News and Analysis
Frontline Workers Benefit Most from Mental Health Treatment, but Less Likely To Seek It
March 1, 2024A recent study from meQuilibrium found that 62% of frontline workers who admit to struggling with mental health say they have not sought treatment or help.
The study also found that rates of anxiety and depression among frontline workers are 33% and 61% higher, respectively. 2/27/2024
Some Employees Prioritize Safety Over Pay, Report Finds
February 23, 2024A recent report of both current and potential manufacturing employees found that a combined 48% of respondents would at least consider a decrease in pay if it meant a safer work environment.
Over 60% of the same respondents answered that they had turned down a job in the past due to safety concerns. 2/21/2024
OMA, Safex Holds First Safety and Workers Comp. Committee of 2024
February 16, 2024On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the OMA hosted the first Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting of 2024. Presentations included:
- Reasonable suspicion training for marijuana impairment.
- OSHA recordkeeping requirements briefing.
- Update on BWC initiatives from Jeff Little, BWC regional business consultant.
OMA’s public policy and counsel reports. 2/14/2024
Fall Prevention: Insights and Best Practices
February 16, 2024OMA Connections Partner BSI Group has published an article detailing best practices on fall prevention, increasing workplace safety, and safeguarding workers from potential hazards. 2/12/2024
OMA, Safex to Host Safety and Workers’ Comp Feb. 14
February 9, 2024On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the OMA and Connections Partner Safex will host its first Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting of 2024. Presentations will include:
- Reasonable suspicion training for marijuana impairment
- OSHA recordkeeping requirements briefing
- Update on BWC initiatives from Jeff Little, BWC regional business consultant
- OMA’s public policy and counsel reports
If you haven’t already, register here.2/7/2024
What OSHA’s Final Injury Tracking Rule Means for Employers
February 9, 2024The deadline to submit information to OSHA regarding workplace injuries and illnesses for the 2023 calendar year is March 2, according to OMA Connections Partner Frantz Ward. The firm has published this insight on OSHA’s new rule on electronic submission of Forms 300, 300A, and 301. The rule impacts covered employers with 100 or more employees in designated “high-risk industries,” including manufacturing. 2/6/2024
Managing OSHA Expansion Attempts During an Inspection
February 9, 2024On a new podcast posted by OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips, the firm’s OSHA defense attorneys discuss the tactics and methods OSHA often employs to expand the scope of a limited-scope inspection (injury report, complaint, referral, etc.). The attorneys discuss employer rights related to these attempted expansions and how employers can protect their rights during the inspection process. Listen here. 2/7/2024
Ohio Plans 7% Workers’ Comp Rate Cut
February 2, 2024Improved workplace safety and reduced costs at the BWC have prompted Gov. Mike DeWine to recommend a 7% reduction in workers’ compensation premium rates for private employers.
If approved by the BWC board later this month, Ohio employers could realize roughly $67 million in savings next fiscal year. An employer’s actual premium change will depend on multiple factors, including recent claims history.
This would be the fifth workers’ comp rate cut since Gov. DeWine took office in 2019. Here’s a history of rate changes since 2011. 1/29/2024
Employers Discuss Approach to Recreational Marijuana
February 2, 2024The Canton Repository has published this story looking at how employers are responding to Ohio’s voter-approved law legalizing recreational marijuana. The article notes that many Canton-area employers, including manufacturers, plan to continue their drug-free policies.
The OMA’s Feb. 14 Safety and Workers’ Compensation Policy Committee meeting will feature expert guidance on reasonable suspicion training, used to identify employees who may be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Register now. 2/1/2024
On-Demand Webinar: Top OSHA Citations
February 2, 2024The OMA this week hosted its monthly safety webinar. Presented by the experts at OMA Connections Partner Safex, the Feb. 1 webinar spotlighted frequent OSHA citations in manufacturing. Watch the recorded webinar at your convenience — or review the handouts. Also, check out this year’s remaining OMA safety webinars. 2/1/2024