BWC News & Updates

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

Why Workplace Wellness: December 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner

/ portagecsc

Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Question: Why should I bother with a Wellness Program at my Company?

Answer: There is a lot of talk recently about wellness programs in the safety world.  Especially in Ohio,since the BWC has rolled out the Better You, Better Ohio free wellness program for Ohio Employees that work in high risk industries. 

 So, a big question is: Why should a company want a wellness program?  Employees are your most important asset – so you want them healthy! Let’s review just a few other reasons you want healthier employees: 

  1. Fewer injuries and if injured they recover quicker
  2. Less absenteeism and more presenteeism – Boost Productivity!
  3. Boost morale, reduce stress, create a sense of accomplishment, reduce depression and build community at work
  4. Lower healthcare costs and good return on investment.  Studies show for every $1 spent on health intervention employees recoup $1.40 to $4.60 in avoided medical cost and productivity losses.

 These are just a few reasons and they sound pretty good!  If you are eligible, consider promoting the BWC Better You, Better Ohio free wellness program. If you are a larger company, it still makes sense.  You can also talk with your insurance carrier, they may have programs to assist you as well. 

 

Fire Extinguisher Inspection: November 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner

/ portagecsc

Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Question: How do I correctly perform a monthly fire extinguisher inspection?

Answer: First, know this monthly inspection is mandatory via OSHA and National Fire Codes.  This inspection is commonly done inhouse by an employee.  There are a variety of items you want to inspect monthly on fire extinguishers:

  • The extinguisher is properly mounted and not blocked or covered from view.
  • The extinguisher is charged (in the green) and ready for use.
  • The tamper seal is on and is holding the pin in.
  • There isn’t any physical damage to the extinguisher.
  • Nothing is blocking the nozzle (look in it)
  • The extinguisher is full by weighing it. (mandatory for CO2)
  • The nameplate is visible when you remount the extinguisher.
  • There is a valid maintenance tag on the extinguisher that the inspector signs and dates.

 

Making Ohio a Safer Place to Work

/ portagecsc

Making Ohio a safer place to work

An article by Michelle Francisco, Safety Council Manager, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

We rely on the outstanding support of many Ohio organizations to assist in our mission to create a culture of workplace safety around the state.

Through sponsorship of more than 80 Ohio Safety Councils, educational institutions, industry associations, training providers and consulting businesses promote the importance of safe workplaces and rally businesses large and small to embrace safety as a core value within their organizations.

Ohio employers clearly value safety. Their success shows in the numbers.

Claims have fallen steadily — approximately 86,000 new claims were allowed in fiscal year 2017, down from 104,000 in 2010. The number of employers using BWC safety services grew by 70 percent since 2010. Since 2011, Ohio employers have taken advantage of BWC’s Safety Intervention Grant Program to purchase more than $77 million in tools and equipment that make their workplaces safer.

Those numbers are impressive, and so are many others:

  • A $1.5 billion employer rebate this summer followed rebates of $1 billion in 2013, 2014 and 2017.
  • The cost to purchase coverage is at its lowest point in 40 years.
  • All told, private and public employers have saved $8 billion in workers’ comp costs since 2011 through rebates, rate cuts and credits.

Those are dollars local employers are investing in their businesses and communities, all while keeping Ohio’s workforce safe and healthy.

Thank you to these organizations and every employer that participates in a safety council. We value your partnership and are pleased you have joined our effort to bring every Ohio workers home safe and healthy at the end of the day.

Ohio needs every employer to follow your lead and embrace the important role they play in keeping workers safe.

Together, we’re making Ohio a safer place to work.

Michelle Francisco

Safety Council Manager

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

 

Air Monitoring: Oct 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner

/ portagecsc

Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Industrial Hygiene Air Monitoring “Rule of Thumb”

Question:  Since my air monitoring results were all below the Occupational Exposure Limits, are there any further actions needed to be taken (other than recordkeeping requirements)?

Answer:  Just because air contaminant concentrations are below the current occupational health standards and guidelines, does not always mean they should be ignored. When evaluating the results of an Industrial Hygiene air survey, a general rule of thumb is often used when attempting to determine whether or not an exposure has exceeded an acceptable risk level.  This rule of thumb states that if a measured exposure level exceeds one-half of the value of the lowest current occupational health standard or guideline, an action level has been reached.  When an action level has been reached, it is time to begin investigating engineering, administrative or personal protective equipment measures to prevent workers’ exposures from reaching harmful concentrations.

BWC Safety Intervention Grant: Sept 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner

/ portagecsc

Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

I am interested in getting a BWC safety intervention grant – What are the proper steps to take and how can I get more information?

The Safety Intervention Grant Program is available to any Ohio state-fund or public employer who wishes to purchase equipment to substantially reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a task or operation.

Private and public employers are eligible for a 3-to-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each eligibility cycle. This means BWC gives $3 for every $1 the employer contributes.

If you are interested in a BWC safety grant – here are the steps to follow:

  1. Check out the BWC safety grant web page
  2. Contact your BWC local service office and ask to speak with the Employer Service Specialist to request s policy review to determine eligibility.
  3. Contact your BWC local service office and as to speak with the BWC Ergonomist that is assigned to your account. Call them and set up a meeting or discuss your ideas over the phone. They will then guide you through the process of applying for the grant.

Really important: Do not purchase any item or put any money down prior to receiving funds from the BWC for the grant.  This will make the purchase ineligible.

Here you can search for best practices from the BWC Safety Intervention Grant.