Safety/Workers’ Comp

Cannabis and hemp advocates have filed initial referendum paperwork seeking to repeal a new Ohio law that cracks down on intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC. The filing by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice targets Senate Bill 56, signed last year by Gov. Mike DeWine, which tightens regulations on the sale, labeling and distribution of hemp-derived THC products. Attorney General Dave Yost must first certify the petition language, after which Secretary of State Frank LaRose will review the filing for compliance with state law. If approved, organizers would then need to collect about 248,000 valid signatures to place the repeal on the November ballot, a move that would suspend the law’s March start date. Supporters of the bill say it closes regulatory gaps and addresses public safety concerns, while opponents argue it would effectively eliminate legal hemp products and harm small businesses. 1/5/2026

Don’t wait. Manufacturers have less than two weeks to enroll in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Group Retrospective Rating program before the Jan. 21 deadline. Miss it, and this savings opportunity is gone for the year.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is ready to help you act now. Submitting an AC-3 is all it takes to start the conversation and see how our workers’ compensation team can support your operation for the 2026–27 policy year. As the only third-party administrator serving manufacturers exclusively, OMA brings manufacturer-focused expertise and advocacy to the table when it matters most.

Contact Nate Mays, OMA director of member services, for more information. 1/9/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, in partnership with Safex, will host Incident Investigation & Determining OSHA Recordability, a webinar on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.

This webinar combines two popular safety trainings into one practical session. Participants will learn how accurate recordkeeping and effective root-cause analysis contribute to safer workplaces and stronger compliance. The session will also cover the criteria for determining OSHA recordability and explain why each incident, near miss and first aid case should be investigated. Register for the webinar today! 1/9/2026

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Special Investigations Department (SID) marked its 32nd year of fighting fraud and protecting the State Insurance Fund, delivering significant savings for employers and injured workers in fiscal year 2025. Through data-driven investigations and coordinated enforcement, SID secured 56 convictions and saved nearly $92 million for the system. Employer fraud investigations closed 301 cases, identifying $12.8 million in savings, while claimant fraud efforts closed 1,044 cases and identified $66.6 million in savings. In total, dozens of cases were referred for prosecution, resulting in multiple indictments and convictions. BWC officials said the work helps ensure injured workers receive appropriate care while keeping costs down for employers. 12/15/2025

Warehouses and distribution centers face heightened safety risks during the holiday and post-holiday surge, as increased volume, tighter deadlines and seasonal staffing strain operations. BSI Consulting notes that congested aisles, heavier forklift traffic and larger loads raise the risk of incidents, while temporary workers with limited training face higher injury rates. Fatigue from extended shifts and fast-paced work further compounds hazards. OSHA data show injury spikes during peak periods, and the agency’s Warehouse Distribution Operations National Emphasis Program remains in effect through at least July 2026. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association encourages employers to reinforce training, manage workloads and conduct frequent safety checks during the busiest season. 12/15/2025

Ohio regulators have moved to ban certain kratom derivatives, including highly concentrated products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, citing health and safety concerns. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy adopted an emergency rule that makes it illegal to sell or possess these products while permanent regulations are developed.

Kratom is derived from a tropical plant and can have stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. Safety experts warn that concentrated forms may impair judgment, reaction time and motor skills. Standard workplace drug tests typically do not detect kratom, creating potential challenges for employers in safety-sensitive environments.

Ohio manufacturers are encouraged to monitor regulatory developments and review workplace safety and substance-use policies to address emerging risks that could affect employee safety and operations. 12/16/2025

The Ohio Senate on Tuesday approved sweeping changes to the state’s recreational marijuana and intoxicating hemp laws, passing Senate Bill 56 and sending it to Gov. Mike DeWine. The governor on Thursday said he would sign the measure. The bill carries several implications for workplace safety and employer compliance.

Senate Bill 56 would ban the sale of hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container unless they are sold through a licensed dispensary. Low-dose hemp beverages would remain legal through the end of 2026. The changes align with recent federal restrictions aimed at reducing unregulated THC products that resemble candy or drinks attractive to minors.

For employers, the bill reinforces existing safety expectations. Workers fired for marijuana use would be ineligible for unemployment benefits. All marijuana products would have to be stored in their original packaging, and new penalties would apply for impaired driving and the transfer of cannabis to people under 21. The bill also allows landlords to prohibit marijuana smoking, vaping or growing on their property.

