Author: portagecsc

Safety Success Stories & Strategies

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We interviewed each of yesterday’s panel members to give them an opportunity to go more in-depth on their Safety Success Stories & Strategies! Listen by clicking on the link to your favorite podcast app for each interview.

  1. Safety in Action – keeping employees engaged in safety culture, presented by Matt Mohler, Director of Facilities/EHS&S, Delta Systems. Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Rado, or Podbean.
  2. How Pyrotek improved participation and solved 250 safety issues in just 9 months, presented by Kim Chmelarsky, Quality & Safety Supervisor, Pyrotek. Kim and her team were the winners of our 2024 Safety Innovation Award! Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Rado, or Podbean.
  3. How Miller Transfer and Rigging reduced accidents by 40% in one year, presented by Diane Conner, Safety Manager, Miller Transfer and Rigging. Diane was the winner of the 2024 Safety Improvement Award! Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Rado, or Podbean.
  4. Turning challenges into success: How KEP is refocusing on safety to strengthen their programs, presented by Renee Onesti, Director of Operations, Kent Elastomer Products. Renee was our 2024 Safety Champion! Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Rado, or Podbean.  

If you enjoyed and found value in one of these interviews, please like, subscribe, share and leave a good review on your favorite podcast app!
Thanks!

Turning Challenges Into Success: How KEP is Refocusing on Safety to Strengthen Their Programs

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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-rn8d2-16cec1c

Episode 293: In this episode, Renee Onesti from Ken Elastomer Products joined us to discuss effective strategies for maintaining a sustainable safety program in the manufacturing industry.

Renee shares her extensive experience, spanning over 25 years, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing safety as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time achievement. She highlights the significance of updating safety documents, job descriptions, and equipment modifications to keep up with changes in the business environment.

The conversation also delves into the challenges posed by employee turnover and the need for continuous training and enthusiasm to maintain a strong safety culture. Renee offers practical advice and encourages leveraging resources like the BWC and the Safety Council for support and knowledge sharing.

Join us for an insightful discussion on how to overcome common safety challenges and ensure a safe and productive workplace. Don’t miss out on Renee’s valuable tips and success stories!

For more information about the PCSC, visit their website at:  https://portagecountysafetycouncil.com/

How Miller Transfer & Rigging Reduced Accidents By 40% In One Year!

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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-7uaej-16c6631

Episode 292: In this episode, Nick Coia from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is joined by Diane Conner, Safety Manager at Miller Transfer and Rigging, and the 2024 Safety Improvement Award winner.

Diane shares her journey of transforming the safety culture at Miller Transfer and Rigging over the past two years. Learn about her strategies for building a collaborative and accountable safety department, which led to significant improvements in preventable accidents and SC&RA scores.

Discover Diane’s approach to effective communication with a diverse fleet, the importance of interpersonal relationships, and the use of technology to share best practices and training. This episode is packed with valuable insights for safety professionals looking to enhance their programs.

Join us as we delve into the key elements of a successful safety program and get actionable advice on building strong relationships with your team. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

For more information about the PCSC, visit their website at:  https://portagecountysafetycouncil.com/

Safety in Action: Keeping Employees Engaged in Safety Culture

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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-g44js-16c1b42

Episode 191: In this episode, we dive into the concept of “Safety in Action” with Matt Mohler, the EHS Manager at Delta Systems in Streetsboro, OH. Matt shares his extensive experience as a safety manager and the journey of fostering a proactive safety culture in the workplace.

Matt discusses the importance of engaging employees, making safety a visible priority, and ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe environment. He emphasizes the significance of transparency, regular training, and promoting safety practices that extend beyond the workplace.

Tune in to learn practical strategies for improving safety culture, from effective communication and personal engagement to the implementation of comprehensive safety programs. Discover how a commitment to safety can positively impact both employees’ work and personal lives.

Join us for an insightful conversation on building a safety culture that not only meets compliance standards but also prioritizes the well-being of every worker.

For more information about the PCSC, visit their website at:  https://portagecountysafetycouncil.com/

Find It, Fix It: How Pyrotek Fixed over 250 Safety Issues in 9 Months!

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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-adsg8-16bbeea

Episode 290: In this episode, Mike is joined by Kim and George from Pyrotech in Aurora, Ohio, to discuss their innovative safety program, “Find It, Fix It.”

Kim Chmelarsky, the safety officer at Pyrotech, and George McSears, the manufacturing manager, share their journey of transforming workplace safety. Discover how they skyrocketed employee participation from 5% to 70% in just nine months and resolved over 250 safety issues.

Learn about the program’s origins, the steps involved, and the incredible impact it has had on their safety culture. Find out how Pyrotech’s approach empowers employees, reduces maintenance costs, and fosters a competitive yet collaborative environment.

Get inspired by their story and see how you can implement similar strategies in your own organization to enhance safety and employee engagement.

For more information about the PCSC, visit their website at:  https://portagecountysafetycouncil.com/

October 3, 2024 – NE Ohio Safety Expo

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This event qualifies for up to one External Training Credit. Click here to view the flyer.

We are happy to announce that registration has opened for the 2024 NE Ohio Safety Expo!

The annual event on Thursday, 10/3/2024, is proudly presented by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) Region 1 office and the American Society of Safety Profes­sionals – Northern Ohio Chapter. The goal is to pro­vide all employer types with valuable and effective information about safety and health programs. With 20 sessions, there’s something for everyone. Session topics include fall protection, OSHA recordkeeping, workers’ compensation, and more. Also, don’t forget to check out the exhibitor area, where over 50 safety and health exhibitors will show off their goods and services!

