Safety/Workers’ Comp

Ohio’s workers’ compensation system continues to deliver cost stability as the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board approved another rate reduction this week. The 1% cut for private employers, effective July 1, 2026, is expected to save employers approximately $10 million statewide. It follows a 1% reduction for public employers that took effect Jan. 1. Since 2019, BWC has reduced rates by 50%, with average premium levels at their lowest point in more than 65 years.

“Actuarially sound rate setting and responsible fund management are critical to maintaining Ohio’s competitive edge,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Predictable, sustainable workers’ compensation costs give manufacturers greater certainty as they plan investments, manage risk and compete in a challenging economic environment.”

Individual employer premiums will vary based on industry risk and claims history. 3/2/2026

The Ohio Safety Congress & Expo returns to Columbus March 11–13 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, where thousands of safety professionals, employers and industry experts will gather to share strategies for safer workplaces.

Hosted by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the event is one of the nation’s largest free workplace safety conferences and features more than 100 educational sessions, expert speakers and an expo marketplace showcasing safety technologies and services.

The conference offers training, networking and continuing education opportunities for employers across industries, including manufacturing. 3/6/2026

A recent workers’ compensation rate decision reflects a shift many employers are beginning to experience. Overall injury counts may be stabilizing, but the claims that occur are becoming more severe and more expensive. Higher wages, larger individual losses and more complex medical treatment are driving costs upward. Consistent supervision, immediate reporting and firm return-to-work expectations remain essential to keeping claims from growing into long-term liabilities.

“Every delayed report and every missed safety conversation shows up later as a bigger claim and a bigger premium,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “The system rewards employers who act fast, document everything and hold people accountable. Waiting or treating safety as optional is how small incidents turn into long-term exposures that follow a company for years.” 2/24/2026

New industry reporting shows cumulative trauma injuries are attracting growing attention from insurers and regulators as a major driver of long-term workers’ compensation costs. Unlike single-incident claims, repetitive stress injuries often develop over extended periods, leading to longer claim duration, complex treatment and greater legal exposure. Analysts note that rising cumulative trauma trends are influencing underwriting decisions and could shape how carriers evaluate workplace risk moving forward. The shift places renewed emphasis on consistent job design, ergonomic awareness and proactive oversight that reduce exposure before claims escalate into extended liabilities.

“Cumulative trauma claims sit at the intersection of safety practices and system pressure,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “When insurers start tightening around long-duration claims, employers feel it through underwriting, premiums and claim outcomes. Staying ahead of repetitive stress risks is not just a safety issue. It is a long-term competitiveness issue.” 2/25/2026

Ohio manufacturers gathered Thursday at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s (OMA) first Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting of the year to tackle emerging compliance risks and share practical solutions shaping today’s workplace. American Nitrile CEO and OMA board member Jacob Block outlined challenges tied to workers’ compensation claims involving expired work visas, while Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator Stephanie McCloud provided updates on bureau initiatives and system trends. Legal insights from Stacy Stefanik of Stefanik, Iosue & Associates focused on navigating hearings and improving outcomes for employers. The program also included Statehouse updates on policy changes affecting workplace safety and workers’ compensation, including recent reforms to Ohio’s recreational marijuana statute.

“Manufacturers don’t get to ignore risk. Whether it’s workers’ compensation claims, changing workplace laws or new compliance expectations, employers need practical guidance they can apply the next day on the shop floor,” said OMA director of public policy services Jacob Sargent.

Members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the next Safety and Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting on April 16. 2/19/2026

American Nitrile CEO and Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) board member Jacob Block (left) will outline a growing challenge facing employers when workers’ compensation claims intersect with immigration status and expiring visas during the OMA’s first Safety & Workers’ Compensation Committee meeting of the year on Thursday, Feb. 19. Block will provide an overview of cases in which employees receiving workers’ compensation benefits leave the country after visas expire but remain eligible under current rules, followed by a discussion of potential solutions.

The meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at OMA headquarters, with a virtual Zoom option available, followed by a networking lunch from noon to 1 p.m., as employers navigate a fast-changing risk landscape shaped by new laws, rising claim complexity and increased scrutiny around workplace safety. Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator Stephanie McCloud will deliver updates on bureau initiatives and system trends, while Stacy Stefanik, partner at Stefanik, Iosue & Associates, will walk members through real-world strategies for preparing for hearings and improving outcomes. The agenda also includes Statehouse updates affecting employers, including the impact of recent recreational marijuana law changes on workplace safety and claims management.

“Employers are facing workers’ compensation issues that were never designed for today’s workforce realities,” said Jacob Sargent, OMA director of public policy services. “Our goal is to give manufacturers clear guidance and real strategies so they are not left carrying the risk alone.”

Register now to secure your seat and connect with peers facing the same safety and workers’ compensation challenges. 2/13/2026

Lawsuits filed in Franklin County are challenging whether Ohio’s workers’ compensation appeals judges meet legal qualifications, raising questions about how the state’s system for resolving disputes is administered.

