2021

Celebrating 2021!!!

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PCSC Members & Community Partners:


Every year I like to reflect on what we have accomplished together as a safety council and every year I’m sincerely blown away and filled with gratitude. Whether you are a member, steering committee member,  sponsor or community partner, I would like to personally say THANK YOU for not only making the PCSC a great safety council but also making Portage County a safer & healthier place to live and work!

Look at what we accomplished together in 2021!!!


LIVE TRAININGS:

  • 23 total live training events online
  • 18 semi-monthly virtual meetings
  • 5-Week Machine Safety Workshop

VIDEO CONTENT:

  • 30 videos recorded & published by the PCSC
  • That’s over 25 hours (1543 minutes) of original workplace safety, health or community related video content
  • 6,626 watch time minutes on YouTube

PODCASTS:

  • 33 podcast episodes published on the Portage County Safety Council Podcast
  • That’s over 14 hours (856 minutes) of original workplace safety, health or community related audio content
  • Our podcast has been downloaded in every state except for Alaska & Wyoming (Ohio 43%, 9.13%, 7.95%) and in over 56 nations (US 84.15%)
  • In November, we hit 10,000 downloads
  • In June, we were recognized by Welp Magazine as one of the 20 Best Workplace Safety Podcasts of 2021.

As you can see, we accomplished a lot together in 2021 so let’s celebrate and anticipate an even better 2022! Thanks again and I hope each one of you has a safe and joyful new year!

December 2021 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for December 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. [Safety Blast] Christmas Driving Safety Tips. [Audio] Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO gives us some tips on how to stay safe driving for Christmas! (4:15)
  2. Finding Facts, Not Faults: How to Improve Safety After an Injury (Live). Nicholas Coia, Industrial Safety Consultant for the Ohio BWC, presents on Finding Facts, Not Faults: How to Improve Safety After an Injury. Click here to watch the video. Click here to view the slides or here for the handout mentioned. (43:16)
  3. Ladder Safety for Work & the Holidays (Live). [Video] Dave Dennison of Werner Ladders (Flaherty Sales) instructs on how properly inspect, use and dispose a ladder.
  4. Ergonomics: Challenges and Opportunities: Article by Ohio BWC.
  5. Holiday Workplace Safety: Article by Safety + Health Magazine.
  6. The 12 Days of Safety: Holiday safety poster by NSC.
  7. [Safety Blast] Driving Safe on New Years! [Audio] Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO, reminds us to drive safe when celebrating New Years! (3:58)
  8. Anchored Machinery: December 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  9. Ohio BWC Distance Learning: December 2021.
  10. 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. Workplace Wellness Month: January 2022 will be our official workplace wellness month! We’ll be releasing a related podcast every week in January to help you promote health & wellness to your employees.
  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! IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!!!

COMMUNITY NEWS & RESOURCES:

Anchored Machinery: December 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: Should my fixed machinery be anchored/secured? What if it’s portable and not fixed?

Answer: In short, yes, your fixed machinery needs to be anchored/secured and your portable machinery should be secured as well to prevent unwanted movement and potential tipping. First off, according to OSHA’s General Requirements for all Machines 29 CFR 1910.212(b):

Machines designed for a fixed location shall be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving.

However, the OSHA standard does not touch on portable machinery. Even though OSHA does not have an associated standard for securing portable machinery, the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) does. According to OAC Rule 4123:1-5-05 (E) Anchoring and mounting of machinery:

Portable machinery mounted upon trucks or bases shall be securely fastened thereto, and such truck or base shall be so locked or blocked as to prevent movement or shift while such machine is in operation.