Pending signature, the law could take effect as soon as March. OMA will continue to monitor safety and compliance issues as lawmakers update Ohio’s THC regulations. 12/11/2025

Federal regulators are advancing a nationwide heat stress standard that would impose new requirements on employers, including manufacturers. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposal would require protective measures once the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with additional safeguards required at 90 degrees. Employers would be expected to provide access to drinking water, shaded or cooled rest areas, ongoing monitoring of conditions, heat risk assessments, and employee training programs. The proposal has already generated nearly 50,000 public comments, many of which caution that a uniform, one-size-fits-all rule could place significant burdens on facilities with diverse operations and job demands.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is closely tracking this rulemaking as part of its broader focus on workplace safety, OSHA inspections and workers’ compensation trends. The heat stress discussion comes at a time when employers are reviewing year-end safety practices and preparing for updates tied to Bureau of Workers’ Compensation grants and cost-containment programs. OMA members with questions or training needs are encouraged to contact the OMA team for support. 12/3/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and other statewide business groups successfully pushed to remove a provision in House Bill 338 that would have allowed corrections officers to file workers’ compensation claims for post-traumatic stress disorder without a related physical injury.

In a letter to House Judiciary Chair Jim Thomas, R-Jackson Twp., the coalition warned that allowing “mental-only” claims would upend more than a century of workers’ compensation precedent and significantly increase costs and liability for employers.

The OMA said it supports Ohio’s corrections officers and did not oppose the bill as originally drafted. But the association urged lawmakers to remove the provision and conduct a full review before advancing what it called a major change to state law.

The groups noted that Ohio’s existing Post-Traumatic Stress Fund already provides a targeted way to assist affected officers without destabilizing the broader workers’ compensation system. 11/20/2025

Winter brings added responsibilities for employers. Even without federal rules specific to cold-weather protections, businesses must keep workplaces safe. This means checking protective gear, training employees on winter risks, reinforcing breaks in heated areas, and ensuring de-icing and heating procedures are ready. Employers should also watch for hazards such as reduced dexterity from bulky gloves.

Pay practices deserve attention too. Nonexempt employees must be paid for all hours worked, including remote work during closures. If the workplace shuts down and no work is performed, federal law generally does not require pay, though some states may. Exempt employees must receive their full weekly salary if they perform any work during that week.

The Ohio Manufacturers Association encourages members to review winter safety and pay policies now. A proactive approach reduces risk, ensures compliance and helps avoid costly disruptions. 11/17/2025

The deadline to enroll in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Group Retrospective Rating program is two months from today, with manufacturers required to sign up by Jan. 21.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is ready to help members maximize this savings opportunity. There’s still time to see how our workers’ compensation team can support your organization for the 2026–27 policy year — just submit an AC-3 to get started. As the only third-party administrator serving manufacturers exclusively, the OMA offers unmatched expertise and advocacy. 11/21/2025

A provision in the federal funding bill that ended the government shutdown is drawing fierce backlash from the hemp industry. The measure targets intoxicating hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC, threatening to gut a $30 billion market built on edibles, vapes and drinks that have operated in a legal gray area since the 2018 Farm Bill.

For Ohio manufacturers, the shift could be a welcome one.

The explosion of hemp-THC products has created compliance headaches, workplace safety concerns and inconsistent enforcement. A federal crackdown could clear the fog, reduce liability and level the playing field for manufacturers already following strict rules.

As Congress moves toward a more consistent national framework, Ohio’s manufacturing sector stands to benefit from clearer regulations and fewer surprises tied to intoxicating hemp products. 11/13/2025

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recently recovered nearly $23,000 from Sefton Bryant, owner of BDC Transportation, following a conviction for Workers’ Compensation Fraud.

Investigators from BWC’s Special Investigations Department found Bryant had operated his business with a lapsed workers’ compensation policy, despite previous guidance to bring it into compliance.

This marked the second time BDC Transportation faced scrutiny for lapsed coverage. On Oct. 27, 2025, Bryant accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to one count of fraud and receiving a 90-day jail sentence, suspended on conditions requiring compliance with all laws for one year.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) encourages all member companies to review their workers’ compensation policies and ensure they are fully compliant to avoid penalties and protect their businesses. The OMA helps employers stay fully compliant with all BWC payments and policies while providing the highest upfront premium discounts allowed by the state. Members can also join the largest manufacturing group retro program in Ohio to secure bigger premium rebates. For more information, contact Nate Mays, OMA director of member services. 11/10/2025

Ohio lawmakers are working to finalize regulations for hemp products and update rules for recreational marijuana by Thanksgiving, an effort expected to bring long-awaited clarity to the state’s evolving cannabis market.

The initiative, led by state Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, through Senate Bill 56, addresses key issues such as THC limits in hemp-infused beverages, where hemp and marijuana products may be sold and how to align existing hemp regulations with the state’s voter-approved adult-use marijuana program.

