Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

Ohio Self-Insurers Face Feb. 28 Reporting Deadline

Self-insured (SI) employers in Ohio face a Feb. 28 deadline to pay their SI assessment (first half) and submit their SI-40 reporting for 2021. Both are required to remain in good standing with the BWC. Assessments can be paid — and SI-40’s uploaded — via “My Policy” page at the BWC site. 2/24/2022

BWC Board to Consider 10% Premium Rate Reduction

The Ohio BWC board will conduct its monthly meeting at 8 a.m. today (Friday, Feb. 25, 2022) in Columbus. As previously reported, the board will consider a 10% rate reduction for premiums paid by private employers. If approved, Ohio employers would save an estimated $106 million. 2/25/2022

Have You Posted Your OSHA 300A Log?

In its most recent blog post, the Ohio BWC reminds employers that OSHA requires them to post their Form 300A summary for three months beginning Feb. 1. Meanwhile, Wednesday, March 2 is the deadline for employers (with 20 or more employees) to electronically submit their 300A data. 2/23/2022

7.8 Million U.S. Workers Out Sick in January

According to federal data, about 7.8 million workers missed work in January 2022 because they had an illness, injury, or medical problem or appointment — up from 3.7 million a year earlier. This spike coincided with the rapid rise in COVID-19 infections cased by the Omicron variant. 2/15/2022

BWC Webinar: OSHA’s On-Site Consultation

At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, the Oho BWC will host a no-cost webinar to examine OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program, which helps employers comply with workplace safety and health regulations. Consultants provide free (and confidential) assistance to help businesses identify existing hazards, as well as ways to reduce injuries and illnesses. 2/16/2022

March 2 Deadline to Submit Form 300A Data to OSHA

The March 2 deadline is fast approaching for manufacturers (with 20 or more employees) to electronically submit OSHA Form 300A data, which summarizes the previous calendar year’s work-related injuries and illnesses.

As a reminder, 300A forms must be posted in the workplace from Feb. 1 to April 30, as noted by OMA Connections Partner Safex. 2/16/2022

Not Too Late to Register for Ohio Safety Congress

The 2022 Ohio Safety Congress and Expo (OSC) is quickly approaching. Hosted by the Ohio BWC, this virtual event will take place March 9-10. OSC is the largest regional safety and health conference in the U.S. — and attendance is free for Ohio employers and employees. Check out the OSC educational sessions and other events, then register!

During the event, look for the OMA’s virtual booth. Our staff would love to chat or book a one-on-one meeting to help you explore our industry-specific workers’ comp services. 2/17/2022

Did You Miss Our Webinar on OSHA Emphasis Programs?

Last week, the OMA hosted a webinar — presented by OMA Connections Partner Safex — on current OSHA emphasis programs. If you missed it, you can peruse the handouts or watch the recorded webinar on demand. (For other recorded OMA webinars, visit our online video library.)

Also, be sure to check out 2022’s remaining safety webinars. 2/7/2022

Report: OSHA Presses on With Vaccine Mandate

Although the U.S. Supreme Court last month struck down OSHA’s vaccinate-or-test mandate, EHS Today reports the agency continues to press ahead with developing a permanent rule to accomplish the same goals as the emergency temporary standard (ETS) it was forced to withdraw. Experts advise employers to continue to follow COVID-19 guidance issued by the CDC and OSHA itself.

The publication notes that elected officials are aware a large percentage of citizens “are losing patience” with COVID-19 restrictions and “have become less reticent about expressing their opinions.” 2/10/2022

Avoiding Workers’ Comp Claims From Winter Slips

Every year, there are a significant number of weather-related slip and fall injuries among employees in parking lots and other exterior areas. Bricker & Eckler, the OMA’s legal counsel, has published this insight, noting these employee injuries are often compensable under Ohio’s workers’ compensation law, even when the employee is off the clock. 2/7/2022