Safety/Workers’ Comp

Gov. Mike DeWine has asked the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors to approve a projected $1 billion dividend for Ohio employers.

The proposed payment reinforces a clear record of results. Ohio employers are paying the lowest workers’ compensation rates in more than 65 years, including a 1% private-employer rate reduction that took effect July 1, while BWC remains financially strong enough to return substantial surplus funds to the businesses that paid them.

“This is what a well-managed workers’ compensation system should do,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Protect injured workers, maintain the financial strength to meet future obligations and return excess funds to the employers who paid them. The next governor should look at these results and build on them, not dismantle a system that is delivering historically low rates and returning billions of dollars to Ohio employers.”

The dividend would equal approximately 90% of premiums paid during the 2022 policy year. If approved in August, it would bring total BWC dividends under the DeWine administration to $10.2 billion, with the typical employer receiving more in dividends since 2019 than it paid in premiums during that period.

OMA has urged Ohio’s next governor to protect the reforms that strengthened the system, improved transparency and helped produce these results.

Employers that have not completed their 2022 policy-year true-up or have a lapsed status may be ineligible for the dividend. They have until Friday, Aug. 28 to resolve those issues. 7/30/2026

Emergency plans can look different from one workplace to another, but the goal is the same. Employees should know what to do when something goes wrong.

Safex will host a webinar Thursday, Aug. 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. focused on the essential elements of emergency planning. The session will cover OSHA’s requirements while also helping employers prepare for a wider range of situations, including workplace violence and active threats.

“An emergency plan should not be a document that sits untouched on a shelf,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Employers need a practical plan that reflects the risks their employees may actually face and gives people clear direction when every second counts.”

Participants will learn how to identify gaps, strengthen existing plans and better prepare employees and leadership to respond during an emergency.

Ryan Moon, director of operations at Safex, will lead the session. A board-certified industrial hygienist and safety professional, Moon has more than 16 years of experience in workplace safety, training and emergency response. 7/29/2026

Artificial intelligence can help safety teams draft procedures, training materials and other documents more efficiently. But before those materials reach the shop floor, they must be reviewed by someone who understands the actual equipment, hazards and work practices involved.

EHS Today warns that AI-generated safety content can look polished while missing critical details, especially for lockout/tagout, forklift operation, confined-space entry, fall protection and other high-hazard work.

Members should treat AI as a drafting tool, not a final authority. Verify the sources, compare the guidance with current policies and equipment, and make sure employees can perform the task safely.

“AI may save time, but it does not transfer responsibility,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Any safety document that could matter after an injury or inspection still requires knowledgeable human review and must reflect the actual equipment, hazards and work being performed.” 7/21/2026

The 2027-28 workers’ compensation enrollment season is right around the corner.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is Ohio’s only BWC-certified third-party administrator dedicated exclusively to serving the manufacturing industry. For more than 20 years, the OMA has built its workers’ compensation services around the needs of its members. Today, more than two-thirds of eligible OMA members trust our team to manage their claims.

“Manufacturers should not have to explain their operations to a generic claims administrator,” said Nate Mays, OMA managing director of workers’ compensation services. “The OMA already understands the work, the risks and what is at stake. That difference shows up when a claim hits.”

Group discount program deadlines begin this fall, making now the right time to explore the full value of OMA Workers’ Compensation Services.

Submit an updated AC-3 form today to request a no-obligation review and learn how the OMA can improve your workers’ compensation experience. 7/16/2026

The U.S. Department of Labor plans to revisit several major workplace rules this year, including OSHA’s proposed standard for protecting employees from heat hazards in indoor and outdoor workplaces.

OSHA expects to issue a supplemental proposal by December, signaling that significant changes may be coming after employers raised concerns that the original rule was overly prescriptive and failed to account for differences among workplaces.

“Manufacturers should not assume the heat rule has stalled,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “A revised proposal could still create significant new compliance obligations for indoor and outdoor workplaces, so employers should continue strengthening heat-safety programs while watching closely for what OSHA changes.”

The department’s broader regulatory agenda also includes potential updates involving lockout/tagout, independent-contractor classifications and child-labor rules. 7/14/2026

Workplace safety is not only a compliance responsibility. It can also be a competitive advantage.

New research cited by Manufacturing Today found that 92% of U.S. and Canadian workers believe a safer workplace makes them more productive. More than three-quarters said safety would influence their choice of employer, while 78% would consider leaving a job because of unsafe working conditions.

“Manufacturers know strong safety programs do more than prevent injuries,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “They reduce disruptions, strengthen retention and improve productivity across the operation.”

The findings reinforce the value of making safety part of everyday plant operations, particularly as manufacturers compete to attract and retain skilled workers. 7/8/2026

With the Fourth of July approaching, employers can help workers and families keep safety top of mind before the long holiday weekend.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that fireworks were involved in 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 injuries nationwide last year. Prevent Blindness Ohio has also declared June 28 through July 4 as Fireworks Safety Week to raise awareness about the risks tied to consumer fireworks, including severe eye injuries and burns.

Employers are encouraged to remind workers to follow local laws, keep fireworks away from children, avoid relighting malfunctioning fireworks, keep water nearby and leave larger displays to trained professionals.

