MARCH  SAFETY AND HEALTH NEWS AND UPDATES


March's Featured Program 

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 - 11:30 AM - Tangier's

Crisis Management, Communications and Social Media for your Organization

Stephanie York, Vice President and In-House Counsel

Hennes Communications

"Reputation" is arguably your organization's largest uninsured asset. And since it takes a lifetime to build a good reputation and only a few seconds to destroy one, leaders can suddenly find themselves in a position where they need to know how to manage a crisis situation.  

This fast-paced talk by crisis communications and media specialist Stephanie York, from Hennes Communications in Akron ( www.crisiscommunications.com), will focus on a highly-strategic approach to communicating during a wide variety of situations, offering methods for establishing and maintaining "control of the message," enabling you to move your message forward or mount a defense against a sudden press onslaught.

Stephanie York is Vice President and In-House Counsel at Hennes Communications, one of the few firms in the U.S. focused exclusively on crisis communications and crisis management.

Hennes Communications serves corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, education and healthcare institutions, as well as law firms and their clients, that are "on trial" in the Court of Public Opinion.

With over 25 years' experience in law and communications, Stephanie and the firm's past and present clients include the 2016 Cleveland Host Committee for the recent Republican National Convention, ThyssenKrupp, Avery Dennison, Lubrizol, Kent State University, Oberlin College and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as well as scores of municipalities and law firms across the U.S. 

Better recognized as the Assistant Director of Law and spokesperson for the City of Akron and former Mayor Don Plusquellic, Stephanie serves on many local non-profit boards, including United Way of Summit County, Leadership Akron Alumni Association, Downtown Akron Kiwanis Foundation, and the Jewish Community Board of Akron. She is currently President of the Jewish Women's Endowment Foundation.
 
 
If you're not pre-paid for the year





This month's Sponsor




Sponsor a Safety Council Meeting


Did you know that your company can sponsor a safety council meeting? This is a great way to reach 200+ companies and highlight your services. The average attendance at these meetings is 200-240. 

A $150.00 sponsorship includes your corporate logo in our newsletter (as above) and in the overhead scrolling announcements played 1 hour prior to the meeting for the month you choose to sponsor, 5 minutes of business related commercial time at the podium, a table for display items, an opportunity to giveaway promotional items and two complimentary meals.

Interested in sponsoring a meeting? Have questions or need more information? Call Sally Cox at 330-806-1676 or email [email protected].


Cari's Safety Corner    
Cari Gray
 Industrial Safety Consultant Specialist (BWC)
                                       
Question:

With so many requirements how do I start with my safety program?

Answer:

In today's work environment, there are many resources available to safety and non-safety professionals to aid in the development and implementation of a strong safety and health management program. This is especially true for small businesses who may not have a full time Safety and Health Manager or team working for them. One of the first steps I recommend for an employer is to contact their local Ohio BWC office for a consultation with their assigned Safety Consultant. Additionally, the United Sates Department of Labor has a website that has a wealth of knowledge and examples to aid you in your program development. At https://www.osha.gov/shpguidelines/index.html you can find step by step instructions, goals and support documents to help you implement a strong safety and health program. You can also access OSHA's Small Business Handbook (https://www.osha.gov/Publications/smallbusiness/small-business.pdf)  which provides checklists for small businesses to identify what safety concerns currently exist. If you are looking for additional examples, toolbox talks, publications and videos to support your program efforts you can also utilize the Ohio BWC's library (https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/employer/services/SandH/Library.asp) .




Ohio Safety Congress & Expo 2018 (OSC18)

Register Now!


Don't sit on the sideline! Do what more than 7,300 attendees did last year. Come to the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo March 7 to 9 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Attend OSC18 to: 

*  Refresh your workplace safety game plan; 
*  Help slash your workers' comp costs; 
*  Earn free continuing education credits;
* Scout out the latest safety gear and services. 

Admission is FREE! Visit www.ohiosafetycongress.com for details.


All Eyes on March for Workplace Vision Wellness Month

March is Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month. Before you think that this topic does not apply to you, think again. Each day, over 2,000 Americans suffer an eye injury. This means that almost one million Americans have experienced some vision loss due to eye injury, which has resulted in more than $300 million in lost work time, medical expenses and workers' compensation.

We usually think of work-related eye injuries as being isolated to outdoor jobs such as construction work, landscaping or animal handling. Ironically, working in an office can be just as hazardous to your eyesight. The most common eye problem is computer vision syndrome. While consistently being on your computer will not permanently damage your vision, it can make your eyes feel irritated and fatigued.

Computer vision syndrome is not just a myth. Too much screen time and not enough breaks can cause headaches, inattentiveness, neck pain, back strain, and dry eye. Studies show that staring at a screen for extended periods of time lengthens the interval between blinks, preventing eyes from staying lubricated and moistened (Source: Eye Med).

There are some ways to prevent computer vision syndrome and keep your eyes feeling comfortable:
  • Reposition your screen. Adjust your screen to be at a right angle away from any direct light source. Invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor to make computer work gentler on your eyes.
  • Remember the 20-20-20 rule. This rule reminds you that every 20 minutes, you should look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Don't forget to blink. While it may sound ridiculous, write yourself a note and place it on your monitor. Write "Blink Often" or any other message that will remind you to regularly close your eyes to keep them from getting dried out.
  • Use artificial tears. Over-the-counter eye drops can be extremely helpful in preventing dry eye and keeping your eyes comfortable.
  • Drink water. Adequate hydration can make a big difference, especially during the winter months when heaters and furnaces can make the air particularly dry.
  • Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. Nothing can replace the importance of having an eye exam by a licensed ophthalmologist at regular intervals. If you have any concerns about your vision or experience any changes with your eyesight, do not delay in making an appointment. 
Is Your Workplace Prepared For a Tornado?