Therefore, as an employer in Ohio, not only do your fixed machines need to be securely anchored, but all portable machinery mounted upon trucks or bases need to be securely fastened as well.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

November 2021 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for November 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. [Safety Talk] How to Prevent Cold Stress. [Audio] What is cold stress & how can we prevent it? This episode is a great snapshot from OSHA’s Cold Stress Guide! (6:12)
  2. Cold Stress can be Prevented: OSHA’s cold stress guide for employers.
  3. Reducing Overexertion Injuries: Article by Ohio BWC.
  4. Fall Protection remains atop OSHA’s ‘Top 10’ list of most frequently cited violations. Article by Safety + Health Magazine.
  5. [Safety Blast] Driving Safe for Thanksgiving. [Audio] 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)
  6. [Workplace Wellness] Prediabetes Prevention. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “more than 84% of those with prediabetes don’t even know they have it since prediabetes often has no symptoms.” In this episode, we’re joined by Nicole Smith, Diabetes Program Consultant, & Liz Curry, Diabetes Coordinator at the Ohio Department of Health, to talk about prediabetes and why employers should be concerned about it. (23:56)
  7. Mower Rollover Danger: November 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  8. Ohio BWC Distance Learning: November 2021.
  9. 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. Workplace Wellness Month: January 2022 will be our official workplace wellness month! We’ll be releasing a related podcast every week in January to help you promote health & wellness to your employees.
  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! IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!!!

COMMUNITY NEWS & RESOURCES:

  • [Community Spotlight] Main Street Mile in Ravenna. Chelsea Gregor of Main Street Ravenna joined us to talk about the new Main Street Mile project in Ravenna, OH. We discuss how she came up with the idea, future use and how other communities can do something similar.
  • Center of Hope: The weather is changing and Thanksgiving is so close! We are in need of help filling our over 500 boxes for our Thanksgiving Distribution. If you are out and about on Saturday the Center of Hope will be open for drop offs 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We are in desperate need of the following: boxed mashed potatoes, caned sweet potatoes, corn, Jiffy corn bread mix and macaroni and cheese.
  • Kent Social Services: Hard to believe it’s already that time of year folks! If you personally, or if your organization is looking to donate food items for the holiday; these are the items that we will be collecting for both Thanksgiving & Christmas. With both centers combined, we are expecting to fill over 800 food boxes for our friends in need.

October 2021 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for October 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. Overcoming Stress at Work & Beyond! Clinical Consultant Kelly Bako Younkins,  joined us to talk stress at work and beyond! Click here to view the video recording.
  2. [Safety Blast] Halloween Traffic Safety Tips: [Audio] Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO, called in to share a few tips on how to stay safe in Halloween Traffic! (3:34)
  3. [Safety Talk] Tornado Safety Tips: [Audio] Here’s some safety tips from Ready.gov on how to prepare for and survive a tornado! (4:34)
  4. Tornado Fact Sheet: From Ready.gov.
  5. Fleet Safety Q & A: [Audio] Timothy Brewster, Director of the Loss Prevention & Recovery Unit at National Interstate Insurance Company, answers questions after his presentation on Reducing the Risk of Accidents Through Effective Fleet Safety Controls. (6:07)
  6. Getting Prepared for OSHA’s New Heat-Related Initiatives. Compliance update provided by Safex.
  7. Machines Safety Videos & Slides: Resources from our 5-wk training facilitated by Integrated Mill Systems.
  8. Cart Safety: October 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  9. Ohio BWC Distance Learning: October 2021.
  10. 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. Help us hit 10,000!!! Our workplace safety podcast is just shy of 10,000 downloads. Please help us hit it by listening to one of our most recent episodes today! Follow the link above to listen or search for “Portage County Safety Council” on your favorite podcast app such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, etc. Don’t forget to subscribe!
  2. PCSC YouTube Channel: Did you know the PCSC has a YouTube channel? We often upload some of our virtual meetings and most of our bonus video content and make it accessible to the public.
  3. 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! IT’S NOT TOO LATE TOO JOIN!!!

