Safety/Workers’ Comp

Federal officials are continuing to review whether marijuana should be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, with a DEA hearing scheduled to begin June 29.

The proposal has generated significant attention, but employers should be careful not to treat it as a final decision. Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, and no federal rescheduling has been approved or implemented.

“Proposed is not final, and rescheduled is not legal,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Employers should not weaken workplace safety policies based on speculation. Until federal law changes, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, and existing drug-free workplace and testing policies remain valid.”

If marijuana is eventually moved to Schedule III, the change would not make marijuana federally legal. Existing workplace drug testing programs, drug-free workplace policies and Department of Transportation testing requirements remain unchanged.

Employers should continue to follow current law, safety considerations, regulatory requirements and applicable state-specific marijuana laws. 6/22/2026

At its June meetings, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) presented a proposal that would significantly change how private employers are rated beginning July 1, 2027. The plan would reintroduce Group Break-Even Factors, raise the credibility cap and reduce premium size credits in an effort to narrow a long-running performance gap between group-rated and individually rated employers. After significant questions from stakeholders, the Actuarial Committee tabled the proposal for further review.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) agrees that any disparity in the rating system deserves careful examination. The concern is not whether the issue should be addressed, but whether employers have been given enough information to evaluate the proposed solution.

According to BWC’s own materials, the proposal represents only the first phase of a broader effort that could increase group-rated employers’ premiums in future years. Yet employers have been shown projected outcomes without the detailed methodology needed to fully understand how those impacts were calculated.

There is also no immediate need for action. The State Insurance Fund remains financially strong, the proposal is revenue neutral overall and a business-community study already underway is expected to provide additional insight into the issue.

“Manufacturers support a workers’ compensation system that is fair, transparent and based on sound data,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “If the Bureau is asking employers to accept significant changes to how they are rated, employers should be able to see the full analysis behind those changes. With a study already underway and no financial pressure to act immediately, taking the time to get this right is the responsible course.”

OMA will remain engaged as the proposal returns to the Actuarial Committee and will continue advocating for a transparent, data-driven approach that gives employers confidence in any future changes to the rating system. 6/22/2026

A safety incident, a wave of turnover, a supplier failure — reputation risk in manufacturing doesn’t announce itself. It builds quietly until you’re scrambling to respond. Ohio Manufacturers’ Association member Akhia breaks down the risks most manufacturers overlook and what it actually takes to protect your reputation before you need to. 6/19/2026

Workers’ compensation decisions affect what manufacturers pay, how claims are managed and how employers support safe workplaces. That is why the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) stayed engaged this week as the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors held committee discussions in Columbus.

The meetings covered investment, actuarial, audit, medical services and safety issues tied to the oversight of one of Ohio’s most important employer-facing systems. Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services, attended on behalf of manufacturers.

“Workers’ compensation policy shows up on the shop floor and on the balance sheet,” Sargent said. “Manufacturers need a system that supports safe workplaces, fair claims outcomes and predictable costs. OMA’s role is to stay close to these discussions so members have a voice when decisions affect how they manage risk, protect employees and operate in Ohio.” 6/18/2026

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) participated this week in the Ohio Self-Insurers Association’s 2026 Annual Conference in Westerville, where employers, claims professionals and workers’ compensation leaders focused on the issues that directly affect Ohio’s self-insured community. OMA was represented by Juliet Walker, managing director of workers’ compensation services; Crystal Myers, account manager, workers’ compensation services; and Nate Mays, director of member services.

The conference covered practical topics tied to workplace safety, claims management, compliance and employer cost control, including reasonable suspicion, ergonomics and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation self-insured operations.

“Manufacturers do not need workers’ comp theory. They need answers that help them manage claims, control costs and keep people safe,” said Walker. “Being in the room with Ohio’s self-insured community helps OMA bring practical insight back to our members and make sure our services stay aligned with what employers are actually facing.” 6/18/2026

Small misses in chemical safety rarely stay small. An unlabeled container, outdated inventory, missed training step or weak storage practice can quickly become a serious hazard for employees, emergency responders and surrounding operations.

