BWC News & Updates

News, announcements, events, and safety information provided by the Ohio BWC.

Emergency Weather Communications: December 2023 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: Inclement weather is coming our way. How can organizations effectively
communicate with their employees in these emergency situations?


Answer: First, start with a policy now (before the bad weather hits). Your policy should
include protocols for handling communications before, during, and after a severe
weather incident. Inclement weather is defined as any severe or harsh weather
condition that makes it unsafe or impractical to travel, commute, or work outdoors.
When and how will employees be informed of weather-related closures? Where do you
store contact information for each employee? Consider mass communication
notifications systems and draft a template message for expected weather-related
situations.


Ideally, employees are provided with clear rules regarding the appropriate procedures
for reporting their voluntary decision to stay at home. Consider remote work if possible.
Establishing these protocols beforehand ensures that all individuals are aware of the
necessary actions, anticipated outcomes, and effective means of communication when
confronted with an imminent storm.


Here are a few resources to get you started: Alert Media Blog: Message from
AlertMedia | When I work Blog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Inclement Weather
Policy (wheniwork.com) | CDC page for preparedness: Preparing for a Winter
Storm|Winter Weather (cdc.gov) | Feel free to reach out to your BWC Safety Consultant
for ideas and advice as well.

*Brought to you by your Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Tech Neck Strain: October 2023 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: At the end of the day, my upper neck hurts while working at my computer. I think it is
from looking up and down to reference paperwork that lays on my desktop. Any
suggestions to improve my comfort?


Answer: Looking down and up places a heavy demand on your neck which may cause you neck
discomfort. Additionally, eye strain occurs from the eyes frequently looking back and forth
from the desktop to the screen. To improve your comfort, I recommend placing a low-
angle, in-line document holder between your keyboard and monitor for an optimum set-up
to reference paperwork. This will place the documents approximately the same distance
from the eyes as the viewing screen and reduce the need for flexing the neck when viewing
documents.

For more information check out this safety talk: SafetyTalk-
ComputerWorkstationErgonomics.pdf (ohio.gov) or contact your BWC ergonomist for an
assessment.

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

National Preparedness Month: September 2023 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: I heard September is National Preparedness Month, how can I incorporate it at my facility?


Answer: You are correct, September is National Preparedness Month. So, what does that mean,
because we all have Emergency Action Plans and know how to implement them, right? Well, this month
is a reminder to all businesses, communities and individuals including homeowners to review your
action plans. Evaluate your plan for the four steps in an Emergency Action plan: Mitigation,
Preparedness, Response and Recovery. Take time to practice with a live drill or a tabletop drill. Once
you compete a drill take time to evaluate what went well and where you can improve. If your need
assistance in developing a plan here are some great links that have plans, you can tailor to your location
and needs. You can also ask your BWC Safety Consultant to assist you with a plan review or develop a
drill.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

January 30, 2024 – OSHA Recordkeeping Workshop

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Changes are coming in January 2024

With the current online reporting requirement, it is more important than ever to have your OSHA 300 log accurate. Those responsible for creating, updating and signing the OSHA Recordkeeping documents should join us. Public employers who fall under PERRP requirements will obtain valuable knowledge about logs and submission as well.

Objectives:

  • Review of OSHA recordkeeping requirements for workplace injuries and illnesses;
  • Examine the correct use of the OSHA recordkeeping forms;
  • Demonstrate how to complete the OSHA 300 Log
  • Discuss OSHA online reporting rule and how to comply (with new 2024 changes)

Details:

  • Tuesday, January 30, 2024
  • Our Lady of the Cedars, 507 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Fairlawn OH 44333
  • Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 AM
  • Workshop begins at 9:00 – 11:30 AM
  • Costs: $23.00

This event qualifies as a regular meeting credit for members of the five sponsoring safety councils. Members of other safety councils may receive an external training credit. Fulfills the two-hour training requirement for Group-Experience Rating Program or Group-Retrospective Rating Program. Certificates will be provided.

Click here for more information or to register.

This event is hosted by the Safety Councils of Summit, Stark, Green, Medina and Portage counties.

BWC Grants: June 2023 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: I heard about a Grant program offered by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. How do I
apply and what is covered by the Grant?


Answer: The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation offers several Grant programs. You may find a list of all
grant programs at our BWC website grant link.
I want to focus on the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG). This is a grant offering funds to purchase
equipment that helps reduce or eliminate injuries. We offer up to $40k with 3 to 1 match. For every $1
spent by an employer, the BWC matches $3. Eligible Employers must have a BWC policy for one
complete year. You may apply for Fast Track items shown below or other equipment. Before applying
for other equipment please ask one of our consultants to review your workplace or discuss eligible
equipment. A list of unapproved equipment is on the SIG webpage under Resources. We advise
working with a consultant before completing the application. When you are ready watch the YouTube
Videos on How to use the Grant Management Portal and First Time Users in the Portal. The Grant
Management Portal is where you enter the actual application.


FAST TRACK ITEMS: Bathing systems | Cable pulling equipment | Chest compression systems | Conduit
bending equipment | Cot loading equipment | Electric beds | Extrication equipment | Floor cleaning
equipment |Flooring or floor treatments | Hose reel equipment | Lift gates | Lift tables | Mulch
dispensing equipment | Patient lifting devices | Patient stair chairs | Portable traffic signals |Powered
pallet jacks | Saws with presence sensing technology | Scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts | Shrink wrap
equipment | Snow removal equipment | Truck tarping systems | Vacuum lifts

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.