News and Analysis
Cleveland Clinic Publishes COVID-19 Safety Guidance for Manufacturers
August 7, 2020The Cleveland Clinic has published this COVID-19 workplace safety guide for manufacturers. The guide is part of a series of documents the clinic has produced to help employers protect employees in the workplace. To see all the guidance, visit the Cleveland Clinic’s COVID-19 workplace safety page. 8/5/2020
BWC True-Up Report Deadline Is August 15
August 7, 2020Time is almost up for Ohio’s private employers to complete their payroll “true-up” report to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
Although the BWC has deferred premium payments again until Sept. 1, you still must true-up for this past policy year by Saturday, Aug. 15, so the bureau can accurately calculate premiums. This step is critical to maintaining your policy and participation in current rating plans or discount programs.
If you have questions, contact Brian Jackson, managing director of OMA’s Workers’ Compensation Services. 8/5/2020
Can HVAC Systems Help Prevent Transmission of COVID-19?
July 31, 2020Modifications to heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems might help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus by purifying air, improving ventilation, and managing airflows. McKinsey & Company has published this insight on steps to optimize ventilation and airflow indoors and limit viral spread. 7/27/2020
Survey: Many Americans Believe COVID-19 Is More Widespread, Deadlier Than Data Show
July 31, 2020According to new global research from strategic communications firm Kekst CNC, some people think the coronavirus is more widespread and deadlier than official figures show.
The research shows that 20% of Americans believe the number of COVID-19 cases is 20 times greater than the CDC’s figures, and 9% of Americans believe the number of COVID-19 deaths is 225 times greater than the CDC’s data (which would mean more than 33 million U.S. deaths).
The firm’s research also found that returning to work has been a good experience for many employees, and that large majorities agree mask wearing should be required in indoor public spaces. 7/30/2020
Statewide Mask Mandate Now in Effect
July 24, 2020Early last night, July 23, the DeWine administration issued its latest public health order. Per Section 2 of this order, individuals ages 10 and older in all 88 Ohio counties must wear facial coverings in public at all times when:
- At any indoor location that is not a residence;
- Outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from people who are not members of their family or household; and
- Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, a taxi, car service, or ridesharing vehicle.
The administration’s action comes after more counties were moved this week to Level 3 (red alert) status.
For manufacturers, the mask exceptions in the new order mirror those of the previous order. For members’ convenience, the OMA has again updated its guidance document for use of masks and face coverings. 7/24/2020
Travel Advisory Issued for States With COVID-19 Surges
July 24, 2020The DeWine administration this week issued COVID-19 travel advisory for states with above a 15% or greater test-positivity rate to protect against spread of the coronavirus. When issued on Wednesday, July 22, states on Ohio’s advisory list were Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Texas. All travelers entering Ohio from these states are asked, but not required, to self-quarantine for at least two weeks.
The Ohio Department of Health has published this FAQ document regarding the travel advisory, which will be updated weekly. 7/23/2020
Upcoming Deadline for BWC Employer Programs
July 24, 2020Friday, July 31 marks the deadline for several Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) employer programs. By this deadline:
- Employers that are interested in participating in the Safety Council Rebate Program must enroll in a local safety council.
- Businesses participating in the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP) or Industry-Specific Safety Program (ISSP) must submit a Safety Management Self-Assessment (SH-26).
- Employers in their initial program year of DFSP must complete online the accident-analysis training. New supervisors must complete the training within 60 days of becoming a supervisor.
Learn more here. 7/24/2020
PSAs Encourage Mask Use to Slow Spread of COVID-19
July 24, 2020The Ohio BWC is sponsoring two new public service announcements encouraging the use of masks and facial coverings to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The first PSA features real Ohioans explaining why all Ohioans should all wear a mask. The second PSA features Dr. Steve Markovich, a former Air National Guardsman and fighter pilot, who is CEO of OhioHealth.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Manufacturers has produced this PSA to dispel common myths about the use of facial coverings. 7/22/2020
COVID-19 Signs, Posters for Ohio Employers
July 17, 2020Ohioans will be required to wear facial coverings in public in 19 of the state’s 88 counties beginning 6 p.m. Friday (July 17) based on the latest data from the state’s coronavirus warning system.
To help communicate with employees and customers, the Ohio Department of Health has made available numerous posters and signs for businesses to download and print. This includes signs encouraging the use of face coverings, as well as “face coverings are mandatory” signs for businesses in counties that are at levels 3 or 4 under the Ohio Public Health Advisory System.
See the full offering of signs. 7/15/2020
When Can a COVID-Infected Employee Return to Work?
July 17, 2020With cases of COVID-19 on the rise again, more employers are asking: When can employees who have had COVID-19 — or may have had the virus — return to work?
The CDC has provided guidance regarding when home isolation can end for infected people. OSHA, in its FAQs, has simplified the guidance as follows:
- If an employee has been isolating at home, a health care provider or local health department can provide the best information about when the employee can discontinue isolation and return to essential activities, such as going to work.
- If an employee has been hospitalized with COVID-19, he/she should follow the health care provider’s discharge and follow-up instructions, which should include information about when he/she can return to work.
Also, the Ohio Department of Health has published this guidance for businesses, noting that employers should Immediately report employee or customer infections to their local health district — and then take these actions. 7/16/2020