Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

House OKs BWC, Industrial Commission Budget Bills

On April 19, the Ohio House overwhelmingly approved the two-year budget plans for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (HB 31) and the Industrial Commission (HB 32). Details regarding both bills can be found here.

As reported by Gongwer News Service, the only substantive change from the as-introduced version of the BWC budget was the removal of a provision to rename the agency the Department of Workforce Insurance and Safety.

Both measures now go to the Senate for consideration. 4/20/2023

Food Processor Wins COVID-19 Lawsuit

A federal appeals court recently dismissed a case that claimed Tyson Foods was responsible for seven employees contracting COVID-19 at the company’s facilities. The court found the employees did not provide enough evidence for their complaint, according to reports. 4/11/2023

COVID-19 National Emergency Is Over

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden signed U.S. House legislation that immediately ended the COVID-19 national emergency, first enacted three years ago.

This insight from the U.S. Department of Labor says group health plans are no longer required to cover COVID-19 testing or out-of-network COVID-19 vaccine shots at no cost to individuals. 4/11/2023

4 Steps to Reduce Workplace Violence

Following a rash of high-profile shootings, OSHA officials are focusing on whether employers should be held responsible for tragic events that occur on their premises. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this guidance on steps employers can take to reduce employees’ exposure to workplace violence. 4/12/2023

BWC Employer Update Is April 27

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will host its monthly Employer Update Webinar on April 27 at 11:30 a.m. The webinar will review the estimated annual premium letter, online claims investigation tools, important BWC dates, and the monthly safety tip. All upcoming BWC events can be viewed here. 4/14/2023

OSHA’s New Instance-by-Instance Penalties Take Effect

On March 27, a new OSHA policy went into effect, expanding penalties for instance-by-instance (IBI) citations. Read this update published by EHS Today.

The policy change has the potential to significantly increase the monetary penalty amounts associated with certain violations in the areas of falls; machine guarding; respiratory protection; lockout tagout; permit required confined space; trenching; and recordkeeping. 4/6/2023

OSHA Releases Injury, Illness Data for 2022

OSHA has published its 2022 injury and illness data based on reports by more than 300,000 establishments. The data are part of OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping requirements for certain employers, including manufacturers, that are required to submit Form 300A information. 4/3/2023

Ohio’s Distracted Driving Law Takes Effect April 4

Ohio’s new distracted driving law (Senate Bill 288) takes effect Tuesday, April 4. For the first six months after implementation, law enforcement may only issue written warnings for violations. Following this period, using, holding, or physically supporting an electronic wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle will be considered a primary offense.

The DeWine administration will launch a public education campaign Monday, April 3, when more information will be available via this website. 3/30/2023

OMA Webinar: Emergency Response Planning

On Thursday, April 6, the OMA will host a 60-minute webinar to help manufacturers develop or update their emergency action plans — and recognize what levels of training may be necessary for emergency responders in your facility. OMA Connections Partner Safex will provide guidance and expert insight. Learn more and register. 3/29/2023

What Documents to Provide OSHA on Inspection Day

As part of its series addressing OSHA inspections, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this guidance on what documents to provide on inspection day. The firm advises against providing any documents other than OSHA 300 logs, 300A summaries, 301 forms, and relevant safety data sheets on the first day of an inspection. 3/30/2023