2018

December 2018 Newsletter

/ portagecsc

Welcome to the 13th edition of our new monthly newsletter!

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. Episode 60 – Safety Talk: How to Avoid Slips, Trips & Falls in Winter Weather Conditions. Cari Gray, Safety Consultant Specialist for the Ohio BWC, called in to share some tips on how to avoid slips, trips & falls in winter conditions! (7:20)
  2. Episode 56 – Safety Blast: Winter Walking-Working Surfaces Standard. Cai Gray, Safety Consultant Specialist for the Ohio BWC, gives us a snapshot of OSHA’s walking-working surfaces standards in regards to inclement winter weather often experienced in Northeast Ohio and beyond! (2:19)
  3. December’s Safety Update from the Ohio BWC Library. Each edition provides up-to-date news & safety information.
  4. Why Workplace Wellness: Dec 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner. Provided by Ohio BWC Safety Consultants.
  5. The True Cost of Safety May Not Be What You Think. Article provided by Ving!
  6. Ohio BWC Expands “Better You, Better Ohio!” Workplace Wellness Program: Employers with 150 or less employees will now be eligible to participate! Click here for employer information. Click here participant information. Click here to listen to an in-depth interview regarding this program.
  7. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, & Stitcher! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. Moving into 2019! Please help us serve you better by completing this quick survey today!
  2. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, December 13, 2018, 11:30am-1:00pm. Our topic is The True Cost of Safety and it will be presented by Rich McElhaney. RSVP deadline is 12pm on Monday, December 10th.
  3. Holiday Food Drive: Don’t forget to bring non-persihable food item to help those in need through Kent Social Services. Get 1 drawing ticket for a $25 gift card for every item donated!
  4. Site Security & Vulnerability Assessments (Live): Audio from October’s monthly meeting is now available!
  5. SARA, LEPC & Company Compliance (Live): Audio from November’s monthly meeting is now available!

EXTERNAL TRAINING CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES:
Please Note: these are not PCSC sponsored events but do qualify for 1 external training credit for PCSC members.

PROGRAM UPDATES:

  • BWC Updates: These are the power points presented by BWC Representative Nic Coia at our monthly meetings.
  • Monthly Meeting Power Points. We post them on our website after the presenters send them to us and give us permission to publish. If the speaker provides additional info, we’ll post it there as well.
  • External Training Credit Opportunities: We post them on our blog as outside organizations send them to us. A maximum of 2 external training credits are allowed per program year to help members earn the 10 minimum attendance credits required by the rebate. Please Note: ETC certificates of completion must be submitted by June 30 every year in order to qualify. Click here for ETC guidelines.
  • Rebate Participation Spreadsheet. Rebate eligible members can review how close they are to fulfilling the minimum rebate eligibility requirements by reviewing the Participation Spreadsheet which is typically updated on a monthly basis. Please Note: Updates won’t begin until the first of the year.

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY:

  1. Episode 11 – How to Stay Safe Driving in the Winter. In this interview, Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO joins us to discuss how to stay safe driving in winter weather. (13:11)
  2. Episode 10 – Safety Talk: Winter Driving Safety. Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO shares how to stay safe on the road in the winter. (7:18) This episode would make a great tool box talk!
  3. Episode 9 – How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Winter. Vince Stropko and Lori Cook of AAA East Central NEO join us on this Safety Chat to discuss how to prepare your vehicle(s) for the winter. (11:02)
  4. Episode 8 – Safety Talk: Winter Vehicle Prep. Vince Stropko, Approved Auto Repair Rep for AAA East Central NEO, provides tips on how to prep your vehicle for that frigid Northeast Ohio winter! (3:15) This episode would make a great tool box talk!

Why Workplace Wellness: December 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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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. 

 

December 13, 2018 – The Real Cost of Safety

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All members (including prepaid members) please RSVP online.

Greetings Safety Council Members!

Our next meeting is Thursday, December 13, 2018, 11:30am-1:00pm, at the Ravenna Elks Club which is located at 776 N Freedom St in Ravenna.  The official meeting notice is attached.

Our topic for this month is…

The True Cost of Safety, Rich McElhaney, Health & Safety Keynote Speaker.

You’re invited to a candid discussion with Mr. Richard McElhaney as he talks about the effects of traumatic injuries not only on the employee but on the family, coworkers, and the company.

