2020

Celebrating 2020!

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2020 was a tough year for all of us but we’re happy we made the turn and had another effective year!

The list below is a simple snapshot of what we’ve done together through all the hard times. Thank you for your continued support and participation in the Portage County Safety Council. We look forward to an even better, healthier & safer 2021 with you all!

Overview:

  1. Launched Virtual Safety Program (9 Virtual Meetings in 2020)
  2. 16 On-Demand Video Recordings (7 bonus videos)
  3. Launched the first ever Safety Mastermind Group
  4. 66% more visitors to website than 2019
  5. Launched a new YouTube channel in Feb.

Campaigns:

  1. Healthy Workers are Safer Workers
  2. Get Outside! 14 related podcasts released, posters downloaded 687 times!
  3. Overcoming Stress (on-going)

Podcasts:

  • 67 episodes published, nearly 21 hours of content created (37% increase from 2019)
  • Downloads increased 21% from 2019
  • Downloaded in 46 states (44% OH, ME 8%, CA 8%, MI 7%, VA 6%) and in 52 nations (84% USA)
  • Became available in 2020 on Pandora, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music & Alexa

December 2020 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for December 2020!

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. Dealing with Others During the Holidays. Dawn Yoder of Global Priority Solutions & Tanya Miller of Anti-Virus Youth Education, joined us on Zoom and gave us some tips on how to handle people different than us during the holidays! Check out their podcast, Living Like a Leader, available on your favorite podcast apps. Please note: this is an excerpt from e193. (12:09)
  2. [Safety Talk] How to Prevent Cold Stress. What is cold stress & how can we prevent it? This episode is a great snapshot from OSHA’s Cold Stress Guide! (6:11)
  3. How to Engage Gen Z at Home & Work. Tanya Miller of Anti-Virus Youth Education and Dawn Yoder of Global Priority Solutions, joined us on Zoom to talk about how to engage with Gen Z workers & family members. As a CEO, Dawn flipped a company’s annual retention rate from 25% to 75% in one year by engaging employees better! She describes her experience starting at around 20:00. (56:54) Video
  4. [Safety Blast] Dressing Properly in Cold Weather. Here are some tips from OSHA’s Cold Stress Guide on how to dress properly in extreme cold weather! (1:58)
  5. [Safety Blast] Christmas Driving Safety Tips. Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO gives us some tips on how to stay safe driving for Christmas! (4:15)
  6. [Safety Blast] Driving Safe on New years. Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO, reminds us to drive safe when celebrating New Years! (3:59)
  7. 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. Our podcasts are now available on Pandora!!!
  2. Only 6 Sponsorships are still available in 2021! Follow link for more info.
  3. Overcoming Stress Resources: Audio & video resources to help you and your staff to overcome stress.
  4. FY21 Membership Renewal: It’s not too late to #LevelUp in safety! Join today!

COVID-19 RESOURCES:

  1. OSHA’s COVID-19 F.A.Q.’s
  2. Ohio Dept of Health COVID-19 Dashboard
  3. Portage County Health District’s COVID-19 Page
  4. CDC COVID-19 Page
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November 2020 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for November 2020!

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!

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SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. Ladder Safety for Work and the Holidays. This is a live recording of our Virtual Safety Council meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The topic was Ladder Safety for Work and the Holidays, and it was presented by Dave Dennison, End User Safety Specialist, Werner Ladders (Flaherty Sales) (54:27) Listen/Download via Google Drive. Current members can access the full length video recording here.
  2. [Video] How Stressed are Your Employees? To get an idea of how stressed local employees have been since COVID-19, the Portage County Safety Council surveyed its members in late October 2020. In this video, we discuss the eye-opening but not surprising results. (19:40) Power Point.
  3. [Video] When to Know You Need Help. Jennifer Parmenter, Clinical Counseling Supervisor at Family & Community Services, joined us to talk about how stress is affecting us since the pandemic. She also gives us advice on when to know we need help beyond self-care and our personal support systems. (45:37)
  4. [Video] Dealing with Stress at Work Since COVID-19. [Public] Clinical Consultant, Kelly Bako Younkins, joined us to talk about dealing with stress at work since COVID-19. (58:40)
  5. [Video] How to Talk to Employees About Stress. Stress at work during COVID-19 is at an all-time high! Nearly half of our members said stress likely causes them to occasionally work unsafely and well over half (59%) said their companies rarely or never talk about it to employees. Luci Payne and Barb Furst of IMPACT Solutions joined us to discuss how we can talk to employees about stress. Power Point. (46:10)
  6. [Safety Blast] Driving Safe for Thanksgiving. Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO, called in to share a few tips on how to drive safe this Thanksgiving! (2:58)
  7. [Safety Break] That Won’t Happen to Me. In this episode, George Nelson, CSP encourages us to discover and lead people through “bulletproof attitudes.” (4:54)
  8. [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)
  9. Documenting Training: November’s Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  10. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podbean, Stitcher, & TuneIn/Alexa! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. Only 6 Sponsorships are still available in 2021! Follow link for more info.
  2. Overcoming Stress Resources: Audio & video resources to help you and your staff to overcome stress.
  3. FY21 Membership Renewal: It’s not too late to #LevelUp in safety! Join today!