The suits argue that the three members of the Ohio Industrial Commission, which hears appeals of Bureau of Workers’ Compensation decisions, do not meet a statutory requirement for six years of recognized expertise in workers’ compensation law. Attorneys for injured workers say that could affect the legal standing of past rulings. Supporters of the commissioners maintain the officials are qualified and that the lawsuits are aimed at reversing unfavorable decisions.

For manufacturers, the case introduces new uncertainty into a system central to workplace injury claims and compliance.

“Manufacturers are paying close attention to how the courts interpret the statute and what the outcome could mean for the appeals process,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. 2/2/2026

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has cleared the way for a campaign to repeal a new law tightening the state’s marijuana and hemp regulations. Yost certified the title and summary of a revised referendum petition challenging Senate Bill 56, allowing supporters to begin collecting signatures to put the issue before voters.

Yost said his action reflects only that the petition summary is fair and accurate, not whether the proposal itself is legally sound. The law is scheduled to take effect in March.

Passed by lawmakers in December, the measure restricts most intoxicating hemp products and adds penalties for certain marijuana conduct that voters legalized in 2023.

Manufacturers said evolving cannabis policy creates added complications for workplace safety and drug rules.

“The shifting policy landscape creates challenges for employers trying to comply with the law,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturers operate in safety-sensitive workplaces, so uncertainty is not just inconvenient, it is risky.” 2/5/2026

Ohio’s workers’ compensation board is considering a 1% rate reduction that could save private employers nearly $10 million statewide if approved later this month.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors is scheduled to vote Feb. 27 on the proposed cut, which would take effect July 1. If adopted, it would be the eighth consecutive rate reduction since 2019 and the 17th decrease in the past 18 years.

BWC officials said average rates for Ohio employers are at their lowest level in more than six decades. Actual premiums paid by individual manufacturers vary based on industry risk, claims history and participation in BWC programs. 2/2/2026

A new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiative is giving employers a practical framework for building stronger workplace safety and health programs, according to an analysis by labor and employment law firm Fisher Phillips.

The initiative builds on OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs and outlines steps for management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification and prevention, training, and continuous improvement. The agency says the approach is designed to help employers move beyond compliance toward more effective injury and illness prevention.

Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, said the guidance aligns with what manufacturers are already working to achieve. “Strong safety programs protect workers and help employers avoid disruptions that come with workplace injuries,” he said. “A clear framework gives companies another tool to strengthen their safety culture.”

Employers can use the initiative as a roadmap to evaluate existing programs and reinforce long-term safety practices. 2/3/2026

A new national survey finds nearly half of U.S. workers fear being injured on the job, with concerns extending beyond traditional physical hazards to include stress and the risk of workplace violence. For Ohio employers, the findings underscore how safety expectations are evolving as manufacturers and other industries compete for workers in a tight labor market. The survey suggests employees increasingly weigh both physical and psychological risks when judging workplace safety, a shift that could influence retention, training priorities and workers’ compensation costs. As Ohio’s workforce continues to age and new workers enter the labor force, the results highlight the growing importance of safety programs that address not only equipment and facilities but also workload, fatigue and workplace culture. 1/29/2026

A recent Illinois appellate ruling is drawing attention to how workers’ compensation laws apply to injuries that occur outside designated workplace routes. The case involved a Ford plant employee who was hurt after leaving a paved walkway to take a shortcut across a gravel path while heading to his car. The court found the injury was not compensable because the path was created by employees for personal convenience and was not maintained or directed by the employer. The decision reinforces how small deviations from approved access routes can affect eligibility for benefits and highlights the value of clearly marked walkways and consistent safety policies for employers seeking to manage workers’ compensation risk. 1/28/2026

A group seeking to put a cannabis referendum on the 2026 ballot has filed revised petition language after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost rejected an earlier summary as misleading. The updated filing restarts the process, requiring additional signatures before the proposal can advance. The referendum would ask voters whether to repeal portions of Senate Bill 56, which lawmakers passed last year to revise Ohio’s voter-approved marijuana law. Dennis Willard, a spokesperson for Ohioans for Cannabis Choice, said the group has “addressed each and every issue raised by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, and we are confident our new petition summary language will be approved.” As the debate resumes, any changes to marijuana law will be closely watched for how they affect employers’ ability to enforce drug-free workplace policies and maintain clear, consistent safety standards on the job. 1/21/2026

As manufacturers head into 2026, employers face mounting pressure from rising medical and pharmacy costs, shifting employee expectations and the expanding role of technology in benefits and risk management. Workforce disruption and increasingly complex claims environments are forcing a more deliberate approach to workers’ compensation, health benefits and return-to-work programs. For Ohio manufacturers, the message is clear: proactive, data-driven strategies are essential to protect employees while controlling long-term costs. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s 2026 Safety Webinar Series is designed to help employers address these challenges with practical guidance on prevention, compliance and proven risk-reduction practices.