“Chemical safety failures usually do not start with one dramatic mistake,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “They start with small gaps that get missed, normalized or left for another day. The safest workplaces are the ones that treat those gaps like warnings, not paperwork.”

Manufacturers that handle hazardous materials should regularly review storage and labeling practices, emergency plans, employee training, contractor protocols and near-miss reporting. 6/8/2026

Strong safety cultures are built by leaders who set expectations, model the right behaviors and keep safety visible every day. On Thursday, June 11, from 10–11 a.m., the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) will host a webinar on how leadership commitment shapes workplace safety and influences employee behavior.

The session will feature Dianne Grote Adams, president of Safex, a board-certified industrial hygienist, board-certified safety professional and certified professional environmental auditor with more than 40 years of experience in environmental, health and safety consulting.

“Safety culture is shaped by what leaders do every day,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services at the OMA. “Clear expectations, consistent communication and visible commitment from leadership help create workplaces where employees understand the standard and know safety is a priority.”

The webinar will cover leadership’s role in sustaining safer workplaces, how leadership influence affects employee behavior and communication strategies that reinforce safety expectations. Members are encouraged to register. 6/5/2026

A pair of recent West Coast chemical emergencies is putting renewed attention on industrial tank safety, maintenance and emergency planning. In Washington, a corrosive chemical tank ruptured at a paper mill, killing two people with others feared dead. In Southern California, a separate overheated chemical tank forced roughly 50,000 people to evacuate before authorities mitigated the explosion risk.

Chemical tanks are widely used across industry and are generally safe when properly built, maintained and inspected. Experts say maintenance and inspections become especially important as tanks age, particularly when highly caustic substances are involved.

“These incidents are a sobering reminder that safety systems only work when they are maintained, tested and taken seriously,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Regular inspections, strong process safety procedures and clear emergency plans are essential to protecting workers, communities and operations.”

The incidents are a timely reminder to review tank inspection schedules, process safety procedures, emergency response plans and coordination with local first responders. 5/28/2026

The Ohio Senate this week passed Senate Bill 343, legislation to clarify workers’ compensation coverage for members of urban search and rescue units injured while assisting in Ohio at the request of the state’s Emergency Management Agency. Sponsored by state Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, the bill addresses a narrow but important coverage question for specialized responders deployed during disasters, structural collapses and other emergencies.

“Clear rules are the foundation of a predictable workers’ compensation system,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Senate Bill 343 addresses a narrow coverage question, but the principle is important: workers and employers benefit when Ohio law clearly defines who is covered and when.”

While the measure does not directly affect manufacturers, OMA views clear workers’ compensation rules as important to maintaining a predictable system for employers and employees alike. 5/21/2026

Ohio’s permanent ban on synthetic kratom is now in effect, underscoring the need for employers to keep pace with fast-changing substance risks. State officials are also weighing whether broader action is needed on other forms of kratom as policymakers continue responding to emerging public health and safety concerns.

“Safety-sensitive workplaces cannot afford gray areas,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “Manufacturers should make sure supervisors know what to watch for, employees understand the rules and drug-free workplace policies are clear, current and consistently enforced.” 5/20/2026

Spring nesting season can bring an unexpected workplace safety hazard: territorial geese. As geese protect nests and goslings, they may hiss, spread their wings or charge at employees, visitors or contractors near parking lots, sidewalks, retention ponds, loading areas and facility entrances.

Employers should remind workers not to approach nests, feed geese or run from territorial birds. Employees should face the goose, calmly back away and give it a wide path. Facilities may also want to inspect outdoor areas, post temporary warnings where geese are nesting and keep walkways clear to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls if an employee is startled.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources notes that geese can become aggressive during nesting season, and injuries often occur when people try to avoid an attack and trip over nearby objects.

