March 2023 Safety Update

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BWC Featured Items

Trenching Safety Days
BWC will host Trenching Safety Days in Logan and Miamisburg in March.

• Miamisburg
  • March 21 – regional seminar
  • March 22 – competent person event
• Logan
  • March 28 – regional seminar
  • March 29 – competent person event

New Hazardous Hearing Public Service Announcement
Watch our new video showing the emotional impact of noise induced hearing loss. Our new Gift of Hearing webpage provides resources to prevent hearing loss including a customizable hearing protection written program.

Stand Up for Grain Safety Week Kick-Off Event
The annual hybrid Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Kickoff event is being held in Ohio this year.

• The live event takes place on March 27 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wayne County Fire & Rescue Association Regional Training Facility, 2725 Millborne Rd, Apple Creek, OH 44606. Register for the in-person live event.
• Virtual daily learning sessions on NEWfocus topics, Spanish language sessions on selected topics, and a bonus session on emerging health concerns in agriculture. Sessions are 11:00 AM daily, March 28–31, with Spanish language and bonus sessions at 3:00 PM March 28-30. Register for the virtual event

New Safety Written Program Templates
Two new written safety program templates are available to download: Hearing Conservation Program and Violence in the Workplace Program. A BWC safety consultant can assist with customizing these programs for your workplace.

Library Question of the Month

A question received by the library over the past month with our response.

Question:
Are aerial lifts required to be equipped with an audible or visual alarm when lowering? Should employers install these types of alarms on aerial lifts that do not have them already installed? 

Answer:
According to ANSI/SAIA A92.20-2021 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) Design, Calculations, Safety Requirements and Test Methods, it depends on what type of MEWP you have. You are encouraged to review A92.20 in its entirety to understand all definitions and requirements. You will need to confirm if your MEWP is a Group A or B MEWP, and if it’s a Type 1, 2, or 3 MEWP. Here is what A92.20 requires for warning devices:

ANSI/SAIA A92.20-2021 4.4.3.2 - For Group A MEWPs, while the platform is being lowered utilizing the upper controls, a warning device shall be activated at the ground level.

ANSI/SAIA A92.20-2021 4.6.11 – Type 3 MEWPs shall be equipped with an audible warning device (e.g., a horn) operated from the work platform.

Section 6.2.2. of the standard gives permission to modify MEWPs if you adhere to the requirements set forth in A92.20, and if you obtain written permission from the MEWP manufacturer. If the manufacturer cannot give permission, an equivalent entity may give permission, but only after analysis and approval of an engineer.

If you need help understanding aerial lifts or other MEWPs and required components, contact BWC’s Division of Safety and Hygiene. Consultation services are no cost for those with a BWC policy. Find out more on our website.

If you have question related to occupational safety and health, email the library at library@bwc.state.oh.us.

Other Safety News

Electrical Fatalities in the Workplace: 2011 – 2021
Each year, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) collects information on fatal occupational electrical injuries using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ESFI reports between 2011 and 2021, there was a total of 1,201 workplace fatalities involving electricity reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and 1,653 electrical fatalities reported by the BLS. During this period, 69% of all electrically related fatalities happened in non-electrically related occupations.

The Ohio BWC Library of BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene compiles and distributes this newsletter each month.   

BWC's Division of Safety & Hygiene provides a variety of programs, services, and resources to help Ohio employers create a safe and healthy workplace.  

Visit bwc.ohio.gov or email BWCDSH@bwc.state.oh.us or call 1-800-644-6292. 

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

Vision: To transform BWC into an agile organization driven by customer success.
Mission: To deliver consistently excellent experiences for each BWC customer every day. Core Values: One Agency, Personal Connection, Innovative Leadership, Relentless Excellence.

Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving 257,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $21 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit www.bwc.ohio.gov.