Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

Alert: New Federal Initiative on Workplace Safety

On Oct. 31, the NLRB and OSHA announced they have entered a partnership to protect workers who voice concerns about unsafe working conditions. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this analysis, noting the NLRB-OSHA alliance “means employers may find themselves subject to even more scrutiny from multiple agencies.” 11/6/2023

Webinar: Controlling Workers’ Comp Costs

On Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 13-14, the Ohio BWC will host a virtual training session for employers under the state insurance fund that are interested in controlling workers’ compensation costs. Attendees will get a basic understanding of how the BWC determines workers’ comp rates and the costs that drive them. Learn more and register. 11/8/2023

Ohio Set to Decide on Recreational Marijuana

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Ohioans will vote on Issue 2, which proposes to legalize the recreational use and retail sale of marijuana. Here’s the ballot language. Find your polling location here.

The OMA urges voters to “just say no” to Issue 2 for several reasons, including workplace safety. To get engaged in the public effort to oppose Issue 2, contact the Protect Ohio Workers and Families campaign, which has released this video ad.

Also, read these comments from Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), a manufacturer, who says Issue 2 was written in such a way the marijuana industry will get back as much as one-third of the tax revenue to fund new pot farms and shops. 11/2/2023

Top 10 OSHA Violations in 2023

OSHA has announced its preliminary Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety violations for the 2023 federal fiscal year. EHS Today reports: “Every single one of the Top 10 categories of workplace safety violations for 2023 saw a dramatic increase in total numbers” compared to 2022 — likely the result of OSHA’s increase in inspectors. 11/2/2023

Enrollment Deadline for OMA’s Group Experience Program

OMA members that want to remain in the OMA Group Experience Rating Program for 2024 must submit their enrollment paperwork no later than Wednesday, Nov. 8. This is members’ final chance for an upfront discount on 2024 premiums.

Enrollment paperwork can be found on the OMA’s workers’ compensation dashboard — or by contacting your OMA Workers’ Comp Services account manager. 10/26/2023

OMA Comments on OSHA Walk-Around Rule

The OMA has submitted comments in opposition to OSHA’s proposed worker walk-around rule, which would give union representatives the ability to accompany OSHA inspectors during a facility walkaround — regardless of whether the representative is an employee or the facility is unionized.

In its comments, the OMA told OSHA the proposed rule would result in instability and unpredictability for manufacturers, while threatening trade secrets and opening an unprecedented avenue for union organizing. 10/25/2023

OMA Webinar: OSHA Reporting

At 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, the OMA will host a webinar examining OSHA’s revised reporting requirements. Presented by subject-matter experts with Safex, this learning event is perfect for individuals who are new to OSHA recordkeeping, as well as those who need a refresher. Learn more and register. 10/26/2023

OMA Examines OSHA Walk-Around Rule

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the OMA hosted its final Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting of 2023. Sponsored by OMA Connections Partner ProMedica Medical Management, the meeting provided key updates on state and federal activity.

Labor law expert Matt Austin analyzed OSHA’s proposed walk-around rule, which would give a designated union representative the right to accompany an OSHA inspector during a facility walkaround — regardless of whether the representative is an employee or the facility is unionized. Austin also summarized recent NLRB activity.

OMA Connections Partner Safex provided an update on OSHA’s latest reporting requirements. As a reminder, the OMA will host a Nov. 2 webinar on OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Register here if you haven’t already. 10/18/2023

Marijuana Five Times More Potent Than 30 Years Ago

This week, the OMA hosted a luncheon with reporters from major Ohio news outlets to provide employers’ perspectives on Ohio’s Issue 2, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

Among the points raised by the OMA and other business organizations opposing Issue 2 is the increased potency of marijuana over the past three decades and employers’ inability to test for impairment. This chart shows how the level of THC — the primary psycho-active substance in marijuana — has increased since 1995.

For more reasons to vote no on Issue 2, visit the “Protect Ohio Workers and Families” site. 10/18/2023

Huffman: Lawmakers Would Likely Revise Issue 2 If Passed by Voters

If Ohio voters approve Issue 2 on Nov. 7, the recreational marijuana measure would likely undergo changes from Ohio lawmakers. That’s according to Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima), who opposes the initiative. Huffman told reporters he’s concerned about key provisions in the proposal, including the distribution of revenue from the tax on marijuana sales. 10/17/2023