Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

Don’t Miss (Virtual) Safety Congress, March 10–11

This year’s virtual Ohio Safety Congress & Expo is approaching quickly. Set for March 10–11, the event is hosted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and will feature dozens of educational sessions presented by experts from across the country on topics related to injury and illness prevention, wellness, and cost savings, as well as a slate of environmentally focused trainings. Register now and sign up for course listings. It’s free! 2/23/2021

Electronically Report OSHA Form 300A by March 2

March 2 is the deadline for electronically reporting your OSHA Form 300A data for calendar year 2020. Click here for what you need to know. 2/24/2021

Strategies for Better Ventilation During COVID-19

The National Occupational Research Manufacturing Sector Council’s COVID-19 workgroup has created this document to explore current best practices for facility ventilation in manufacturing plants to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The information is a collection of data, implementation strategies, and testimonials on the use of outdoor air, existing industrial ventilation, and HVAC systems. (Click on the document’s numbered titles to view the mentioned sources.) 2/22/2021

OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19 Coming Soon?

As we reported earlier this month, OSHA has updated its guidance for employers to fight COVID-19 at the workplace. This week, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reported that OSHA representatives continue to say they are in the process of determining whether to issue a COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) by March 15, as authorized by President Joe Biden’s Jan. 21 executive action.

Meanwhile, the OMA has learned through its Connection Partner Safex that the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) believes an ETS is likely to be issued soon to provide “specific, enforceable guidance.” In this update, the AIHA says that any forthcoming ETS is “likely to pull heavily from existing CDC and OSHA guidance, and related standards and documents in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, and Virginia, among others.” Be sure to see OSHA’s updated FAQs related to COVID-19. 2/17/2021

Deadline Approaching for Employers That Are Self-Insured for Workers’ Comp

Employers that are self-insured for workers’ compensation have an important due date coming up. By Monday, March 1, both the semi-annual assessment and the Report of Paid Compensation and Case Reserves (form SI-40) are due to the BWC. Questions? Contact the OMA’s Brian Jackson or your account manager. 2/11/2021

Webinar on Demand: Infectious Disease Response

ICYMI, the OMA recently offered a webinar titled: “Infectious Disease Response (COVID-19 and Beyond).” It’s available on demand, as are the handouts that accompanied the presentation. Subject matter expertise was provided by OMA Connections Partner Safex.

Safex has also produced additional resources: this outline of a 12-point infectious disease (COVID-19) preparedness plan, and this guidance on actions to prepare for increased OSHA enforcement activity during COVID-19. 2/16/2021

BWC Offers Substance-Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), together with local Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health boards, recently created the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program (SURWSP), which reimburses employers in 27 participating counties for these services:

• Development and legal review of employer policies and procedures about substance use issues;
• Training for employees to understand substance use and their employer’s related policies;
• Training to equip supervisors and managers to better manage employees in recovery; and
• Drug testing for prospective and current employees in recovery.

With annual reports for the BWC’s Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) due at the end of March, this is a good opportunity for employers in participating counties to be reimbursed for annual DFSP requirements. Read more about the SURWSP in this summary, or contact OMA Connections Partner Working Partners®. 2/15/2021

Are Remote Injuries Compensable Under Ohio Workers’ Comp?

What happens if one of your employees sustains an injury while working remotely? OMA general counsel Bricker & Eckler has published this insight on what qualifies as a remote injury, along with tips for a safe remote work environment. 2/16/2021

New Data on Ohio’s Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Ohio data from the 2019 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) is now available. See the Bureau of Labor Statistics/SOII 2019 data web page for detailed information.

Ohio’s rate of workplace injuries and illnesses continues to be lower than the U.S. average — and lower than the rates of bordering states. 2/9/2021

Webinar: Reducing COVID-19 Transmission Through HVAC Improvements

At 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will host a free webinar on reducing COVID-19 transmission through HVAC improvements. This event will provide valuable information to employers interested in taking steps to enhance indoor air quality at their workplaces. Learn more and register here. 2/9/2021