With the Jan. 21 deadline approaching to enroll in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Group Retrospective Rating program, employers should act quickly. Group Retro remains one of the most effective tools available to reduce claims costs, improve outcomes and manage risk through coordinated safety and claims strategies, making timely enrollment critical in a year defined by cost pressure. 1/16/2026

Cannabis and hemp advocates have filed initial referendum paperwork seeking to repeal a new Ohio law that cracks down on intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 THC. The filing by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice targets Senate Bill 56, signed last year by Gov. Mike DeWine, which tightens regulations on the sale, labeling and distribution of hemp-derived THC products. Attorney General Dave Yost must first certify the petition language, after which Secretary of State Frank LaRose will review the filing for compliance with state law. If approved, organizers would then need to collect about 248,000 valid signatures to place the repeal on the November ballot, a move that would suspend the law’s March start date. Supporters of the bill say it closes regulatory gaps and addresses public safety concerns, while opponents argue it would effectively eliminate legal hemp products and harm small businesses. 1/5/2026

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Special Investigations Department (SID) marked its 32nd year of fighting fraud and protecting the State Insurance Fund, delivering significant savings for employers and injured workers in fiscal year 2025. Through data-driven investigations and coordinated enforcement, SID secured 56 convictions and saved nearly $92 million for the system. Employer fraud investigations closed 301 cases, identifying $12.8 million in savings, while claimant fraud efforts closed 1,044 cases and identified $66.6 million in savings. In total, dozens of cases were referred for prosecution, resulting in multiple indictments and convictions. BWC officials said the work helps ensure injured workers receive appropriate care while keeping costs down for employers. 12/15/2025

Warehouses and distribution centers face heightened safety risks during the holiday and post-holiday surge, as increased volume, tighter deadlines and seasonal staffing strain operations. BSI Consulting notes that congested aisles, heavier forklift traffic and larger loads raise the risk of incidents, while temporary workers with limited training face higher injury rates. Fatigue from extended shifts and fast-paced work further compounds hazards. OSHA data show injury spikes during peak periods, and the agency’s Warehouse Distribution Operations National Emphasis Program remains in effect through at least July 2026. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association encourages employers to reinforce training, manage workloads and conduct frequent safety checks during the busiest season. 12/15/2025

Ohio regulators have moved to ban certain kratom derivatives, including highly concentrated products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, citing health and safety concerns. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy adopted an emergency rule that makes it illegal to sell or possess these products while permanent regulations are developed.

Kratom is derived from a tropical plant and can have stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. Safety experts warn that concentrated forms may impair judgment, reaction time and motor skills. Standard workplace drug tests typically do not detect kratom, creating potential challenges for employers in safety-sensitive environments.

Ohio manufacturers are encouraged to monitor regulatory developments and review workplace safety and substance-use policies to address emerging risks that could affect employee safety and operations. 12/16/2025

The Ohio Senate on Tuesday approved sweeping changes to the state’s recreational marijuana and intoxicating hemp laws, passing Senate Bill 56 and sending it to Gov. Mike DeWine. The governor on Thursday said he would sign the measure. The bill carries several implications for workplace safety and employer compliance.

Senate Bill 56 would ban the sale of hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container unless they are sold through a licensed dispensary. Low-dose hemp beverages would remain legal through the end of 2026. The changes align with recent federal restrictions aimed at reducing unregulated THC products that resemble candy or drinks attractive to minors.

For employers, the bill reinforces existing safety expectations. Workers fired for marijuana use would be ineligible for unemployment benefits. All marijuana products would have to be stored in their original packaging, and new penalties would apply for impaired driving and the transfer of cannabis to people under 21. The bill also allows landlords to prohibit marijuana smoking, vaping or growing on their property.

Pending signature, the law could take effect as soon as March. OMA will continue to monitor safety and compliance issues as lawmakers update Ohio’s THC regulations. 12/11/2025

Federal regulators are advancing a nationwide heat stress standard that would impose new requirements on employers, including manufacturers. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposal would require protective measures once the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with additional safeguards required at 90 degrees. Employers would be expected to provide access to drinking water, shaded or cooled rest areas, ongoing monitoring of conditions, heat risk assessments, and employee training programs. The proposal has already generated nearly 50,000 public comments, many of which caution that a uniform, one-size-fits-all rule could place significant burdens on facilities with diverse operations and job demands.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is closely tracking this rulemaking as part of its broader focus on workplace safety, OSHA inspections and workers’ compensation trends. The heat stress discussion comes at a time when employers are reviewing year-end safety practices and preparing for updates tied to Bureau of Workers’ Compensation grants and cost-containment programs. OMA members with questions or training needs are encouraged to contact the OMA team for support. 12/3/2025