The flyer with additional information is attached along with the educational session schedule.

Effective Communication Workshop was a Success!

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We had fun at our Effective Communication Workshop yesterday in Ravenna! Safety Council Coordinator Mike Thompson presented on How to Communicate Your Big Idea to Improve Safety.

The training covered 3 common barriers to effective communication, how to use models & conceptual frameworks to structure your big idea, and 6 principles that help your messaging stick.

91% of participants said they recommend this training and 95% rated the speaker as “Excellent.”

Exciting Updates for Our All-New Annual Safety Awards Event!

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The awards ceremony on May 9th is going to be a great event!

Here are some exciting updates:

  1. Cleveland Guardians Tickets: We’ll be having a drawing for 4 Cleveland Guardians tickets courtesy of US Safety Gear!
  2. Keynote Speaker: Kevin Mowers, Founder of Crestcom International of Northeast Ohio will be our keynote speaker. Kevin is a dynamic storyteller and has recently spoken at the 2024 Ohio Safety Congress in Columbus, the largest free safety event in the USA.
  3. County Commissioners: County Commissioner Sabrina Christian-Bennett will be present and providing county “proclamation” certificates to our 4 safety award winners.
  4. Onsite Photography:  Armond Luckey Photography will be onsite, taking pictures of our award winners and the event. From senior pictures & family photos to professional profiles and more, Armond Luckey Photography can help with all your photography needs.
  5. Championship Belt: Fulfill your childhood dreams by staying over after the meeting and taking a selfie or a team photo with our new Annual Safety Awards Championship Belt!
  6. Championship Lunch: Although Guido’s wasn’t nominated for one of our safety awards, they should be nominated for their catering! They’ll be serving a championship lunch of everyone’s favorite – MEAT ROLL, cheesy hash brown potatoes, green bean casserole, tossed salad, fresh Italian bread, drinks and desserts. 

This event is ideal for all staff but don’t forget to invite your CEO!!!

Please register online no later than Thursday, May 2, 2024. Cost for lunch is $20/person for members (who RSVP) and $25 for non-members & walk-ins (including members who do not RSVP by deadline). Please note: no shows will be invoiced. Cash, credit or check accepted at the door. If paying by check, make it payable to: “Portage County Safety Council”.

This meeting is sponsored by Summa Health.


2024 Safety Award Winners

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We’re excited to announce our 2024 Portage County Safety Award Winners!

We’ll be celebrating and honoring our winners at our next luncheon on Thursday, May 9, 2024, 11:30am-1:00pm, at the Ravenna Elks. Click here to register to attend.

2024 Safety Champion – Renee Onesti, Director of Operations, Kent Elastomer Products: Renee Onesti has continually promoted workplace safety well beyond her daily tasks & job description. She has served on the Portage County Steering Committee for over 15 years helping to develop, coordinate, and facilitate literally hundreds of training events throughout Portage County, including multiple county-wide workplace health & safety expos.  She collaborates with other safety professionals to help solve safety issues beyond the four walls of her company.  She has spoken many times to improve safety, including on the main stage at the Ohio Safety Congress and Expo in Columbus, the largest free safety event in the nation.  A safety champion is one who goes above and beyond the call of duty to promote safety. Renee exemplifies what it means to be a safety champion!

2024 Safety Improvement Award – Diane Conner, Safety Manager, Miller Transfer and Rigging: Diane Conner has been instrumental in elevating the Safety Department and overall safety culture at Miller Transfer and Rigging since she arrived 2 years ago. Diane has created a collaborative and accountable safety department that has improved the company’s overall corporate culture. Last year (2023) preventable Accidents significantly decreased and overall CSA score (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Scorecard) improved by 11%. Accident frequency based on miles driven and total accidents were down 40% vs last year. As a result of Diane’s hard work, Miller Transfer and Rigging was recognized by the SC&RA for these great safety accomplishments.

2024 Safety Innovation Award – The Pyrotek Aurora Plant Safety Team: After noticing that only 5% of employees actually participated in safety or recognized risks. The local Pyrotek plant in Aurora rolled out a new safety program called Find It – Fix It. The program allows employees that find a safety issue to fix it themselves. Once a safety issue is discovered, a member of the Safety Team will verify the hazard and confirm that it was fixed by the employee. FiFI reports are reviewed monthly and the most impactful fix is recognized. In 9 months, participation rate is over 70%, they’ve seen a reduction in maintenance request & labor costs, and over 250 safety issues have been found and fixed by employees. As a result of the Aurora plant’s success, Pyrotek corporation is now in the process of rolling out their Find It – Fix It program at their other locations.

2024 Community Safety Award – The Portage County EMA: Through their Site Assisted Visit (SAV) program, the LEPC visits businesses in Portage County that report annually in compliance with EPCRA. This program has identified many chemical improvements and reporting corrections (both favorable and unfavorable to the business). It provides insight to first responders on the facility type, capabilities, the location, and potential severity of hazardous chemicals. In a typical year the LEPC visits four to eight companies within Portage County to ensure compliance, readiness and help improve the company’s own safety plans. Through this program there have been improvements in employee safety, preparedness for first responders and prevention of environmental incidents.Ryan Shackelford and his team deserve all the credit for developing this program and not only providing all the benefits listed above for Portage County, but also for developing a program that has worked so well that is has been adopted by several other counties within Ohio and a few LEPC’s from other States.