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Division of Safety & Hygiene's October Webinars
BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene (DSH) continues our series of free webinars covering
a variety of workplace safety topics. Below is a list of dates and topics, including a link to
register for the October webinars.
Oct. 6 – [Replay] Emergency Action Plan – What are some key elements
Oct. 13 – The New BWC Website and Other Great Online Resources
Oct. 20 – Self Study Week
Oct. 27 – Reducing Injuries Using Ergonomic Concepts
DSH safety experts conduct the webinars. Each webinar lasts about one hour.
Learn more and register for any of the October webinars here.
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BWC Still Offering Virtual Training Classes
We are offering a small number of classes virtually during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All classroom offerings are cancelled for 2020, and classroom cancellations will likely extend to most of the fiscal year ending June 2021. Virtual training will provide an opportunity for students to learn remotely to ensure the safety of our customers. All virtual training classes provide the same credits associated with a training class scheduled at a physical location.
And don’t forget! We offer online courses to Ohio employers and employees with active workers’ compensation coverage.
2021 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo to Be Completely Online
To keep attendees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will offer the 2021 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC21) as an online-only event.
The annual event, to be held March 10 – 11, 2021, will feature dozens of learning sessions and a digital expo, allowing participants to chat virtually with vendors about new and existing products and services. As always, attendance is free to Ohio employers. Registration for OSC21 will be available in December.
OCOSH Facility Closing, Moving to Columbus
BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene headquarters located at the Ohio Center for Occupational Safety and Health (OCOSH) building is moving from Pickerington to downtown Columbus at the end of this month. This will not change the way you call or email us. Remote services during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue. However, the new address of the Division of Safety & Hygiene is 30 W. Spring St., L25, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
The move will help make the best use of existing office space and foster greater collaboration with our other divisions.
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NIOSH/CDC News
Heat Stress Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published guidance on prevention of heat stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The website describes the symptoms of heat stress and supplies tips to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses at work.
Improve Sleep
We all know adequate sleep is key to overall health and well-being. This post on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Science blog has tips to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Report on Nonfatal Occupational Injuries to Younger Workers
Researchers from NIOSH reviewed data from the occupational supplement to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses for injuries to younger workers. The results reported in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found that young workers (aged 15–24 years) experience higher rates of job-related injury than do adult workers (aged 25–44 years).
Limiting Workplace Violence Associated with COVID-19 Prevention Policies
The CDC developed guidance for employers and employees in retail, services, and other customer-based businesses to help prevent workplace violence associated with enforcing COVID-19 prevention policies. The site has information on what employers can do to prevent workplace violence, an infographic, and links to training and additional information.
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OSHA News
Use of Face Coverings in the Heat
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released new COVID-19 Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings while Working in Hot and Humid Conditions in both outdoor and indoor environments.
Employee Health and Food Safety Checklist
This OSHA and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) document is a checklist for FDA-regulated human and animal food operations to use when assessing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The checklist has sections on facilities, symptomatic employees, configuring work environments, food safety plans, and more.
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Other News
Department of Labor PSAs
The Department of Labor announced new video PSAs discussing how many workers can take up to two weeks of paid sick leave related to COVID-19 under a new law.
OSHA Top 10 Citations Webinar
Occupational Health & Safety Magazine is offering a free webinar from 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 8. The webinar will cover OSHA’s annual “Top Ten Most Frequently Cited Standards,” including ways to create safe work environments. Please visit the OH&S website to register.
New Trends of Fatal Falls in the Construction Industry
The September 2020 Data Bulletin published by The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) reviews fatal falls in construction. The Bulletin has handy key findings, statistical analysis of injury rates, and visually appealing graphics. Among the findings is the fact that the construction industry continues to experience the most falls to a lower level when compared to other sectors.
Mine Conveyor Belt Safety Alert
The Mine Safety and Health Administration issued a safety alert due to eight fatalities involving conveyor belts that have occurred at mine facilities in the past three years. The alert has information on best practices about blocking from motion, lock and tag, and training and communication.
Loading Dock Safety
Loading dock injuries were at their highest numbers since 2011 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This article in Safety + Health Magazine from the National Safety Council outlines loading dock safety information you can use at your docks to help keep workers safe.
Fire Prevention Week
The National Fire Association Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme is Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!TM. The NFPA website has materials for this observance, including press releases, safety videos, and fire prevention games and apps for kids.
The Ohio BWC Library of BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene compiles and distributes this newsletter each month.
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Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio and serves 249,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,800 employees and assets of approximately $28 billion, BWC is the largest state-run insurance system in the United States. Our mission is to deliver consistently excellent experiences for each BWC customer every day. For more, visit www.bwc.ohio.gov.
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