizing Recreational Pot Collect Sufficient Signatures

Activists seeking to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Ohio this week submitted more than 206,000 signatures to Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office to put the issue before the General Assembly. If the issue goes to the legislature and lawmakers fail to approve the plan, supporters must collect an additional 132,887 valid signatures to put the issue on the November 2022 ballot.

According to a recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative. 12/21/2021

BWC Program Progress Tools Are Available Online

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has announced its third-party administrator (TPA) portal program tools are available to employers. These tools allow users to look up program progress in the following areas: Drug-Free Safety Program; EM Cap; Grow Ohio; Industry-Specific Safety Program; One Claim Program; and Policy Activity Rebate. 12/21/2021

Introduction to OSHA Recordkeeping Webinar, Jan. 13

On Jan. 13, the OMA will host an interactive webinar that introduces members to OSHA recordkeeping. Presented by OMA Connections Partner Safex, this event is intended for those who are new to OSHA recordkeeping, as well as those who need a refresher. Learn more and register. 12/15/2021

Prepare for Winter With These Cold Weather Safety Tips

Winter officially arrives next week on Dec. 21. OMA Connections Partner Safex has provided these pointers to help protect employees from common cold stress injuries. Also, be sure to check out OSHA’s winter weather page. 12/16/2021

Here’s the 2022 Lineup of OMA Safety Webinars

Every month — typically on the first Thursday — the OMA conducts a safety-related webinar. Presented by OMA Connections Partner Safex, these webinars address topics of concern as identified in member surveys.

These events are offered at no charge for OMA members that buy OMA Workers’ Compensation Services, and are $29 for other members. (Recorded webinars are always available to all members at the OMA’s online video library.)

The 2022 schedule of OMA safety webinars has just been published. You can register here. 12/7/2021

At a Glance: Ohio BWC’s No-Cost Safety Services

The Ohio BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene has a variety of personalized safety services to help Ohio employers. These services include technical consultations, training and education, and written safety program templates. See this flyer to learn more about the BWC’s no-cost options for injury and illness prevention and risk reduction. 12/2/2021

BWC Employer Update Webinar, Dec. 7

The Ohio BWC will conduct its December employer update webinar at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7. This free event will examine BWC grants available to employers, claims, and other reports available on the BWC website, important BWC dates, and the agency’s monthly safety tip. 11/30/2021

Are Remote Injuries Compensable Under Ohio Workers’ Comp Laws?

What happens if one of your employees sustains an injury while working remotely? The determination for whether a remote injury is work-related is similar to that of a non-remote injury. In this new insight, OMA general counsel Bricker & Eckler answers what qualifies as a remote injury, while offering tips to ensure a safe remote work environment. 11/17/2021

OSHA Recordkeeping Half-Day Workshop

For employers and employees who need basic awareness of OSHA recordkeeping, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is hosting a complimentary webinar at 9:30 a.m. this Monday, Nov. 22.

Issues addressed will be recordkeeping requirements for workplace injuries and illnesses; correct use of required forms; and guidelines for recordable and non-recordable workplace injuries and interpretations. 11/17/2021