Mr. McElhaney will also speak about six accident reduction techniques that had the greatest impact over his 26 years in the health and safety field.  He will reveal what the real costs are of being safe.

He will revisit the importance of the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) as a preplanning tool.  “JSA’s have been around for many years, but they have become complacent on many projects globally.”  Mr. McElhaney will review in detail an injury that occurred on one of his projects and how the use of JSA’s would have prevented the injury and how the JSA process turned things around.

This training is ideal for CEO’s, safety managers, HR and all staff!

Please RSVP no later than 12pm on Monday, December 10, 2018.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW 

Please make your check payable to: “Portage County Safety Council.” Cost for lunch is still just $15/person for members and $20 for non-members (there’s a $5 fee for walk-ins including members who do not RSVP by deadline).

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE!!!

Please consider donating non-perishable food items to help those in need this holiday season! Receive 1 drawing ticket for a $25 restaurant gift card for every item donated! Donations will go to Kent Social Services.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS!!!

Just for fun, let’s celebrate the holiday by wearing your favorite ugly sweater, Christmas/holiday shirt, Santa hat, etc.

This Meeting is Sponsored By Ving!

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November 2018 Newsletter

/ portagecsc

Welcome to the 12th edition of our new monthly newsletter!

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. Episode 56 – Safety Blast: Winter Walking-Working Surfaces Standard. Cari Gray, Safety Consultant Specialist for the Ohio BWC, gives us a snapshot of OSHA’s walking-working surfaces standards in regards to inclement winter weather often experienced in Northeast Ohio and beyond! (2:19)
  2. Episode 57 – Ladder Safety. Dave Dennison, Safety Specialist at Flaherty Sales (Werner Co), joins us after his presentation at the Northeast Ohio Safety Expo to discuss ladder safety! (13:42)
  3. November’s Safety Update from the Ohio BWC Library. Each edition provides up-to-date news & safety information.
  4. Fire Extinguisher Inspections: Nov 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner. Provided by Ohio BWC Safety Consultants.
  5. 5 Benefits Of Having A Safety Culture During An Emergency. Article provided by Ving!
  6. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, & Stitcher! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone!

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY:

  1. Episode 11 – How to Stay Safe Driving in the Winter. In this interview, Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO joins us to discuss how to stay safe driving in winter weather. (13:11)
  2. Episode 10 – Safety Talk: Winter Driving Safety. Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO shares how to stay safe on the road in the winter. (7:18) This episode would make a great tool box talk!
  3. Episode 9 – How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Winter. Vince Stropko and Lori Cook of AAA East Central NEO join us on this Safety Chat to discuss how to prepare your vehicle(s) for the winter. (11:02)
  4. Episode 8 – Safety Talk: Winter Vehicle Prep. Vince Stropko, Approved Auto Repair Rep for AAA East Central NEO, provides tips on how to prep your vehicle for that frigid Northeast Ohio winter! (3:15) This episode would make a great tool box talk!

 

PCSC NEWS:

  1. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, December 13, 2018, 11:30am-1:00pm. Our topic is The True Cost of Safety and it will be presented by Rich McElhaney, VP Safety & Risk Management, Allied Insurance Brokers/Ascinsure. RSVP deadline is 12pm on Monday, December 10th.
  2. SARA, LEPC & Company Compliance (Live): Audio from last month’s monthly meeting is now available!
  3. Certifications: 25 PCSC members completed their Mental Health First Aid certification last month! Good work & congratulations!

PROGRAM UPDATES:

  • BWC Updates: These are the power points presented by BWC Representative Nic Coia at our monthly meetings.
  • Monthly Meeting Power Points. We post them on our website after the presenters send them to us and give us permission to publish. If the speaker provides additional info, we’ll post it there as well.
  • External Training Credit Opportunities: We post them on our blog as outside organizations send them to us. A maximum of 2 external training credits are allowed per program year to help members earn the 10 minimum attendance credits required by the rebate. Please Note: ETC certificates of completion must be submitted by June 30 every year in order to qualify. Click here for ETC guidelines.
  • Rebate Participation Spreadsheet. Rebate eligible members can review how close they are to fulfilling the minimum rebate eligibility requirements by reviewing the Participation Spreadsheet which is typically updated on a monthly basis. Please Note: Updates won’t begin until the first of the year.