“A goose encounter may sound funny until someone twists an ankle trying to escape an angry bird in the parking lot,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Seasonal hazards do not have to be complicated to create real workplace risk. A simple reminder to slow down, back away and give wildlife space can help prevent an avoidable workers’ compensation claim.”

Think of nesting geese as temporary security guards: loud, territorial and not interested in your badge policy. 5/11/2026

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is one of the most important safeguards manufacturers can use to protect employees during equipment maintenance and servicing. Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) member Safex shares practical reminders for strengthening LOTO programs, including identifying all energy sources, creating machine-specific procedures, verifying zero energy before work begins, training employees on their roles and conducting required annual program audits.

The guidance is a useful reminder that safety risks often start with small gaps, including missed energy sources, outdated procedures, skipped verification steps or training that has not kept pace with equipment changes.

“Lockout/tagout failures are rarely paperwork problems. They are real-world safety problems,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “When procedures are clear, training is current and audits are taken seriously, employers are better positioned to protect workers, avoid disruptions and reduce enforcement risk.”

Safex’s tips can help employers review their programs and close issues before they become injuries, disruptions or compliance problems. 5/14/2026

Federal heat rules are back on manufacturers’ radar as Senate Republicans push legislation to block the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OHSA) proposed heat-specific workplace standard, an issue that has generated major concern among Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) members in the past.

OSHA proposed a heat-specific rule in 2024, but it has not been finalized. Without a dedicated heat standard, OSHA has continued to rely largely on the General Duty Clause to pursue heat-related citations, which can create uncertainty for employers trying to understand their obligations. That is a major concern for manufacturers because no two facilities are exactly alike. A foundry, a fabrication shop and a climate-controlled plant can face very different conditions, yet a one-size-fits-all federal standard could treat them the same.

Supporters of the Senate legislation argue OSHA’s proposed rule would impose broad federal requirements on employers that are already managing heat risk through site-specific safety programs, training, ventilation, hydration policies and operational controls.

“Ohio manufacturers know their facilities, their processes and their employees,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “Worker safety is nonnegotiable, but a rigid federal heat mandate could force very different operations into the same compliance box. Employers need practical, flexible rules that protect workers without creating unnecessary burdens that do little to improve safety.” 5/4/2026

A recent Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) enforcement case is a reminder that lapsed coverage can quickly become more than a paperwork problem. BWC announced that the owner of One Call Construction was ordered to pay nearly $14,000 in restitution after operating with lapsed coverage dating back to 2020 and failing to complete reinstatement requirements.

Ignoring missed premiums, true-ups or reinstatement requirements can turn a fixable compliance issue into an investigation, criminal charge and court-ordered restitution.

“Workers’ compensation coverage is not optional, and lapses can create serious financial and legal exposure for employers,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “Manufacturers should treat BWC compliance as a core risk-management responsibility, not an administrative afterthought.”

If you have questions about your coverage status, please contact Juliet Walker, managing director of workers’ compensation services for the OMA. 5/1/2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing to eliminate the Nov. 18, 2036 deadline for employers to retrofit existing fixed ladders taller than 24 feet with personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems. Under the proposal, employers would still need to install those systems when ladders are replaced, but not by a fixed nationwide deadline. New fixed ladders installed on or after Nov. 19, 2018, would still be required to include modern fall protection.

OSHA said the change would give employers more flexibility to time upgrades with the end of a ladder’s service life while reducing compliance costs. The proposal would revise part of the agency’s 2016 Walking-Working Surfaces rule.

“Manufacturers still need to take ladder safety seriously, but this proposal would let facilities align upgrades with real-world maintenance cycles instead of an arbitrary deadline,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “That kind of practical compliance relief matters, especially for operations managing older infrastructure across large sites.” 4/20/2026

Ohio’s new kratom restrictions were among the issues commanding attention yesterday at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) Safety & Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting, where members dug into a broad mix of workplace safety, workers’ compensation and compliance challenges. The program included a presentation on kratom from Cameron McNamee of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, along with discussion of key court decisions, marijuana law changes and drug-free workplace legislation.

