Seat belts & Claims: Sept 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Q:  If I am driving a company vehicle and I am involved in an accident that is not my fault AND I am injured AND not wearing my seatbelt, could BWC deny my claim?

A:  So, it sounds as if you are potentially concerned that if you aren’t wearing your seatbelt that the claim could be denied.  Remember, the BWC is no fault insurance – if the injured worker was in the course and scope of employment and is injured, the employee is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

So, in this hypothetical circumstance, the employer could discipline the injured worker for not following safety policies, etc. but that would have no impact on the allowance of the claim.

As a best practice – I would encourage the Employer to develop, document, conduct training and implement a seatbelt policy and align themselves with the law.  Wearing a seatbelt is the law!

The BWC has a sample driver safety written program at : https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/bwc/for-employers/safety-and-training/safety-video-library/Written-Safety-Program-Templates

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Free BWC Webinars – Sept 2021

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BWC is hosting a number of occupational safety and health webinars and virtual classes in September including:

              Weekly Webinars –presented live with BWC discount program & continuing education credits

  • So you had a Claim, Now What? (September 14)

Virtual classes –

  • Violence in the Workplace (September 8)
  • Emergency Preparedness Planning Half-day Workshop (September 16)
  • Health Hazards and Toxicology Fundamentals (September 28 & 29)
  • Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Awareness (September 30)

Online E-Courses

  • Bloodborne Pathogens, Developing a Safety Culture, OSHA Recordkeeping 101 and others

Additional information on all September distance learning, including registration, is found in the attached flyer.

For more information or assistance when registering, contact the staff member listed or dshcc@bwc.state.oh.us.

Click here to view the flyer.

August 2021 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for August 2021!

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!

SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. Ohio State Highway Patrol reminding families to take precautions during school bus safety month: [Video] (1:53)
  2. School Bus Safety: [Video] Brought to by the City of Hudson. (9:04)
  3. What are the Biggest Breathing Hazards in Construction: Article by Ving!
  4. [Safety Culture] Better Communication Connects: [Audio] Ami Gignac & Katie Woodhall, Managing Partners at Sparrow Tale, chat with us about how better communication improves the connection between your employees and your safety message! This is an excerpt from e175, click here to listen to the full interview. (13:51)
  5. [Safety Culture] Include Soft Skills in Your Training: [Audio] Ami Gignac & Katie Woodhall, Managing Partners at Sparrow Tale, chat with us about how training your staff in soft skills can improve your safety culture in the long-run! This is an excerpt from e175, click here to listen to the full interview. (4:14)
  6. Flammable Storage Codes: August 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  7. Ohio BWC Distance Learning: August 2021.
  8. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podbean, Stitcher, & TuneIn/Alexa! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. Free 5-Hour Machine Safety Workshop: This course will be broken up into five, 1-hour live training sessions, 11am-12pm, on Zoom Webinar, every Wednesday in September starting on the 1st, ending on the 29th. Click here for more info!
  2. Join today to level up in safety! 16 live virtual meetings with on-demand access, free access to 2 semi-annual statewide safety summits and more will be included in this year’s membership!

Flammable Storage Codes: August 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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What is required per OSHA and NFPA Codes for Flammable Storage Cabinets?

You are aware of what flammable storage cabinets look like; but do you know what is required per OSHA and NFPA Codes.  We receive a lot of questions regarding flammable storage cabinets, so here are some answers.  This safety corner will address some of the key code requirements.

How much flammable material can I store in one cabinet? –  OSHA and NFPA have a maximum capacity not more than 60 gallons of Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids and not more than 120 gallons of Category 4 flammable liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet.

What is required in the design of flammable cabinets? Flammable cabinet must have a degree of fire resistance.   This is defined in 1910.106(d)(3)(ii) as construction shall limit the internal temperature to not more than 325 degrees F, when subjected to a 10-minute fire test using the standard time-temperature curve as set forth in NFPA 251-1969. All joints and seams shall remain tight and the door shall remain securely closed during the fire test. Cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous lettering, “Flammable – Keep Fire Away”.  Metal flammable cabinets meet code requirements when the bottom, top, door, and sides of cabinet shall be at least No. 18 gage sheet iron and double walled with 1 1/2 – inch air space. Joints shall be riveted, welded or made tight by some equally effective means. The door shall be provided with a three-point lock, and the door sill shall be raised at least 2 inches above the bottom of the cabinet.

What should I look for when auditing flammable cabinets?

  • Grounding and bonding of the cabinet and any containers you are dispensing from inside the cabinet must be in place.
  • Doors need to be keep closed unless in use and all three points of contact on the doors must be in good working condition. 
  • Cabinet bungs must be in place and secure.  
  • Clearly labeled.
  • Text Box: Figure 1 Photo- OSHA Office of Training and EducationNot located near forklift or equipment access. 
  • Not be placed in aisleways used for emergency egress.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.