November 8, 2018 – SARA, LEPC & Company Compliance

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All members (including prepaid members) please RSVP online.

Greetings Safety Council Members!

Our next meeting is Thursday, November 8, 2018, 11:30am-1:00pm, at the Ravenna Elks Club which is located at 776 N Freedom St in Ravenna.  The official meeting notice is attached.

Our topic for this month is…

SARA, LEPC and Company Compliance, Ryan Shackelford, EMA Director, Portage County.

Ryan Shackelford is currently the Director of the Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. A Portage County native of Palmyra Township, Ryan served 9 years in the Air Force Reserve and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Geography degree from Kent State University.

Prior to his current position, Ryan worked for the State of Mississippi Emergency Management Agency in the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Branch. While serving counties outside Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, he also worked in the Mississippi State Emergency Operations Center for numerous natural disasters and the Keesler AFB Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Isaac on the Mississippi coast.

This training is ideal for safety managers, emergency preparedness and environmental compliance staff!

Please RSVP no later than 12pm on Monday, November 5, 2018.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW

Please make your check payable to: “Portage County Safety Council.” Cost for lunch is still just $15/person for members and $20 for non-members (there’s a $5 fee for walk-ins including members who do not RSVP by deadline).

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE!!!

Please consider donating non-perishable food items to help those in need this holiday season! Receive 1 drawing ticket for a $25 restaurant gift card for every item donated! Donations will go to the Center of Hope in Ravenna.

This Meeting is Sponsored By Ving!

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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.

 

October 2018 Newsletter

/ portagecsc

Welcome to the 11th edition of our new monthly newsletter!

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!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, October 11, 2018, 11:30am-1:00pm. Our topic is Site Security and Vulnerability Assessments and it will be presented by David DiRocco, Security Subject Matter Expert, JCI Northern Ohio Branch, Johnson Controls. RSVP deadline is 12pm on Monday, October 8.
  2. Accident Investigation (Live): Audio from last month’s monthly meeting is now available!
  3. Mental Health First Aid training on Oct 25: Only a few seats are still available for this event. Follow link for more details about the training or to register today! Registration deadline is October 10.
  4. NE Ohio Safety Expo on October 12th: Hosted by the Ohio BWC Youngstown Service Office, this event qualifies for 1 External Training Credit. Registration ends Oct 5.
  5. Celebrating 50 Episodes!!! Nic & Mike celebrate 50 episodes of the PCSC Podcast! Join them as they discuss the top 10 downloaded episodes and share clips from 4 of their favorites!

SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Podbean, & Stitcher! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone!
  2. October’s Safety Update from the Ohio BWC Library. Each edition provides up-to-date news & safety information.
  3. Air Monitoring: Oct 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner. Provided by Ohio BWC Safety Consultants.
  4. Online Safety Training Can Use Vulnerability Assessments Too. Article provided by Ving!
  5. Episode 51 – Accident Investigation (Live). This episode is a live recording of our interactive monthly workplace safety luncheon on Sept. 13, 2018. The topic was Accident Investigation and it was presented by Debbie O’Connell, Regional Manager, 1-888-OhioComp. (34:50)
  6. Episode 52 – The Hawthorne Effect: How it Affects Your Safety Culture & Performance.  Steering Committee Member, Pat McCon joins Nic & Mike to talk about The Hawthorne Effect and how it affects both your company’s safety culture and safety performance! (16:39)

PROGRAM UPDATES:

  • BWC Updates: These are the power points presented by BWC Representative Nic Coia at our monthly meetings.
  • Monthly Meeting Power Points. We post them on our website after the presenters send them to us and give us permission to publish. If the speaker provides additional info, we’ll post it there as well.
  • External Training Credit Opportunities: We post them on our blog as outside organizations send them to us. A maximum of 2 external training credits are allowed per program year to help members earn the 10 minimum attendance credits required by the rebate. Please Note: ETC certificates of completion must be submitted by June 30 every year in order to qualify. Click here for ETC guidelines.
  • Rebate Participation Spreadsheet. Rebate eligible members can review how close they are to fulfilling the minimum rebate eligibility requirements by reviewing the Participation Spreadsheet which is typically updated on a monthly basis.