Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

Webinar: OSHA Updates and the Possible ETS

OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore will host a free webinar Wednesday, May 5 to address important health and safety concerns for employers — specifically, how to stay in compliance should OSHA issue an Emergency Temporary Standard during COVID-19. Topics will include updated requirements for employers and vaccination dilemmas. 4/29/2021

BWC Publishes 2021 MCO Report Card

The open enrollment period for Ohio employers to select a managed care organization (MCO) to oversee the medical management for workers injured on the job begins this Monday, May 3 and continues through Friday, May 28.

While there are no out-of-pocket costs to elect an MCO, the choice of an MCO is important since it allows employers to direct quality medical management on behalf of their workers. Find details in the BWC’s MCO Selection Guide and new BWC MCO Report Card — an objective source of information that summarizes each MCO’s performance in quality of medical management, return-to-work strategies, and timeliness of service.

MCO changes will be effective June 28. 4/29/2021

BWC Videos on Hazard Communication Training

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has produced a four-part micro-video series — only 3-5 minutes each — on hazard communication training. The videos cover the following areas:

• Intro to basic hazard communication;
• Safety data sheets;
• Hazard communication training requirements; and
• Secondary labeling for hazardous chemicals.

The BWC has also created a training guide and knowledge assessment to help employers verify competence and document training. 4/27/2021

BWC Maintains Healthy Reserve at $7.6 Billion

Gov. Mike DeWine has reappointed three members of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) board whose terms expire in June.

Meanwhile, during the BWC’s April 22 board meeting, the agency reported a drop in revenue from $958 million a year ago to $768 million in March 2021 due to the reductions in premium rates. The BWC’s net position was still $7.6 billion in March, according to Hannah News Service. 4/26/2021

BWC Sees Reduced Prescriptions, Pharmacy Costs

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) reports the number of injured workers receiving prescription drugs, including opioids, continued to fall in 2020, as did the overall cost of the BWC’s pharmacy program. The number of injured workers receiving a prescription dropped 16% compared to 2019, while the number receiving opioids dropped 18%. The BWC’s expenses for prescriptions dropped 28%. 4/27/2021

Employers: Get Ready for True-Up

With the true-up period opening in about 60 days (July 1), the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is encouraging Ohio employers to review their payroll estimates for the current policy year to avoid surprises in the amount they might owe on premiums. Get the details here. 4/27/2021

OMA Webinar: Aging Workforce and Ergonomics

At 10 a.m. Thursday, May 6, the OMA will host a webinar addressing older workers and ergonomics. Presented by OMA Connections Partner Safex, this learning event will examine preventative measures that should be part of your workplace safety program, as well as the benefits of a well-planned return-to-work program. Learn more and register. 4/28/2021

ODH Updates COVID-19 Guidance for Manufacturers

The Ohio Department of Health recently updated Ohio’s safety guidance for manufacturers based on the DeWine administration’s consolidated public health orders. The guidance points out that masks are required, with some exceptions, while making recommendations on employee arrivals, shift patters and physical spacing. 4/19/2021

OSHA’s COVID-19 ETS Officially on Hold

Weeks after President Joe Biden’s March 15 deadline, a U.S. Labor Department spokesperson recently told Bloomberg Law that the issuance of a COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) is on hold at the request of Secretary Marty Walsh. According to OMA Connections Partner Roetzel, Walsh wants OSHA to evaluate the newest information from the CDC regarding the state of vaccinations and coronavirus variants. 4/22/2021c

DOL to Solicit Public Input on OSHA Whistleblower Program

The U.S. Department of Labor will hold a teleconference meeting May 19 to solicit public comments and suggestions on key issues facing OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program. Those interested in joining or participating in the meeting must register by May 12. Written or electronic comments must also be submitted by May 12. Learn more. 4/21/2021