Committee members reviewed Ohio’s recent crackdown on certain synthetic kratom derivatives, which had been sold freely without warning labels and commonly described as “gas station heroin” before the state moved to impose lasting restrictions. Kratom can produce opioid-like effects and may impair judgment, reaction time and motor skills, raising concerns in safety-sensitive workplaces. Another challenge for employers is that kratom typically does not appear on standard workplace drug screens, meaning employers must request a specialized test from their drug testing provider to detect it.

“One of the biggest benefits for members was being able to hear directly from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy about an emerging issue that carries real workplace safety implications,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “That kind of access helps employers stay informed and better prepared.” 4/16/2026

Register now for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) next Safety & Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting on Thursday, April 16, at OMA offices in Columbus or via Zoom. The program begins with a business meeting from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a networking lunch provided by OMA from noon to 1 p.m.

Highlights include a Dinsmore presentation from Christen Hignett on Violation of a Specific Safety Requirement claims, trends, legal updates and practical risk-reduction strategies; an invited discussion with Ohio Board of Pharmacy Director Steven Schierholt on the regulatory and workplace implications of kratom and marijuana; a counsel’s report on the Dillon decision and other legal developments; and a public policy update from OMA staff on Statehouse activity affecting manufacturers.

“Safety leaders are being asked to keep up with a lot at once,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “This meeting is designed to give them clear, practical insight they can take back to their facilities right away.” 4/10/2026

April’s Workplace Violence Prevention Month is a good time for manufacturers to stop assuming workplace violence is a problem for somebody else. A recent Fisher Phillips alert urges employers to revisit policies, reporting procedures, supervisor training and response plans before a threat turns into an injury, shutdown or lawsuit. In manufacturing, prevention means more than having a policy in a binder. It means clear expectations, secure facilities, trusted reporting channels and supervisors who know how to spot warning signs and act before a situation spirals.

“Manufacturers should not wait for an incident to expose weak spots in their policies or response plans,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Prevention is about protecting people, reducing risk and keeping operations on track.” 4/1/2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed heat stress standard could bring new compliance obligations for manufacturers, including written prevention plans, workplace monitoring, training and recordkeeping for hot indoor and outdoor environments that are not climate controlled.

A Safex webinar scheduled for Thursday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will break down the proposed rule and help employers understand how to prepare. The session also will cover OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Heat Stress, which has been extended through April 2026.

Dianne Grote Adams, president of Safex, will lead the webinar, drawing on more than 40 years of experience in industrial hygiene, safety and environmental compliance.

“This proposed rule signals that heat stress is becoming a much bigger focus for OSHA, and manufacturers should be getting ready now,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA).

OMA members are encouraged to register to better understand the proposal, ask questions and begin preparing for the potential impact on their operations. 3/27/2026

Hazard communication remains one of the most important day-to-day safety responsibilities in manufacturing, and recent national data offer a timely reminder that strong routines still matter. OSHA recorded 36,984 hazard communication violations from 2021 through 2025, with manufacturing accounting for 10,021 of them, more than any other industry. The basics are familiar: accurate labels, current safety data sheets and clear employee training on chemical hazards.

The takeaway is not alarmism. It is discipline. Keeping safety data sheets updated, making hazard information easy to access and reinforcing training can help manufacturers strengthen compliance and support safer, more consistent operations.

“The manufacturers that do this well usually are not doing anything flashy. They are doing the basics consistently,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “When hazard communication slips, the risk is not just a citation. It can affect safety, training, consistency and day-to-day operational performance.”

Chemical safety remains one of those fundamentals that rewards steady attention. 3/17/2026