News and Analysis
Deadline Nears for Two BWC Programs
July 15, 2022Participants of the BWC’s Industry Specific Safety Program, as well as first-year participants of the Drug Free Safety Program, must complete the safety management self-assessment (Form SH-26) no later than July 31 to remain in good standing for the 2022 policy year. Here are further details. 7/14/2022
OMA’s Ergonomics Webinar, July 14
July 8, 2022Reducing or eliminating risks associated with musculoskeletal injuries reduces workers’ compensation costs and recordable incidents, while keeping workers safe. At 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, the OMA will host a webinar to help members ensure their workplace is an ergonomic-friendly environment. Learn more or register. 7/6/2022
OSHA: Permanent COVID-19 Standard Coming Soon
July 8, 2022OSHA officials recently announced an extension of the agency’s COVID-19 national emphasis program, which focuses on hospital and skilled nursing facilities. While this announcement pertains to the health care sector, OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips says OSHA has indicated it will soon turn its focus to a permanent infectious disease standard directed at “high-risk industries” beyond health care. The OMA will monitor for developments that impact manufacturers. 7/7/2022
OMA Members Updated on BWC Activities, Ohio’s New Gun Law, OSHA’s Heat Program
June 30, 2022More than 100 OMA members attended the OMA Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting held June 28 in Columbus and via Zoom. Highlights included a presentation from Jeff Little with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, who updated members on BWC employer programs related to safety and hygiene.
Greg Lestini, partner at OMA general counsel Bricker & Eckler, examined Ohio’s new permitless concealed carry law and its impact on employers with restrictions on guns at the workplace. Beth Angus with OMA Connections Partner Safex provided an update on OSHA’s heat stress national emphasis program.
The committee will meet again Nov. 1. As always, the meeting is open to all members. 6/28/2022
Safety Roundup: BWC’s True-Up Period Starts July 1
June 30, 2022- As employers transition to the post-pandemic workplace, experts say businesses that were very clear in communicating why they were implementing actions to protect against the spread of COVID-19 were well-received by employees.
- The FDA’s panel of independent vaccine experts has voted to recommend new COVID-19 shots that target the Omicron variant this fall, when public health officials are expecting a new wave of infections.
- A coalition of state attorneys general has submitted a letter not only supporting OSHA’s proposed injury and illness reporting rule, but pushing for it to be expanded even further. Here’s analysis from OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips.
- OSHA has begun its rulemaking to revise standards for occupational exposure to lead.
- Beginning July 1, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will require employers to reconcile their actual payroll for the prior policy year, as well as true-up any differences in premium paid. Here are details.
- As a reminder, private employers that pay their entire estimated annual BWC premium for the new policy year by July 1 will receive a 2% discount.
Finally, with U.S. employers spending more than $1 billion a week on workers’ compensation costs (for non-fatal injuries), EHS Today has published these seven safety initiatives to implement at your workplace. 6/29/2022
Safety Roundup: Heat Plan Guidance Is Available
June 24, 2022- Autoworkers at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis plants no longer have to wear masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
- OMA Connections Partner Working Partners® reports the U.S. Department of Transportation is getting closer to approving oral fluid testing to detect employee substance misuse.
- June 30 is the reimbursement deadline for the BWC’s Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program. Visit the BWC’s website to learn more.
- As OSHA continues to enforce its Heat Stress National Emphasis Program, OMA Connections Partner Safex has published this guidance on essential elements to include in your Heat Acclimation Plan.
- OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has posted this podcast discussing the details of OSHA’s proposed heat stress standard.
- On July 14, the OMA will host a webinar to identify the basics of an ergonomic-friendly work environment. Learn more and register.
If you haven’t already, register now for the OMA Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting, set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 28. Members may attend via Zoom or in person at the OMA offices. A networking lunch will follow for those attending in person. 6/21/2022
Safety Roundup: OSHA Surpasses 1,000 Ohio Workplace Inspections
June 17, 2022- According to OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips and its OSHA Inspections Tracker, 1,038 Ohio employers (including more than 300 manufacturers) have been inspected by OSHA so far this year. (More than half of OSHA’s Ohio inspections have occurred at workplaces with fewer than 50 employees.)
- OSHA recently revised its “Heat Illness Prevention” page.
- OSHA reminds employers that June 19-25 is Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Learn how to stay safe when storms approach.
Because June is National Safety Month, this is a good time of year for members to review the OMA’s on-demand safety webinars (recorded for members’ convenience). The OMA’s online video library offers numerous webinars conducted by OMA Connections Partner Safex. 6/13/2022
Payment for BWC Policy Year 2022/23 Is Due June 21
June 17, 2022The first installment for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s new policy year — which begins July 1 — was billed on May 27. Payment is due by June 21. Employers can earn a 2% early payment discount by paying their full estimated premium by July 1. Questions? Contact Juliet Walker, the OMA’s managing director of workers’ compensation services. 6/16/2022
Report: Positive Drug Tests at Highest Rate Since 2001
June 10, 2022Reaching their highest rate since 2001, positive drug tests among U.S. workers are up more than 30% compared to their all-time low in 2010-2012, according to reports. In its most recent newsletter, OMA Connections Partner Working Partners provides these six reminders for hiring drug-free seasonal help. 6/8/2022
BWC True-Up Begins July 1
June 10, 2022Beginning July 1, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) will require employers to reconcile their actual payroll for the prior policy year, as well as any differences in premium paid. If your business has not already done so, the BWC encourages you to review your payroll estimates for the current policy year to avoid surprises. Here are the details. 6/9/2022