“Safety does not stop when the workweek ends,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “A quick reminder before the holiday can help employees and their families avoid injuries that are preventable, painful and sometimes life-changing.”

A safe holiday weekend starts with planning, caution and common sense. 7/1/2026

Federal officials are continuing to review whether marijuana should be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, with a DEA hearing scheduled to begin June 29.

The proposal has generated significant attention, but employers should be careful not to treat it as a final decision. Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, and no federal rescheduling has been approved or implemented.

“Proposed is not final, and rescheduled is not legal,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Employers should not weaken workplace safety policies based on speculation. Until federal law changes, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, and existing drug-free workplace and testing policies remain valid.”

If marijuana is eventually moved to Schedule III, the change would not make marijuana federally legal. Existing workplace drug testing programs, drug-free workplace policies and Department of Transportation testing requirements remain unchanged.

Employers should continue to follow current law, safety considerations, regulatory requirements and applicable state-specific marijuana laws. 6/22/2026

At its June meetings, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) presented a proposal that would significantly change how private employers are rated beginning July 1, 2027. The plan would reintroduce Group Break-Even Factors, raise the credibility cap and reduce premium size credits in an effort to narrow a long-running performance gap between group-rated and individually rated employers. After significant questions from stakeholders, the Actuarial Committee tabled the proposal for further review.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) agrees that any disparity in the rating system deserves careful examination. The concern is not whether the issue should be addressed, but whether employers have been given enough information to evaluate the proposed solution.

According to BWC’s own materials, the proposal represents only the first phase of a broader effort that could increase group-rated employers’ premiums in future years. Yet employers have been shown projected outcomes without the detailed methodology needed to fully understand how those impacts were calculated.

There is also no immediate need for action. The State Insurance Fund remains financially strong, the proposal is revenue neutral overall and a business-community study already underway is expected to provide additional insight into the issue.

“Manufacturers support a workers’ compensation system that is fair, transparent and based on sound data,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “If the Bureau is asking employers to accept significant changes to how they are rated, employers should be able to see the full analysis behind those changes. With a study already underway and no financial pressure to act immediately, taking the time to get this right is the responsible course.”

OMA will remain engaged as the proposal returns to the Actuarial Committee and will continue advocating for a transparent, data-driven approach that gives employers confidence in any future changes to the rating system. 6/22/2026

A safety incident, a wave of turnover, a supplier failure — reputation risk in manufacturing doesn’t announce itself. It builds quietly until you’re scrambling to respond. Ohio Manufacturers’ Association member Akhia breaks down the risks most manufacturers overlook and what it actually takes to protect your reputation before you need to. 6/19/2026

Workers’ compensation decisions affect what manufacturers pay, how claims are managed and how employers support safe workplaces. That is why the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) stayed engaged this week as the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors held committee discussions in Columbus.

The meetings covered investment, actuarial, audit, medical services and safety issues tied to the oversight of one of Ohio’s most important employer-facing systems. Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services, attended on behalf of manufacturers.

“Workers’ compensation policy shows up on the shop floor and on the balance sheet,” Sargent said. “Manufacturers need a system that supports safe workplaces, fair claims outcomes and predictable costs. OMA’s role is to stay close to these discussions so members have a voice when decisions affect how they manage risk, protect employees and operate in Ohio.” 6/18/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) participated this week in the Ohio Self-Insurers Association’s 2026 Annual Conference in Westerville, where employers, claims professionals and workers’ compensation leaders focused on the issues that directly affect Ohio’s self-insured community. OMA was represented by Juliet Walker, managing director of workers’ compensation services; Crystal Myers, account manager, workers’ compensation services; and Nate Mays, director of member services.

The conference covered practical topics tied to workplace safety, claims management, compliance and employer cost control, including reasonable suspicion, ergonomics and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation self-insured operations.

“Manufacturers do not need workers’ comp theory. They need answers that help them manage claims, control costs and keep people safe,” said Walker. “Being in the room with Ohio’s self-insured community helps OMA bring practical insight back to our members and make sure our services stay aligned with what employers are actually facing.” 6/18/2026

Small misses in chemical safety rarely stay small. An unlabeled container, outdated inventory, missed training step or weak storage practice can quickly become a serious hazard for employees, emergency responders and surrounding operations.

“Chemical safety failures usually do not start with one dramatic mistake,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “They start with small gaps that get missed, normalized or left for another day. The safest workplaces are the ones that treat those gaps like warnings, not paperwork.”

Manufacturers that handle hazardous materials should regularly review storage and labeling practices, emergency plans, employee training, contractor protocols and near-miss reporting. 6/8/2026

Strong safety cultures are built by leaders who set expectations, model the right behaviors and keep safety visible every day. On Thursday, June 11, from 10–11 a.m., the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host a webinar on how leadership commitment shapes workplace safety and influences employee behavior.

The session will feature Dianne Grote Adams, president of Safex, a board-certified industrial hygienist, board-certified safety professional and certified professional environmental auditor with more than 40 years of experience in environmental, health and safety consulting.