COMMUNITY NEWS & RESOURCES:

  • Center of Hope: The weather is changing and Thanksgiving is so close! We are in need of help filling our over 500 boxes for our Thanksgiving Distribution. If you are out and about on Saturday the Center of Hope will be open for drop offs 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We are in desperate need of the following: boxed mashed potatoes, caned sweet potatoes, corn, Jiffy corn bread mix and macaroni and cheese.
  • Kent Social Services: Hard to believe it’s already that time of year folks! If you personally, or if your organization is looking to donate food items for the holiday; these are the items that we will be collecting for both Thanksgiving & Christmas. With both centers combined, we are expecting to fill over 800 food boxes for our friends in need.
  • Mental Health Awareness: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, but less than two thirds get treatment. Mental Health should be a priority for everyone. Take a free and anonymous screening.

Cart Safety: Oct 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question:  Our facility moves materials on carts, and I heard that the cart’s casters can affect how easy the carts are to move.  Is that true? 

Answer:  Yes!  The wrong type of casters on a cart will make it more difficult to move.  If you have carts that are difficult to move or are purchasing new carts, work with a knowledgeable vendor to assist you with selecting the correct caster and wheel combination for your specific cart, task and workplace conditions.  The following are some key points that you should be providing to your vendor:

  • The weight of the cart, load weight, and load type to determine number of casters required and wheel options. 
  • The types of surfaces the cart will traverse to optimize the wheel’s rollability and reliability.  Include concerns with potential noise (i.e. hospital) or floor debris when selecting the wheel type for your floor surfaces. 
  • The purpose of the cart, cart type, and height restrictions will need to be factored in when determining the cart’s wheel size. The size of wheel is a major factor in rollability of a cart.  Typically, a larger wheel will reduce the forces to move a cart. 
  • Review the path of travel, capacity, and space constraints to determine the requirement and location of swivel casters. 
  • Provide information for any environmental elements, such as extreme heat or wet environments, to ensure compatibility with the caster and wheel materials and bearings.   

Don’t forget about preventative maintenance!  Implement a preventative maintenance schedule per the manufacture’s specifications to keep those push/pull forces from increasing.

If you are concerned with the forces required to move your carts or you aren’t for sure if it is an injury risk, please contact your local BWC Ergonomist or request their service on-line at Ohio BWC – Request consulting services.  Ergonomist can determine if the push/pull forces pose a risk of a workplace injury and provide solutions to lower the risk.  Please remember that BWC’s safety consultation services are included in your BWC premiums.  

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Oct 6, 2021 – Ohio Safety Council MEGA Meeting!

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Join us for the first of two free webinars hosted by BWC in coordination with Ohio Safety Council sponsors!

Click here to view the official flyer that contains the access link.

Wednesday, October 6, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
Leading from Your Heart!™

You want to achieve zero-incident culture for safety—who doesn’t? But what does it really take to
get to that point? For starters, it takes great leadership, coaching, and engagement. This inspiring
keynote, which parallels servant leadership principles, is infused with humor, and will reveal
seven contemporary and empirically based principles that will move your people from superficial
compliance to deeper and more durable forms of personal commitment to safety. You’ll leave this talk
with actionable ways to:
• Impact attitudes and actions in deeper and broader ways for three especially important types of
changes in attitudes and actions
• Turn your followers into safety leaders and champions
Develop a culture where safety is viewed as vital to the health of your organization by also experiencing
positive changes in productivity, quality, and morale.

Presented by David J. Sarkus, MS, CSP

David J. Sarkus, MS, CSP is Chief Servant Leader and Founder of David
Sarkus International Inc., a leading health and safety management
consulting and training firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. David is a
motivational safety speaker who delivers keynotes, training, and consulting
in a broad variety of industries. His experience, education, and leadership
qualities have allowed him and his firm to successfully apply strategies and
tactics within a large variation of mainstream work-processes for over 30
years. His customized safety interventions have produced improvements
in key performance indicators from 35% to more than 85% over the previous year. He’s proven that
results like this are not only possible, but scalable and sustainable.


