Author: portagecsc

Safety Guests Wanted: Inspiring Safety Podcast Series

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We’re looking to interview current safety managers, experts & leaders for a new podcast series on inspiring safety!

Each episode will last about 10 minutes and will highlight a safety manager, expert & leader, asking them 3 main questions:

  1. What is the most effective way you have found to engage & inspire employees in safety?
  2. If there’s one overarching safety issue across the board that you think needs to be fixed, what would it be?
  3. If there’s one piece of advice that you would give other safety managers to help inspire them in the daily grind, what would it be?

If you’re interested in being a guest, please contact us today!

*Interviews will be conducted via Zoom

Online Consent & Release Form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pathways Lighting Requirements: August 2020 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: What are the requirements for Pathways Lighting and maintenance of Emergency Lights?

Answer: Many folks are aware of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.37 Exit Routes and Emergency Planning requirements for Exit signs and routes.  However, for the requirements for pathway lighting to exits and maintenance, you must refer to  Ohio Fire Code.   

Section 1008 Means of egress illumination 1008.3 Emergency power for illumination. The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises’ electrical supply and 1008.3.1 General. In the event of power supply failure in rooms and spaces that require two or more means of egress an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate all of the following areas: aisles, corridors and exit access stairways and ramps.

For Testing and Maintenance look at Ohio Fire Code 604.6 Emergency lighting equipment.

604.6.1 An Activation test – shall be completed monthly. The activation test shall ensure the emergency lighting activates automatically upon normal electrical disconnect and stays sufficiently illuminated for not less than 30 seconds.  604.6.1.1 Activation test record-  Records of tests shall be maintained and shall include the location of the emergency lighting tested, whether the unit passed or failed, the date of the test and the person completing the test.

604.6.2 Power test – For battery-powered emergency lighting, a power test of the emergency lighting equipment shall be completed annually. The power test shall operate the emergency lighting for not less than 90 minutes and shall remain sufficiently illuminated for the duration of the test. 604.6.2.1 Power test records –  shall be maintained. The record shall include the location of the emergency lighting tested, whether the unit passed or failed, the date of the test and the person completing the test.

Now is a great time to incorporate your monthly test with your other inspections.  You can add them to your Fire Extinguisher check list.  You can also add the yearly testing to your preventative Maintenance program to ensure annual testing is completed.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

July 2020 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for July 2020!

Our goal for the newsletter is to connect our members to relevant safety resources, all linked together in one convenient location every month. We hope you find this resource useful and valuable!

Please share with your colleagues!

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SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. When OSHA Knocks. Pat McCon, Sr. Risk Engineering Consultant at Zurich North America, stayed over with us to recap his presentation and to give us some tips on what to do during an unexpected OSHA visit! Click here to listen to a live recording of his full presentation titled,  Someone’s at the Door – They’re from OSHA! (9:40)
  2. 5 Causal Factors of Workplace Injuries.When investigating the root cause of a workplace injury, many variables are typically involved and often overlooked. Join Mike & Nic as they discuss the 5 causal factors of workplace injuries. (31:13)
  3. [Safety Blast] Heat Stress Warning Signs, Prevention, & Remedies. Joe Barney, Compliance & Training Officer from The Great Lakes Construction Co. shares his insight on heat stress warning signs, prevention, and remedies! (2:22)
  4. July’s Safety Update from the Ohio BWC Library. Each edition provides up-to-date news & safety information.
  5. Ergo Friendly Shelving: July’s Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  6. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, Stitcher & You Tube! local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. FY21 Virtual Meeting Schedule is now available. Our Steering Committee is now planning future topics & speakers. Details coming soon.
  2. August 13, 2020 – COVID-19: Unmasking A Novel Pathogen, presented by Kristen Dickerson, PhD, Statewide Health, Wellness, & Special Program Manager, OCOSH-Ohio BWC. Sponsored by Summa Health. Registration details coming soon!
  3. FY21 Membership Renewal: Time to renew as we LEVEL UP IN SAFETY with our new Virtual Safety Council program! Join today!

GET OUTSIDE NEWS:

2020 Program Updates & Annual Safety Awards

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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xhpsg-e3a1ee

Episode 176: Since we were not able to host our Annual Safety Awards luncheon back in May due to COVID-19, we hosted an awards ceremony on Zoom on Thursday, July 16, 2020. In addition to the annual awards ceremony, we received updates from the Ohio BWC and the PCSC. Nic & Mike were joined by Steering Committee members Debbie O’Connell of 1-888-OhioComp and Renee Onesti of Kent Elastomer Products. Click here to view the video on You Tube. For more information about the Portage County Safety Council, please visit our website today!

FY21 Announcement from the Ohio BWC

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The following email is an update from the Ohio BWC regarding FY21. It was sent on 7/8/20.

Dear safety council member,

As a valued member of an Ohio safety council, we want to inform you of important updates to the BWC Safety Council program for the upcoming fiscal year, that started July 1.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio Safety Councils will conduct all meetings virtually (online only) this fiscal year. This is the safest way to hold meetings as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Ohio. We expect most safety councils will choose to host virtual meetings this year. However, if that is not the case with your local program, we will connect you with a neighboring safety council that will host you until in-person meetings resume.

The decision to go virtual will also make participation as easy as possible for you as you focus on resuming your operations and keeping your workforce safe.

In light of the difficult and unusual times, we will not be offering a rebate for participation nor the performance rebate (for those eligible) to employers who participate in the BWC Safety Council program.  

While this is not the usual direct financial reward for attending, we believe your business will still receive valuable workplace safety information and resources by attending meetings online. What you learn at upcoming virtual meetings can help with cost savings and keeping your workers safe from injuries and illness at work.

Look to your local safety council for information on upcoming meetings and programming as they remain your source for occupational safety and health and workers’ compensation information and resources!

Sincerely,

Michelle Francisco

BWC Safety Council Program Manager