Spring is considered tornado season for much of the United States, but tornadoes can occur any time of the year.

About 1,200 strike in the United States each year, and, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tornadoes have resulted in an annual average of 70 fatalities from 1987 to 2016 (the most recent data available). Twisters also have been recorded in all 50 states.

How can employers ensure their workers are prepared?

As with any emergency, having a thorough plan in place can help mitigate injuries, fatalities and damage to property in the event of a tornado.

OSHA requires nearly all employers with at least 11 employees to have a written, comprehensive emergency action plan. Employers with 10 or fewer employees are permitted to communicate their plans orally, the agency states.

Charlotte Hyams Porter is acting director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual and Community Preparedness Division. Hyams Porter said employers should:

  • Pay attention to local weather via media reports, notifications from weather apps or emergency apps such as the FEMA app, and/or a NOAA weather radio.
  • Keep employees informed about weather conditions. Methods include text messages, emails or announcements over an intercom or loudspeaker. "A community's outdoor warning sirens should never be your primary warning method," said Rick Smith, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Norman (OK) Forecast Office. "Don't rely on just one source for warnings."
  • Develop a backup communication system in case the primary one fails, and test both systems regularly.
  • Make sure employees know where to seek shelter and assemble after a tornado passes. "That way, there can be people to take a head count and make sure everyone is accounted for," Hyams Porter said.
  • Conduct regularly scheduled tornado drills. It's something that should be done on a routine basis. It's not just a one-time-of-year type of drill

View an OSHA eTool on emergency action plans


Occupational Violence

Workplace violence is the act or threat of violence, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults directed toward persons at work or on duty. The impact of workplace violence can range from psychological issues to physical injury, or even death. Violence can occur in any workplace and among any type of worker, but the risk for fatal violence is greater for workers in sales, protective services, and transportation, while the risk for nonfatal violence resulting in days away from work is greatest for healthcare and social assistance workers.

BWC Introduces Better You, Better Ohio! ™ 

Helping You Meet Your Health and  Wellness  Goals

The backbone of a successful business is its workers, and the backbone of Ohio is its workforce. At BWC, we take our mission to take care of Ohio's workforce seriously. 

That's why we're offering Better You, Better Ohio!™ - a program that provides health and wellness resources and services to workers who work for small employers (50 or fewer workers) in select high-risk industries. We designed Better You, Better Ohio! to help workers and their employers at no cost and through a simple, paperless process. 

Employers can reap great benefits from having a healthy workforce. Healthy employees are less prone to injury. And, when they are injured, their ability to recover is enhanced greatly. Overall, employers with a healthy workforce have lower workers' compensation and health-care costs. 

Meanwhile, workers can take steps to improve their health and wellness such as completing a health assessment and a biometric screening, digital coaching and more. As a bonus, workers can earn financial rewards by completing various steps in the program. To learn more, visit our Better You, Better Ohio! webpage.


 
SCSC Training/Seminar Schedule


PERRP Seminar (Public Employer Risk Reduction Program)

April 3, 2018 (8:00 AM to 11:30 AM)
No cost




Security Seminar

April 26, 2018 (8:00 AM to Noon)
Cost $10.00 (Includes breakfast)




CPR, First Aid, AED and Bloodborne Pathogen Training

May 3, 2018 (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)

SCSC Member cost $20  (includes lunch) 
Non member cost $70.00 (includes lunch)





Upcoming BWC Class Schedule (North Canton)

339 E. Maple St., Suite 200
North Canton, OH 44720

Register at
 
bwclearningcenter.com


**Free** BWC Classes at the North Canton office:


Restaurant and Food Service Safety Workshop - March 12 - 8:30 AM to 12 PM
Tree Work Essentials: Chainsaws, Chippers and other Safety Concerns - March 15 - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Awareness - 
March 20 - 8:30 AM to 12 PM 
Thermal Stress - March 20 - 1 PM to 4:30 PM
Measuring Safety Performance - March 22 - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Hazard 
Communication - March 27 - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
   

**Free** BWC Classes at the Cambridge office:

Safety for the Non-safety Professional  - March  21  - 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM

 



FY 18 Safety Council Rebate Program Requirements

The FY 18 Safety Council Program year began 7/1/17.   

For those members who are eligible to participate in BWC's Safety Council Rebate Program this year, the following requirements must be met between 7/1/17 and 6/30/18:
  • Enrollment with safety council by 7/31/17.
  • Attendance at 10 Safety council meetings/events. At least 8 thru the local safety council. You can get credit for up to two meetings at BWC's safety training courses or other offsite industry-specific training courses./seminars. Certificates must be submitted to safety council no later than 6/30/18.
  • CEO attendance at one safety council sponsored meeting.
  • Submit semi-annual reports for the 2017 calendar year.
Check your company's participation  here


Sally Cox | Summit County Safety Council | 330-806-1676 | [email protected]| www.thesummitcountysafetycouncil.org
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