NOVEMBER SAFETY AND HEALTH NEWS AND UPDATES


November's Featured Program 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 11:30 AM


BWC Special Investigations Department Overview

Phillip Brickman

Special Agent in Charge, NE Ohio

Ohio Bureau of workers' Compensation (BWC)

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Special Investigations Department (SID) aggressively pursues cases of claims fraud, medical provider fraud and premium fraud. As a result of their investigations, the department declares overpayments, identifies actuarial savings, disallows claims, pursues prosecutions and recovers dollars - all of which directly impact the effectiveness BWC experiences in decreasing premium costs. This presentation will cover:

  • What types of investigations the BWC SID takes on
  • What are the most common schemes
  • What makes a quality referral for investigation

Phillip J. Brickman currently serves as Special Agent in Charge of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Northeast Regional Investigations Unit, serving 18 counties including the Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Mansfield and Youngstown areas. Prior to being promoted to the Special Agent in Charge, Phil served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge and Special Agent. Phil has advanced training in the area of covert electronics and is an adjunct instructor at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). Phil has been a part-time patrolman with a suburban Cleveland Department for 28 years. Phil is also an active member of the National Technical Investigators Association and the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association.
 
If you're not pre-paid



2017 Holiday Food and Funds Drive


SCSC w ill be hosting our annual holiday food and funds drive in support of the Akron- C anton R egional Foodback during November and December's regular safety council meetings. Our past membership support has been very generous!

Non perishable food items and monetary donations (make checks payable to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank) will be collected. Every $1 donated equals 4 meals and every 1.2 lbs. of food donated equals 1 meal.  


All donors will be entered into this month's giveaway drawing!



Cari's Safety Corner
Cari Gray
 BWC Safety Consultant Specialist

Q:  Do I need to inspect the walking-working surfaces in my facility?

A:  Yes, according to OSHA's revised walking-working surfaces rule. OSHA's definition of a walking-working surface is any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location. The employer must inspect the surfaces, regularly and as necessary, to ensure they are maintained in a safe condition. If a hazardous condition is recognized, the condition is to be corrected or repaired before an employee uses the surface again. If the correction or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the surface. Hazardous conditions may include sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice. For more information on the revised rule, see Subpart D of 29 CFR 1910.



Silica Webpage Updated

OSHA has updated its crystalline silica website to include information on silica hazards and related OSHA standards. Find everything from compliance assistance with both construction and general industry and maritime, to information on silica sampling and analysis, health effects of silica exposure, and answers to frequently asked questions. 

This recent BWC Safety Blog post highlights how BWC can provide consulting services, information and training regarding the recent updates to the crystalline silica standard.
 

It's Flu Season

It's Flu Season The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a website full of information on influenza. Learn about protective actions, vaccinations and what to do if you get sick. If you have not gotten your vaccination yet, there is still time. Getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial. Health-care providers offer vaccinations throughout the flu season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February. You can find the Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report online with information about the number of U.S. cases.



Costs of Substance Abuse and Fatigue

The National Safety Council (NSC) has two cost calculators for your business. Do you wonder what substance abuse could be costing you? The NSC created a cost calculator with the assistance of national nonprofit Shatterproof and independent research institution, NORC at the University of Chicago. The calculator uses business location, industry and number of employees to calculate a cost of substance abuse. 

Is fatigue costing your business? The NSC created a cost calculator for fatigue in the workplace using business location, industry, number of employees and use of shift workers.



Center for Construction Research and Training Newsletter 

The second quarter 2017 issue of the CPWR Quarterly discusses struck-by injuries and prevention in construction, the industry with the largest number of struck-by injuries. Half the fatalities in construction struck-by incidents were from vehicles. Objects or equipment caused the rest of the accidents. Read the entire report and learn about these statistics and how to prevent these tragedies



Respiratory Protection Training 

NIOSH and the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) created a respiratory protection training program for occupational health professionals. The 10-module program is available on the AAOHN website. You do not need to be a member to use it. Materials are also available to assist in promoting the program.



Occupational Health and Safety Vulnerability Measure

The Institute for Work and Health (IHS) developed a tool you can use to determine who is most vulnerable to occupational health and safety risks at your business. The tool is a questionnaire that users can download from the IHS website. A short video introduces the concept of "vulnerability to risk."



From The University of Akron Dept. of 
Disaster  Science and Emergency Services

Students are required to gain practical, professional experience with a senior internship. If you are interested in providing an internship to a student in the UA Emergency Management Program, contact Dr. Stacy Willett at 330-972-8317 or


 
SCSC Training/Seminar Schedule


Fall Protection

November 6, 2017 (8:00 AM to 11:30 AM)

No cost

 


What you Need to Know About OSHA Reporting and Recordkeeping

November 7, 2017 (8:00 AM to 11:30 AM)

Cost $10.00 (includes breakfast)




CPR, First Aid, AED and Bloodborne Pathogen Training

January 23, 2018 (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)

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




CPR, First Aid, AED and Bloodborne Pathogen Training

March 13, 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


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

Electrical Basics - November 7 AM
Understanding and Identifying Ergonomic Risk Factors - November 7 PM
Safety for the Non-safety Professional - December 6
Safety Series Workshop Module 3 (PPE, Haz Com, BBP) - December 11 PM
Effective Safety Teams  -  December 14
 
 
**Free** BWC Classes at the Cambridge office:
 
Wellness in the Workplace Workshop - November 8 AM
Effective Safety Teams Half-day Workshop - November 8 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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