COVID-19 RESOURCES:

  1. OSHA’s COVID-19 F.A.Q.’s
  2. Ohio Dept of Health COVID-19 Dashboard
  3. Portage County Health District’s COVID-19 Page
  4. CDC COVID-19 Page
  5. [Video] Portage County COVID-19 Update.This is a live recording of our Virtual Safety Council meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2020. The topic was Portage County COVID-19 Update, and it was presented by Becky Lehman, Director of Health Education and Promotion, Portage County Health District. Power Point. Podcast.
  6. A Closer Look: 4 Keys to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 at Home or Work. Dr. Kristen Dickerson, Statewide Health, Wellness, & Special Program Manager at the Ohio Center for Occupational Safety & Health (Ohio BWC), joined us for a post-presentation interview to take a closer look at COVID-19 and answer some of the tougher questions. (29:54
  7. [Video] COVID-19: Unmasking A Novel Pathogen. This is a live recording of our Virtual Safety Council meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2020. The topic was COVID-19: Unmasking A Novel Pathogen and it was presented by Kristen Dickerson, PhD, Statewide Health, Wellness, & Special Program Manager, OCOSH-Ohio BWC. Power Point. Podcast.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

2020 Stress Survey Results

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Stress was already an issue in American culture before COVID-19 but we all know the pandemic took it to new levels previously unimaginable to our generation.

Understanding this, we wanted to take a closer look and measure its impact on our members and their employees. On October 28, 2020, we emailed our members a survey asking them about stress since COVID-19. To view the results, click here.

Documenting Training: November Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: We have made changes to our training programs, what things should be considered for the documentation and proof of training?

Answer: Whether the training is virtual or in person, the need for documentation is the same.  We have heard “if it’s not documented it wasn’t done, so document, document, document…

Here is a list of things you can include in your documentation:

  • Topic – such as Hazcom, LOTO, Emergency Preparedness
  • Agenda – what did you cover – keep details so you don’t forget
  • Format-online, webinar, in-person, hybrid
  • Date(s)
  • Name of trainer and/or company
  • Assessments– These are great to gauge understanding of a topic.  You can create simple few questions prior to the training and feel free to review as part of the training.
  • Post survey on training effectiveness

Additionally, make sure there is a chance for employees to easily pose questions and give feedback.

Times are challenging but this is a good time to think outside the box and try some hybrid trainings or virtual options. Draw from your staff and keep contact during these times. You just may find some things that can improve your training programs for the future.  Always feel free to contact your BWC safety staff for additional information.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

October 2020 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for October 2020!

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!

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SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. [Inspiring Safety] Morale is a Leading Indicator. Jarrod Tomassi, Safety Director at Mortenson, joined us to chat about inspiring safety and what he calls “the human interface!” In this interview he gives us a key piece. He said, “Morale is the #1 key performance indicator… in a safety culture.” We couldn’t agree more! (22:04) #2 on top 10 most downloaded PCSC podcasts!
  2. [Inspiring Safety] Celebrate Success and Leverage Autonomy & Innovation. In this episode of Inspiring Safety, we’re joined by safety pro, Drew Garverick! We met Drew at OSC19 in Columbus where he participated on a featured panel discussing safety trends. He is currently an EHS/DOT Representative at PepsiCo and serves as the Vice Chair of the Education & Training Committee for the OSC & Expo. (13:30) #6 on top 10 most downloaded PCSC podcasts!
  3. [Safety Break] I Am Because We Are! “You are only as good as the people and the community around you!” Check out this short but highly motivational safety talk by George Nelson, CSP, (4:22)
  4. Work from Home Ergonomics: October’s Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  5. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podbean, Stitcher, & TuneIn/Alexa! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. Only 6 Sponsorships are still available in 2021! Follow link for more info.
  2. October 22, 2020 – Make an Impact on Safety with an EAP, presented by Luci Payne, Director of Client Services, and Barb Furst, Account Manager, IMPACT Solutions. Sponsored by Metis Construction Services, Inc.
  3. FY21 Membership Renewal: It’s not too late to #LevelUp in safety! Join today!

WFH Ergonomics: October Safety & Hygiene Corner

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QUESTION: Since we have employees working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, do I need to be concerned about their computer workstation set-up?

ANSWER: Yes, it is important to include home-based employees into your office ergonomic program.   Employees can experience discomfort from improper computer workstation set-up both in the workplace and at home.   If employees are experiencing discomfort such as neck, back, shoulder, or wrist pain during the workday, adjustments need to be made before it becomes chronic and develops into a Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD).   According to 2020 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, tasks that cause workplace MSDs are in the top 10 causes of disabling workplace injuries costing U.S. businesses $20 billion dollars.  To help prevent MSD injuries for the home-based office employee, BWC published a YouTube video to improve employee’s comfort utilizing common household items.   Click on the following link to view, BWC home office set-up. 

