Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

Upcoming Webinars on Respirators, BWC Update

On Thursday, Nov. 18, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will host its monthly 30-minute employer update webinar. Get more details and register.

On Dec. 2, the OMA will host an hour-long webinar on the safe use of respirators, dust masks, and self-contained breathing apparatuses. Register here. 11/11/2021

Preventing Alcohol-Related Problems at the Workplace

Alcohol consumption has dramatically increased during the pandemic. OMA Connections Partner Working Partners^® suggests employers have a drug-free workplace policy that “specifically communicates rules about alcohol consumption on and off the job.” The firm offers this guidance to help prevent alcohol problems from impacting employees’ lives and the workplace. 11/11/2021

OMA Group Experience Rating Plan Enrollments Are Due Nov. 12

The enrollment due date for OMA’s Workers’ Compensation Group Experience Rating program is Friday, Nov. 12. We have posted 2021/22 Workers’ Compensation Services offers to members’ workers’ comp dashboards.

You can process your enrollment online, but you’ll need to process your payment separately. Contact your account manager if you have questions.

Group Retrospective Rating plan enrollments will be due in January. 11/4/2021

Reducing Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion injuries cost Ohio employers nearly $134 million and accounted for almost 24% of accepted claims at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) in 2019. The agency can help employers develop an in-house ergonomics team to address problem jobs. Reach out to a BWC safety consultant or call 1-800-644-6292. 10/28/2021

New OSHA Chief Is Confirmed

The U.S. Senate this week voted 50-41 to confirm Doug Parker to lead OSHA. Previously, Parker was the head of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). 10/27/2021

OSHA’s Small Business Safety and Health Handbook

The “Small Business Safety and Health Handbook” is currently the most frequently downloaded publication on OSHA’s website. OSHA advises that employers should use the handbook for general workplace safety information, but not to assess compliance with federal law or OSHA standards. 10/26/2021

Preparing for OSHA’s New Heat-Related Initiatives

OSHA is initiating enhanced measures to better protect workers in hot environments and reduce the dangers of exposure to ambient heat. A National Emphasis Program will launch next year. OMA Connections Partner Safex has produced this summary to help employers prepare. 10/25/2021

OMA Members Briefed on OSHA’s Forthcoming Vax-or-Test ETS

This week, the OMA Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee held its final regularly scheduled meeting for 2021 via Zoom.

Chaired by Matt Schurte, General Counsel, Lancaster Colony Corp., the committee heard from Bob Robenalt, partner with OMA Connections Partner Fisher Philips, who provided guidance on how to prepare for OSHA’s forthcoming Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), which will require employers with 100 or more employees to either mandate the COVID-19 vaccination or conduct weekly testing.

Members also heard from Sue Roudebush, partner with OMA general counsel Bricker & Eckler, on navigating the FMLA and ADA in conjunction with workers’ compensation claims. Be sure you’re subscribed to the OMA’s Safety and Workers’ Compensation Community to receive future meeting and webinar invitations, as well as committee materials. 10/20/2021

Deadline for Group Experience Rating

The enrollment due date for OMA’s Workers’ Compensation Group Experience Rating program is Monday, Nov. 15. We have posted 2021/22 Workers’ Compensation Services offers to members’ workers’ comp dashboards.

You can process your enrollment online, but you’ll need to process your payment separately. Contact your account manager if you have questions. 10/18/2021

OMA Webinar Will Cover OSHA Incident Investigations

On Nov. 4, the OMA will host a 10 a.m. webinar to examine OSHA incident investigations — required for recordable incidents and highly advised for workers’ compensation claims. Learn more and register. 10/19/2021