Huffman told Cleveland.com that THC-infused beverages remain a sticking point, but said differences between the House and Senate are not “insurmountable.”

A final agreement this month would give businesses and consumers clearer guidance ahead of the adult-use market’s full rollout. Huffman said he remains optimistic about reaching a deal before Thanksgiving. 11/4/2025

At this week’s Third-Party Administrator Forum, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) shared new safety initiatives and the latest data on workplace fatalities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, Ohio recorded 164 fatal workplace injuries in 2023. The trade, transportation and utilities sector accounted for the largest share with 36 deaths, followed by construction with 32. The manufacturing sector ranked third, with 21 worker fatalities — a stark reminder that safety risks remain high on the shop floor.

To strengthen prevention efforts, BWC announced new fiscal year 2026 policy updates. Employers can earn up to a 3% rebate — capped at $5,000 — by earning safety credits through approved meetings, training and consultations. Steering committees must now include at least 10 active members, and sponsor funding will be tiered between $5,000 and $24,500 based on participation.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will continue to share resources to help manufacturers prevent injuries and save lives. 10/29/2025

On Wednesday, the Ohio House passed Senate Bill 56, updating marijuana and intoxicating hemp regulations that affect workplace safety in manufacturing. The bill requires THC-containing hemp products to be sold only by licensed dispensaries to adults 21 and older, with strict testing, packaging and advertising rules. Gov. Mike DeWine recently issued a temporary ban on intoxicating hemp sales, currently paused by a court order, with a hearing scheduled for Tues., Oct. 28 at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

The bill sets THC limits for hemp products and allows regulated sales of THC-infused beverages. Changes in product distribution and use mean manufacturers and employers should update workplace drug policies and safety training. Recreational marijuana rules are also changing, including lower THC limits and bans on public smoking, which may impact workplace environments.

“Our constituents … have also made clear that we don’t want every downtown in Ohio to smell like a Grateful Dead concert,” state Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, told the Ohio Capital Journal.

With Ohio’s cannabis market growing fast — exceeding $700 million in sales last year — the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association will continue to help employers stay up to date on these rules to maintain safe workplaces and compliance. 10/23/2025

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Safety & Workers’ Compensation Committee held its final meeting of the year on Weds., Oct. 15, featuring updates on Gov. Mike DeWine’s State of Emergency regarding intoxicating hemp and Delta-8 THC, and the order’s implications for workplace safety and drug testing.

Members also heard from Conn Maciel Carey’s Nick Scala on the effects of federal government shutdowns on Occupational Safety and Health Administration operations. Additionally, Ana Cammarata of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation spoke to the group on the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Program. 10/15/2025

The U.S. Senate has confirmed David Keeling as the new assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a move safety community leaders are applauding. With nearly four decades of experience, Keeling is expected to bring a renewed focus to modernizing regulatory oversight using tools like predictive analytics and informed design.

Manufacturing leaders should pay close attention to his agenda, which includes a strong emphasis on leveraging industrial consensus standards to drive best practices and reduce persistent workplace fatalities. His confirmation comes at a crucial time as OSHA seeks to strengthen enforcement and adapt to evolving workplace hazards.

Read more from Fisher Phillips about what to expect from Keeling here. 10/8/2025

Earlier this week, the OMA applauded Gov. Mike DeWine for protecting Ohioans from unregulated, intoxicating hemp products that threaten public health and workplace safety. On Wednesday, DeWine signed an executive order temporarily banning the sale of these products. The ban will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and last for 90 days. “These products have created real challenges for employers seeking to maintain safe, drug-free workplaces. The governor’s action reinforces the importance of clear, consistent rules that protect workers and ensure Ohio remains a safe state to do business,” OMA President Ryan Augsburger said in a statement.

Intoxicating hemp-derived products, such as edibles, gummies, and other consumables containing delta-8 THC, are primarily sold through vape shops and, to a lesser extent, convenience stores and gas stations. Delta-8 THC produces psychoactive effects similar to those of delta-9 THC found in marijuana. 10/8/2025

A former Tesla robotics technician is suing the company and robot maker Fanuc for $51 million after a robotic arm allegedly struck and knocked him unconscious at Tesla’s Fremont facility, HR Dive reports.

The case highlights how the rapid adoption of robotics brings not only productivity gains but also new safety and liability challenges. Even companies on the cutting-edge are being forced to update protocols in real time, underscoring the importance of evolving safeguards as automation becomes more deeply embedded in manufacturing. 10/2/2025