If you would like additional resources or to request a virtual office ergonomic assessment, please contact your local BWC Ergonomist or request their service on-line at BWC Safety and Health Consulting Request.  Essentially, their consultations are free to use since your BWC premiums include their services.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

September 2020 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for September 2020!

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!

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SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. [Inspiring Safety] Consistency is Key. Matt Mohler, Facilities Director & Safety Manager at Delta Systems, Inc. in Streetsboro, OH, joined us to chat about how he inspires safety while reminding us that consistency is key for every safety initiative! (12:42)
  2. [Inspiring Safety] Making Safety Fun. Justin Deflumeri is the Health & Safety Manager at Monogram Foods in the greater Boston area overseeing the safety of over 600 employees. He also serves as a member of ASSP’s Executive Board. He joined us to chat about inspiring safety and how to make it fun for employees! (9:48)
  3. [Inspiring Safety] Partnering to Solve Problems. Linda F. Martin, PhD, joined us to chat about inspiring safety and partnering to solve problems! Dr. Martin is the founder of The Soteria Society and currently serves as the Department Chair for Safety Programs (BS, MS, and PhD) at Capitol Technology University. (12:53)
  4. Episode 182 – Stay Cool! How to Reduce Stress During COVID-19 (Live). This is a live recording of our Virtual Safety Council meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2020. The topic was Stay Cool! How to Reduce Heat Stress During COVID-19 and it was presented by Shelly McCullough, Certified First Aid, CPR, AED Trainer, Swift First Aid. (35:42)
  5. Lockout/Tag Out: September’s Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  6. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podbean, Stitcher, & TuneIn/Alexa! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. Safety Mastermind Starts Oct 6! We’re excited to announce that our first Safety Mastermind group starting on Tuesday, October 6, 2020!  This group is free for members ($100 for non-members) and will focus on accident investigation & analysis. See below for more information. Click here to view the flyer.
  2. September 24, 2020 –The Power of Words: How to Build a Culture of Success & Legacy, presented by Coach James Lovejoy, Streetsboro High School Assistant Football Coach & 2019 Streetsboro Citizen of the Year. Sponsored by Ving. Follow link to register today!
  3. FY21 Membership Renewal: It’s not too late to #LevelUp in safety! Join today!
  4. Podcast Apps: Our podcasts are now available on Amazon Music & iHeartRadio!


Lockout/Tag Out: September Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question:  Is it acceptable to issue LOTO locks to the operators of our equipment?  Our maintenance employees who perform the actual servicing of the equipment have their locks and are trained as such.  I would like to have the operators be able to lockout their machines/equipment when it breaks down and then notify the maintenance employees, so they can service the equipment.

Answer:  According to 1910.147(c)(8) (Energy Isolation): 

Lockout or tagout shall be performed only by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.

Under 1910.147(b) (Definitions) you will find two personnel roles in LOTO – Authorized and Affected.

Authorized employee. A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee’s duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under this section.

Affected employee. An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing, or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

August 2020 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for August 2020!

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!

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SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. OSHA’s COVID-19 F.A.Q.’s
  2. 5 Ways to Shift Your Safety Culture. Ami Gignac & Katie Woodhall, Managing Partners at Sparrow Tale, joined us to chat about how to shift safety culture through management commitment, employee engagement, communication, training and consistency! (43:47)
  3. Video – COVID-19: Unmasking A Novel Pathogen. This is a live recording of our Virtual Safety Council meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2020. The topic was COVID-19: Unmasking A Novel Pathogen and it was presented by Kristen Dickerson, PhD, Statewide Health, Wellness, & Special Program Manager, OCOSH-Ohio BWC.
  4. [Inspiring Safety] Becoming an Industrial Athlete. George Nelson‘s LinkedIn videos inspired us to do an entire podcast series on #inspiring #safety! He joined us on Zoom to chat about having real conversations and how to start seeing yourself as an “industrial athlete” to ensure longevity. (15:40)
  5. August’s Safety Update from the Ohio BWC Library. Each edition provides up-to-date news & safety information.
  6. Pathways Lighting Requirements: August’s Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  7. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podbean, & Stitcher! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. FY21 Membership Renewal: Time to renew as we LEVEL UP IN SAFETY with our new Virtual Safety Council program! Join today!
  2. August 27, 2020 – Finding Facts, Not Faults: How to Improve Safety After an Injury, presented by Nicholas Coia, MPA, Industrial Safety Consultant Specialist, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Sponsored by UH Portage Medical Center. Follow link to register today!
  3. Podcast Apps: Our podcasts are now available on Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts!

HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES:

  • Free webinar from UH: Suffering from Back Pain? Treat Back Pain and Get Active Again – Jeffrey Nelson, MD. Aug 13, 2020, 05:00 PM