Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

OMA’s 2024 Safety Webinars Begin January 11

On Jan. 11, the OMA kicks off a new year of safety webinars as OMA Connections Partner Safex examines OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements. Register now.

If you haven’t already, check out this calendar featuring all the 2024 safety webinar dates. 12/27/2023

Update: ‘Voluntary Abandonment’ in Workers’ Comp

OMA Connections Partner Frantz Ward has published this summary to examine the elimination of the “voluntary abandonment” concept from Ohio’s workers’ compensation law. While this development presents a challenge to employers, the firm notes that workers’ comp cases are fact specific and determined on a case-by-case basis. 12/26/2023

OMA Leads Fight Against OSHA Walkaround Rule

As the OMA has previously reported, OSHA’s proposed walkaround rule would pose significant risks to manufacturers.

The OMA is encouraging members to sign this letter, which urges Ohio’s federal delegation to help stop the rule from being implemented. Click here to learn more, or click here to sign your company’s name to the letter. Deadline is Jan. 12. 12/20/2023

At a Glance: OMA’s 2024 Safety Webinars

In 2024, the OMA will continue to host its monthly safety webinars, examining key issues that have been prioritized by members. OMA Connections Partner Safex will again provide subject-matter expertise.

See the 2024 safety webinar calendar, which contains linked dates that allow members to register online. Or visit the “events” section at OhioMfg.com.

Webinars cost $29 each for OMA members, but there’s no charge for members who purchase workers’ compensation services through the OMA. Each webinar qualifies for an hour of BWC-mandated training.

The 2024 webinars will kick off Jan. 11, when we will examine OSHA’s 300, 301, and 300A forms and the agency’s new recordkeeping requirements. Register here. 12/14/2023

Issue 2 Modifications on Hold Until 2024

Ohio’s Issue 2 has been in effect since Dec. 7. But any modifications by state lawmakers to improve the new recreational marijuana law for employers won’t be enacted until 2024.

Despite pressure from Ohio Senate leaders and Gov. Mike DeWine, House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) said this week the House wouldn’t make changes to Issue 2 until next year. Stephens also said the lower chamber won’t agree with the Senate-approved plan to alter the statute.

Meanwhile, the OMA and other leading business groups have sent this letter to legislative leaders and the governor, calling for passage of legislation to enhance Issue 2 provisions on workplace safety, employer protections, and private property rights. 12/14/2023

Issue 2 Now in Effect; Senate Passes Marijuana Law Update

On Dec. 7, Ohio’s recreational marijuana legalization law (Issue 2) took effect as approved by voters in November. To prepare members, the OMA has held briefings and shared expert insights, including for those in the BWC’s Drug-Free Safety Program.

Employers have protections under Issue 2, as outlined in this memo by the OMA’s general counsel, Bricker Graydon. The OMA has called on state lawmakers to preserve these essential employer protections, while bolstering business’ private property rights.

The Ohio Senate this week approved an amended version of House Bill 86 to make some changes to the Issue 2 language. As passed by the Senate, the bill would alter provisions regarding home-grow possession and taxes, among other things. This story by Gongwer News Service highlights the Senate-approved changes.

Despite Gov. Mike DeWine’s urging, House leaders chose not to address the marijuana law until at least next week. House leaders are working on their own Issue 2 legislation (House Bill 354). 12/7/2023

BWC Chief Addresses OMA Board

On Dec. 5, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator John Logue updated OMA directors at the board’s Q4 meeting, held in Dublin. Logue detailed recent improvements in Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, noting that the Buckeye State now has the nation’s fifth-lowest workers’ comp rates. 12/5/2023

January Deadline for OMA’s Group Retro Program

If your business seeks workers’ compensation service under the OMA’s Group Retrospective Rating program for the upcoming policy year, the enrollment deadline is Jan. 19. Offers are available on the MyOMA Dashboard or by contacting your OMA account manager. 12/7/2023

Reducing the Spread of Airborne Viruses

With cold and flu season here, the National Institutes of Health has published this guidance on steps to protect yourself and employees. The CDC has published this new tool to provide weekly updates on respiratory viral illness activity in all 50 states.

Meanwhile, the CDC has issued a reminder that there’s still time to get a flu vaccine for protection this season. 12/6/2023

OMA Hosts Briefing on Marijuana Legalization

The OMA this week hosted an online briefing to address members’ concerns regarding Ohio’s recreational marijuana law, approved by voters in early November. The new law, which is subject to change due to anticipated action by state lawmakers, takes effect Thursday, Dec. 7.

Members can access this recorded version of the briefing (password is !LmF3kTH). Also, read this summary of the law by Bricker Graydon, the OMA’s general counsel, which emphasized that employers are not required to permit marijuana use, possession, or distribution on the job.

Guest presenters included attorneys Theresa Nelson and Bill Creedon from Bricker Graydon; Allison Sharer from OMA Connections Partner Working Partners; and Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), who provided insights into possible modifications of the new law.

Sen. Romanchuk said legislative leaders are expected to soon unveil draft language that would amend the Issue 2 language. The OMA’s Public Policy Services team continues to work with legal experts and lawmakers to safeguard employer protections. Watch for updates from the OMA concerning this development. 11/30/2023