News and Analysis
Workers’ Comp Decision Has Implications for Employers Providing Company Vehicles
April 8, 2022According to OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore, a recent court decision reversed workers’ compensation coverage for injuries sustained by an employee while driving a company vehicle. The case presents some critical takeaways for employers that allow employees to use company vehicles. Read more. 4/7/2022
Survey: Fewer Workers Say Their Employer Cares About Their Well-Being
April 8, 2022A new Gallup survey finds that the percentage of workers who say their employer cares about their overall well-being is now half of what it was at the start of the pandemic. According to Gallup, employees who feel their employer cares about their well-being are 69% less likely to actively search for a job. 4/7/2022
COVID-19 Roundup: New Online Resources
April 1, 2022Here are the latest COVID-19-related updates for manufacturers:
- The CDC has unveiled this “COVID-19 quarantine and isolation calculator” to help determine when, and for how long, people who have COVID-19 or have been in close contact with the virus need to stay home or get tested.
- The federal government has launched a new COVID-19 website, dubbed a “one-stop shop” for locating everything from taxpayer-funded N95s to antiviral pills.
- The CDC has published these examples of successful COVID-19 vaccination programs for employees.
- U.S. officials have authorized the use of a second COVID-19 booster for those 50 and older.
Meanwhile, the Omicron subvariant BA.2 (up to 60% more transmissible than original variant) is now the dominant strain in the U.S. Here are the latest reports on COVID-19 trends in Ohio (including by county) and nationwide. 4/1/2022
OSHA Again Proposes That Employers Electronically Submit Workplace Injury Forms
April 1, 2022Federal officials are again proposing amendments to occupational recordkeeping rules that would require certain employers — including manufacturers — to electronically submit injury and illness information to OSHA. According to this analysis by OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips, this would dramatically increase employers’ reporting obligations.
Fisher Phillips has also published these three steps for manufacturers that are preparing for an OSHA inspection. 3/28/2022
BWC Safety Training for Ohio Employers
April 1, 2022Ohio employers can access valuable training resources provided by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). While in-person training isn’t currently offered, online options provide expert-led safety and hygiene training. Employers can also view the BWC’s events calendar for the latest safety webinar and virtual training classes. 3/28/2022
Report: Employers Continue to See Jump in Positive Drug Tests
April 1, 2022In 2021, the percentage of U.S. employees testing positive for a drug test reached its highest mark since 2001, mostly driven by an increase in marijuana use, according to reports.
While the news media often report on the “normalization” of marijuana use, OMA Connections Partner Working Partners® says employers have multiple options to boost their drug-free workplace programs. 3/31/2022
OMA Safety & Workers’ Comp Committee Meets April 5
March 25, 2022On April 5, the OMA’s Safety & Workers’ Comp Committee will conduct its first meeting of 2022. In addition to updates from the Statehouse and BWC, the meeting will provide analysis on efforts to legalize the recreational use of marijuana and how that could impact workplace safety efforts. Register now. 3/23/2022
Safety Learning Opportunities
March 25, 2022Employers will need to take extra precautions this year to protect workers from heat-related illness following recent actions by OSHA. To help prepare for warmer temps, the OMA will host an April 7 webinar to discuss heat stress prevention.
Meanwhile, OMA Connections Partner Tyndale, as part of an April 13 webinar, will shed light on the role and performance of arc-rated and flame resistant clothing. This webinar will feature downloadable videos that can be used for training.
Finally, if you missed the 2022 Ohio Safety Congress (OSC) — the largest regional safety and health conference in the U.S. — you can still access OSC sessions via on-demand videos through March 31. 3/24/2022
Legislature Considers Expanding Definition of Work-Related Injuries to Include Remote Arrangements
March 25, 2022Last month, the Ohio House passed House Bill 447, which is now being considered by the Ohio Senate. If passed, this bill could expand the definition of a work injury to include some injuries sustained in the employee’s own home, under certain conditions. This summary by OMA Connections Partner Dinsmore notes the recent increase in remote and telework arrangements is driving HB 447. 3/23/2022
Should Employers Rescind Their Pandemic Policies?
March 18, 2022COVID-19 cases in Ohio, as well as the rest of the nation, have plummeted to their lowest levels since last summer. But globally, there is a sharp increase in new cases again.
The CDC still recommends that masks be worn in places of high transmission. As of March 17, that covered only about 15% of the country. OMA Connections Partner Fisher Phillips has published this guidance to examine the pros and cons for employers to consider before dropping pandemic policies. 3/17/2022