Sarkus holds Master of Science degrees in both safety management and
organizational psychology. He is a recognized leader in the practice of safety
management and has written cover stories for major industry magazines
including Professional Safety and Industrial Safety & Hygiene News. He
has been recognized by ISHN as one of the “Top 50 Leaders” in the field. He
has written five books and over 100 evidence-based articles.


Sarkus works with some of the biggest and best run organizations in
the world and can help you move toward— and embrace— sustainable
excellence in safety.

At the scheduled date and time, click here to join this live event. You do not need
to pre-register.

September 2021 Newsletter

/ portagecsc

Welcome to our monthly newsletter for September 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. Machine Safety Part 1: Societal Demands for Safety & Productivity. [Video] Mark Eitzman of Integrated Mill Systems, presents on societal and economic forces driving safety, the 3 elements of safety maturity and justifying & proving the return on investment of safety and productivity. A MUST SEE VIDEO FOR CEO’S & SAFETY PROS!!!
  2. New OSHA Noise Hazard Program: OSHA announced a new Regional Emphasis Program (REP) to identify, reduce, and eliminate hazards associated with exposures to high levels of noise. The program was announced on June 14, 2021, and is for OSHA Region V, which includes Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
  3. Robot Safety Q & A: [Audio] Mark Eitzman, Safety and Project Manager at Integrated Mill Systems, answers questions after his presentation on Safety Considerations for Robots in Manufacturing. (8:33)
  4. OSHA’s Suicide Prevention Stand Down Campaign: In accordance with OSHA’s Suicide Prevention Stand Down Week, we made this video and podcast to help employer prevent suicide,
  5. Construction Suicide Prevention: Free resources to prevent suicides in the construction industry.
  6. Seat belts & Claims: September 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  7. Ohio BWC Distance Learning: September 2021.
  8. 2021 All-Hazards Conference: Oct. 1, 2021. Hosted by 3 county LEPC’s.
  9. 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. Statewide Safety Council Mega Meetings Announced: As mentioned earlier today and at the announcement of our FY22 program year, the Ohio BWC is hosting 2 statewide “Mega Meetings” for all Ohio safety councils. There’s no need to register for these events, just click on the link for each date on the attached flyer to access the live broadcast. Please see the flyer for more info.
  2. 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! You can still attend the last 3 sessions!!!
  3. 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! IT’S NOT TOO LATE TOO JOIN!!!

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!

July 2021 Newsletter

/ portagecsc

Welcome to our monthly newsletter for July 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. The Importance of Toolbox Talks in the Workplace: Article from Ving!
  2. Same Level Slips, Trips and Falls: [Video] Another good and entertaining video focused on same level slips, trips & falls and more relevant for office type environments. (4:08)
  3. Slips, Trips, and Falls  – ej4 Safety Training Video: This is a good & engaging video that provides a basic overview. (5:28)
  4. [Safety Culture] Employee Engagement Creates Buy-in. [Audio] Ami Gignac & Katie Woodhall, Managing Partners at Sparrow Tale, chat with us about how employee engagement creates buy-in and can help shift your safety culture! This is an excerpt from e175, click here to listen to the full interview. (4:11)
  5. [Safety Talk] Floods. [Audio] Here’s some safety tips from Ready.gov on how to prepare for and what to do during a flood! (5:11)
  6. Safety Blast: Hydroplaning. [Audio] Lori Cook, Traffic Safety Advisor for AAA East Central NEO gives us a few tips on how to prevent hydroplaning! (2:05) 
  7. Wrist Pain Prevention: July 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  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. FY22 Renewal Notice: 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! Renew today to LEVEL UP IN SAFETY!
  2. August 12, 2021 – Worker Health Awareness in the Workplace, presented by Shelly Owen, Regional Sales Manager & Certified First Aid, CPR, AED Trainer, Swift First Aid.
  3. Podcast #3 on the 20 Best Workplace Safety Podcasts of 2021