Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

NAM: Manufacturers Share COVID-19-Related Best Practices

On a recent National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Manufacturing Leadership Council town hall meeting, two manufacturers—The Bradbury Group and Greene Tweed—shared their experiences and spoke with council members about what’s worked and what hasn’t for protecting the health and safety of their employees and workplaces.

You can listen to the call here and read a blog post summarizing the information here. The conversation included information on communication, return-to-work guidelines, and travel and visitor policies. 5/19/2020

Reminder: BWC’s Employer Webinar is May 28

The BWC’s May 28 webinar (at 11:30 a.m.) will cover BWC updates on COVID-19, employer dividend, why it’s important to review your estimated annual premium notice, BWC program options, important dates, and the monthly safety tip. Register and see recorded webinars here. 5/18/2020

Important Program Deadline for Employers in BWC DFSP

Attention Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) participants: Your annual report is due to be submitted to the BWC on or before June 1, 2020. 5/18/2020

More Guidance on Face Coverings

If you still have questions regarding the use of face coverings and face shields, you aren’t alone. To help provide some clarity, watch this video in which Dr. Bill Gegas, medical director at Worthington Industries, explains the differences between various masks/coverings, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Under the current “Stay Safe Ohio” order, employees are required to wear face coverings, with exceptions. The order (Section 8) specifically states that, at a minimum, facial coverings should be cloth/fabric and cover an individual’s nose, mouth and chin. If you opt to use a different kind of face covering (including a face shield), document why that decision was made as a better/safer option for your employees. Be prepared to show the documentation to local health authorities, if requested.

Here are the Ohio Department of Health’s FAQs on face coverings in the workplace, as well as the OMA’s FAQ document. Also, here is CDC guidance on using cloth face coverings. 5/14/2020

CDC Updates Safety Guidance for Manufacturers

The CDC has updated its guidance for manufacturing workers and employers. The guidance includes an infographic on workstations, as well as sections on administrative controls, educating workers and supervisors, cleaning and disinfecting, use of PPE, and screening and monitoring employees. 5/13/2020

Listen to OMA’s Infectious Disease Webinar

With manufacturers focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at their workplaces, this link to the OMA’s May 12 webinar will help employers develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan. Presented by Safex President Dianne Grote Adams, the webinar includes more than 30 minutes of Q&A. 5/13/2020

Ohio-Made Masks, Face Shields Available for Manufacturers

The Ohio Manufacturing Alliance to Fight COVID-19 has secured Ohio-made cotton masks and face shields to help Ohio manufacturers stay open and safe. These supplies are now available for purchase by Ohio manufacturers, and all prices are direct pass-throughs at cost from manufacturers in our state. Click here to order. Orders will ship via FedEx shortly after they are received. 5/12/2020

ODH Offers Customizable Welcome ‘Stop Sign’ for Businesses

The Ohio Department of Health has made available this editable sign — in Microsoft Word format — for businesses to post as a reminder to customers to stay home if sick. Click the “download” button on the right side of the page to view the document.

Also, check out the Ohio Emergency PPE Makers’ Exchange if your business is in search of safety signage. 5/13/2020

University Hospitals Launches COVID-19 Safety ‘Playbook’ for Businesses

University Hospitals has published the “UH Healthy Restart Playbook” to provide businesses with guidance to help keep their workforce, facilities and customers safe. The playbook includes a website with important, up-to-date content; a downloadable version of the playbook; and an opportunity to ask UH experts for advice. 5/11/2020

Steps Meatpackers Are Taking to Stop the Spread

Meatpacking plants have been forced to take some of the most aggressive steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This playbook and checklist was developed by University of Nebraska Medical Center public health specialists to help meat plants fight COVID-19. It includes sections on factory ventilation and physical barriers. 5/11/2020