News and Analysis
The Advantages of OMA’s Workers’ Comp Services
March 18, 2022For OMA members that aren’t yet using OMA Workers’ Compensation Services, check out this one-pager — as well as this short video — summarizing the advantages of the OMA syst. Interested in learning more? Email Crissy Roach or call (800) 662-4463. 3/17/2022
March 31 Deadline for BWC Program Requirements
March 18, 2022Participants in several BWC programs are facing a March 31 deadline for the following programs:
- Drug-free Safety Program participants must submit an annual report. (Here are some tips from OMA Connections Partner Working Partners®.)
- One Claim Program participants must complete education requirements.
- EM Cap Program participants must complete education requirements.
If you have questions, contact Juliet Walker, managing director, OMA workers’ compensation services. 3/15/2022
OSHA Inspections Tracker Shows Manufacturers Targeted
March 11, 2022OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips recently unveiled its OSHA Inspections Tracker. This tool provides an up-to-the-minute look at OSHA’s workplace inspections. According to this summary, the tracker shows construction and manufacturing employers have been the primary targets of OSHA inspections so far in 2022. 3/9/2022
Spotlighting Safety as We Spring Ahead
March 11, 2022Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 13, as clocks will spring ahead an hour. The time change creates a higher risk for workplace injuries, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), due to the loss of sleep. The NSC has published these resources to help educate employees on how to avoid fatigue-related incidents. 3/10/2022
BWC Seeks to Expedite Development of PPE for Workplace Safety
March 11, 2022The BWC has announced $30 million in grants for research and development of personal protective equipment (PPE) innovations to enhance workplace safety. Applicants must be from an Ohio not-for-profit higher education institution or research organization. BWC’s new Workforce Safety Innovation Center will administer the grants with a goal of accelerating the delivery of PPE to the marketplace. 3/9/2022
HMS Rebrands as ProMedica Medical Management
March 11, 2022On March 14, Health Management Solutions (HMS) — an Ohio-managed care organization and longtime OMA Connections Partner — will rebrand as ProMedica Medical Management. This is simply a re-brand; nothing will change with its services. ProMedica will continue to provide workers’ compensation medical management and employer solutions.
For questions, contact OMA’s Juliet Walker, managing director, OMA workers’ compensation services. 3/10/2022
COVID-19 Masking Guidance for Employers
March 4, 2022Following the CDC’s adoption of new COVID-19 masking recommendations, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this guidance for employers. The firm notes that this is an important development for employers since OSHA has repeatedly referred to CDC guidance when it comes to COVID-19 safety protocols.
In this additional guidance, OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore writes: “OSHA is expected to adopt or partially adopt the CDC’s recommendations, but it has not yet commented on the CDC change.” 3/1/2022
BWC Board OKs 10% Premium Rate Reduction
March 4, 2022Due to the continued trend in declining workplace injuries, the Ohio BWC board has approved another 10% rate reduction in premiums paid by private employers.
Approved at the BWC board’s Feb. 25 meeting, the rate reduction will save Ohio employers an estimated $106 million. (The 10% rate cut represents a statewide average; the actual premium paid by an individual employer will depend on several factors.) 2/28/2022
Webinar: Helping Front-Line Leaders Boost Workplace Safety
February 25, 2022Everyone is responsible for safety, but team leaders, supervisors, and managers are frequently charged with safety leadership. On Thursday, March 3, the OMA will host a webinar to address how front-line leaders can effectively enhance their safety culture. Learn more and register. 2/24/2022
Court Upholds 15-Day Window to Contest OSHA Citations
February 25, 2022A federal appeals court recently told a Texas construction company it was too late to contest an OSHA citation. In this summary and guidance, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips says employers must be vigilant about complying with OSHA’s 15-day deadline to contest citations — regardless of how they are delivered. 2/24/2022