Safety and Workers' Compensation Management

New, Older Workers Stand Out in Workplace Injury Data

A recent review by the Travelers insurance company of more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims from 2016 to 2020 found that 34% of workplace injuries happened during an employee’s first year on the job, resulting in nearly 7 million missed workdays.

The most expensive workers’ compensation claims came from employees ages 60 and older. These claims were about 140% more costly than claims for workers ages 18 to 24. 7/25/2023

OSHA Issues Final Electronic Recordkeeping Rule

OSHA has released a long-anticipated electronic recordkeeping rule, prompting changes for certain employers (including manufacturers) that must submit work-related injury and illness data starting Jan. 1, 2024. Learn more.

OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published its six biggest takeaways from the new rule. Employers with 100 or more employees in certain high-hazard industries will be required to electronically submit additional information each year from Forms 300 and 301, along with their Form 300A summary.

On Nov. 2, the OMA will offer a one-hour webinar on OSHA reporting requirements. Register here. 7/18/2023

Two BWC Safety Webinars, July 27

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will air its monthly employer update webinar 11:30 a.m. to noon on July 27. Featured topics will be BWC E-Accounts, the Drug-Free Safety Program, the annual employer true-up, important BWC dates, and the monthly safety tip. Register here.

Earlier on July 27, at 10 a.m., the bureau will host a webinar to discuss best practices for virtual safety training. Learn more and register. 7/19/2023

The Future of Workplace Cannabis Testing

Risk & Insurance magazine has examined the growth in recreational use of cannabis, as well as evolving strategies to ensure safe workplaces. A National Safety Council survey found that less than half of employers have a cannabis policy.

According to an expert quoted in the article, “Any employer who’s currently doing drug testing should not be doing so without a policy in place, and any that are not doing drug testing and have any level of risk or safety in their work environment should be doing drug testing.”

For assistance with your program, contact OMA Connections Partner Working Partners®. 7/12/2023

Industrial Commission Ends Waiver Requirement

Ohio’s Industrial Commission has announced it is removing the requirement that parties waive the right to appear in person for workers’ compensation hearings. Beginning July 20, parties and representatives may elect to attend hearings in person, by telephone, or via WebEx — and will not need to waive the right to appear in person. 7/13/2023

New OSHA Initiative Aimed at Warehouses

OSHA has launched a national emphasis program to prevent workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments. Details are available here. 7/13/2023

Safety Talk: Heat Stress

According to the BWC, an employer is obligated to provide training to help employees recognize what causes heat stress and other heat illnesses. Start your shift with a safety talk. If you need help monitoring, training your employees, or developing a written program, request a no-cost consultation with the BWC. 7/12/2023

BWC, Industrial Commission Budgets Signed

On Friday, June 30, Gov. Mike DeWine signed the state’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 workers’ compensation budget (House Bill 31) and the biennial Industrial Commission budget (House Bill 32). No major policy initiatives were included in either measure.

The BWC budget totals $755.8 million over two years — representing a modest spending increase over previous spending levels. The IC budget, at $111.1 million, represents a 2.7% increase over the previous biennium to cover administrative costs.

Earlier this year, the OMA opposed the administration’s proposal to rename the BWC as the Department of Workforce Insurance and Safety. That proposal was removed by the legislature with OMA support. 7/3/2023

Transitional Work Program Increases Grant Amounts

The BWC has announced it is increasing the grant amounts employers can use to help get injured workers back to work as soon and safely as possible. Based on the number of a company’s employees, the new limits for the Transitional Work Grants are as follows:

• 11-49 employees ………. $3,700
• 50-199 employees …….. $6,800
• 200+ employees ……….. $8,200

Employers with a transitional work plan actively participate in their injured employees’ recovery and return to work. Learn more. Or email Juliet Walker, managing director of OMA Workers’ Compensation Services. 7/3/2023

Recreational Pot Appears Headed for November Ballot

Activists seeking to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Ohio appear to have collected more than enough signatures to get the issue on this autumn’s ballot, according to reports. With an army of paid petition circulators, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol said this week it submitted 222,198 signatures in support of its initiated statute. 7/5/2023