News and Updates
Month: December 2022
2022 Ohio BWC Year in Review
After a three-year hiatus, Ohio Safety Congress has finally scheduled an in-person return! This three-day event is scheduled for March 8-10, 2023, and is free to all Ohio BWC state-fund employers. The keynote address and several other sessions will be livestreamed online during the event. This is one of our favorite events, and we’re excited to see you all there! Reinstated Safety Intervention Grant Program – $3 to $1 match on safety investments is back. More here! Safety Council rebates finally returned! The program transitioned to virtual meetings in March 2020 and a hybrid option was offered for the 2021 policy year, but they also did away with the premium rebate benefit during those two policy years. Now that the program has returned to 100% in person, virtually any private or public state fund employer can earn a 2% premium rebate for attending at least ten meetings each policy year. The Substance Abuse Recovery Program is funded by millions that the DeWine administration committed toward helping Ohio employers hire, manage and retain employees in recovery. The funds can be used to reimburse employers for employee drug testing (with some caveats), training, and related policy development. As Governor Mike DeWine begins his second term in 2023, he’ll have a new Chief of Staff in Stephanie McCloud, formerly the Administrator (CEO) for Ohio BWC. John Logue will succeed her as the Administrator next year. Logue currently serves as
Spotlight on Dayton Society of Natural History and the Boonshoft Museum
Photo courtesy of Ohio's Largest Playgrounds We love showcasing the interesting work of our different clients. Every organization provides something integral to our everyday lives – from tanker trucks moving fuel to the resealable bag that keeps your favorite chips fresh. There are also organizations designed simply to give back and improve life in our communities. The Dayton Society of Natural History (DSoNH) has been enriching minds in southwestern Ohio for decades, with its origin as a museum going all the way back to 1893. The organization now includes the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and Sunwatch Indian Village & Archaeological Park. For those unfamiliar with the museum – there is truly something for all ages. Their hands-on science exhibits are a hit with kids of all ages, but the museum also includes a number of learning labs, nature-focused areas, and even an AZA accredited zoo with critters from all over the globe. The grown-ups can keep an eye out for their laser light shows in the planetarium, summer block parties and their big fundraising Boonshoft Bash in August. We recently spoke to their Marketing Director, Taylor Hoffman to learn more about their mission, and how to get involved. What is DSoNH’s mission? Our mission is to be the regional go-to for STEM education, natural history, astronomy - and fun, informal learning about the world around us. We’re a children’s museum as well as a science center, nat
2022 OSHA Year in Review
OSHA was very well-funded and staffed throughout 2022, and they kept themselves busy. There were plenty of Regional Emphasis Programs (REPs) in region 5 (which includes Ohio), including grain handling, demolition, powered industrial vehicles, tank cleaning operations, and hearing conservation – plus a National Regional Emphasis program on Heat Illness. While many businesses had largely forgotten about COVID protocols and safety measures by 2022, certain sectors of the healthcare industry were still under the agency’s microscope this year. The measures aimed at healthcare employers are “advisory” in nature, not considered standards or regulations. Still, OSHA did renew their focus on inspecting healthcare facilities from March through June 2022. The short-term initiative was directed at healthcare facilities that treat or handle COVID-19 patients, like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. With surges still occurring, we could see more of these focused inspections in 2023. A number of National Emphasis programs were also issued, including one for Heat Illness. This issue has become a top priority over the last few years, due to climate change creating unbearably hot conditions for both indoor and outdoor workers. OSHA published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking back in October 2021, with an extended comment period through late January 2022. In simpler terms, they’re indicating that a standard is being considered and took the
Ohio BWC Reinstates Safety Intervention Grant Program
Ohio employers may be able to check one more thing off their wish list this year, without paying full price. Ohio BWC has reinstated the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) Program, which matches eligible state-fund employers $3 to $1 on investments to create a safer workplace. Most employers who have had an Ohio BWC policy for at least one year, are paying above minimum premium ($120+), current on installments and true ups with no lapses this year should be able to take advantage. Self-insuring employers, employers in a self-insured PEO, state agencies and state universities are not eligible. Every three years, eligible employers can apply for up to $40,000 in matching funds to purchase “equipment to substantially reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a particular task or operation.” Prior to applying, you should plan to reach out to a BWC safety field consultant to assist with the application process. Be prepared to show them info on any workers’ comp claims or incidents associated with the particular area or task, the number of employees performing the task, and explore vendors to get price quotes on the equipment you have in mind. As always, there are items and services that grant funds can’t be used for - like standard PPE, training, equipment needed to meet minimum OSHA requirements, etc. A detailed moratorium can be found here. Of course, there are always a few strings attached when money is being given away. There are some
2023 Group Retro Deadline Approaching!
We’re giving you one more reminder that the second biggest program enrollment deadline, Group Retrospective Rating – is right around the corner! More commonly referred to as Group Retro, this program is great for any companies who may be penalty rated, missed the Group Rating deadline, or simply have a different appetite for risk. Companies that participate in Group Retro will pay their normal premiums to BWC, and will be rebated based on the performance of the group they were placed in. Groups are homogenous, meaning you’re sharing a pool with other employers in your industry. Spooner will be accepting Group Retro enrollments through January