“Safety culture is shaped by what leaders do every day,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services at the OMA. “Clear expectations, consistent communication and visible commitment from leadership help create workplaces where employees understand the standard and know safety is a priority.”

The webinar will cover leadership’s role in sustaining safer workplaces, how leadership influence affects employee behavior and communication strategies that reinforce safety expectations. Members are encouraged to register. 6/5/2026

A pair of recent West Coast chemical emergencies is putting renewed attention on industrial tank safety, maintenance and emergency planning. In Washington, a corrosive chemical tank ruptured at a paper mill, killing two people with others feared dead. In Southern California, a separate overheated chemical tank forced roughly 50,000 people to evacuate before authorities mitigated the explosion risk.

Chemical tanks are widely used across industry and are generally safe when properly built, maintained and inspected. Experts say maintenance and inspections become especially important as tanks age, particularly when highly caustic substances are involved.

“These incidents are a sobering reminder that safety systems only work when they are maintained, tested and taken seriously,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Regular inspections, strong process safety procedures and clear emergency plans are essential to protecting workers, communities and operations.”

The incidents are a timely reminder to review tank inspection schedules, process safety procedures, emergency response plans and coordination with local first responders. 5/28/2026

The Ohio Senate this week passed Senate Bill 343, legislation to clarify workers’ compensation coverage for members of urban search and rescue units injured while assisting in Ohio at the request of the state’s Emergency Management Agency. Sponsored by state Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, the bill addresses a narrow but important coverage question for specialized responders deployed during disasters, structural collapses and other emergencies.

“Clear rules are the foundation of a predictable workers’ compensation system,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Senate Bill 343 addresses a narrow coverage question, but the principle is important: workers and employers benefit when Ohio law clearly defines who is covered and when.”

While the measure does not directly affect manufacturers, OMA views clear workers’ compensation rules as important to maintaining a predictable system for employers and employees alike. 5/21/2026

Ohio’s permanent ban on synthetic kratom is now in effect, underscoring the need for employers to keep pace with fast-changing substance risks. State officials are also weighing whether broader action is needed on other forms of kratom as policymakers continue responding to emerging public health and safety concerns.

“Safety-sensitive workplaces cannot afford gray areas,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “Manufacturers should make sure supervisors know what to watch for, employees understand the rules and drug-free workplace policies are clear, current and consistently enforced.” 5/20/2026

Spring nesting season can bring an unexpected workplace safety hazard: territorial geese. As geese protect nests and goslings, they may hiss, spread their wings or charge at employees, visitors or contractors near parking lots, sidewalks, retention ponds, loading areas and facility entrances.

Employers should remind workers not to approach nests, feed geese or run from territorial birds. Employees should face the goose, calmly back away and give it a wide path. Facilities may also want to inspect outdoor areas, post temporary warnings where geese are nesting and keep walkways clear to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls if an employee is startled.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources notes that geese can become aggressive during nesting season, and injuries often occur when people try to avoid an attack and trip over nearby objects.

“A goose encounter may sound funny until someone twists an ankle trying to escape an angry bird in the parking lot,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Seasonal hazards do not have to be complicated to create real workplace risk. A simple reminder to slow down, back away and give wildlife space can help prevent an avoidable workers’ compensation claim.”

Think of nesting geese as temporary security guards: loud, territorial and not interested in your badge policy. 5/11/2026

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is one of the most important safeguards manufacturers can use to protect employees during equipment maintenance and servicing. Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) member Safex shares practical reminders for strengthening LOTO programs, including identifying all energy sources, creating machine-specific procedures, verifying zero energy before work begins, training employees on their roles and conducting required annual program audits.

The guidance is a useful reminder that safety risks often start with small gaps, including missed energy sources, outdated procedures, skipped verification steps or training that has not kept pace with equipment changes.

“Lockout/tagout failures are rarely paperwork problems. They are real-world safety problems,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “When procedures are clear, training is current and audits are taken seriously, employers are better positioned to protect workers, avoid disruptions and reduce enforcement risk.”

Safex’s tips can help employers review their programs and close issues before they become injuries, disruptions or compliance problems. 5/14/2026

Federal heat rules are back on manufacturers’ radar as Senate Republicans push legislation to block the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OHSA) proposed heat-specific workplace standard, an issue that has generated major concern among Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) members in the past.

OSHA proposed a heat-specific rule in 2024, but it has not been finalized. Without a dedicated heat standard, OSHA has continued to rely largely on the General Duty Clause to pursue heat-related citations, which can create uncertainty for employers trying to understand their obligations. That is a major concern for manufacturers because no two facilities are exactly alike. A foundry, a fabrication shop and a climate-controlled plant can face very different conditions, yet a one-size-fits-all federal standard could treat them the same.

Supporters of the Senate legislation argue OSHA’s proposed rule would impose broad federal requirements on employers that are already managing heat risk through site-specific safety programs, training, ventilation, hydration policies and operational controls.

“Ohio manufacturers know their facilities, their processes and their employees,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “Worker safety is nonnegotiable, but a rigid federal heat mandate could force very different operations into the same compliance box. Employers need practical, flexible rules that protect workers without creating unnecessary burdens that do little to improve safety.” 5/4/2026