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BWC featured items
OH|ID is coming!
We are proud to introduce an exciting development aimed at revolutionizing your online experience with us. The OH|ID pre-registration for our external customer logins is now underway. In early 2024, BWC customers will begin logging in using OH|ID and 2-Step Verification, replacing existing e-account login credentials. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring more accessible and secure online services for BWC customers. OH|ID impacts a range of individuals and entities, including employers, providers, injured workers, authorized representatives, and managed care organizations (MCOs). For more information please visit: OH|ID for BWC customers | Bureau of Workers' Compensation (ohio.gov).
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2024 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo® (OSC24®) Start planning your OSC24® agenda – our education schedule is live. Want to be the first to know important OSC24® announcements like registration opening and continuing education credits? Join our mailing list!
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support.
Better You, Better Ohio®
Better You, Better Ohio® is a free health and wellness program providing resources to employees of small employers in high-risk industries.
Research grant applications open
Ohio not-for-profit higher education institutions and research organizations can apply for the Ohio Occupational Safety and Health Research Program until Jan. 18, 2024.
December training opportunities We have numerous safety training opportunities for you. Of special note this month is a virtual OSHA recordkeeping half-day workshop Dec. 14 and a virtual two-day health hazards and toxicology fundamentals class Dec. 18–19.
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Monthly safety topic
Surviving winter driving
Surviving winter driving depends on being prepared in advance.
Vehicle Prep:
- Have your vehicle serviced for maintenance free winter. Include an oil change and check battery, brakes, tires, anti-freeze, and wiper blades.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line from freezing.
- Prepare an emergency kit: snow brush, ice scraper, jumper cables, road flares, shovel, flashlight and batteries, sand or kitty litter, gloves, blanket, non-perishable food, and water.
- Allow vehicle to warm up for a few minutes prior to driving.
- Clear snow and ice from vehicle prior to driving.
- Make sure mirrors and back-up camera are clean.
Driving in Snow and Ice:
- Decrease speed and increase following distance.
- Watch for black ice. Wet pavement can turn icy when temperatures fall.
- Maintain control – understand your vehicle’s traction control mode.
- Avoid using cruise control during slippery conditions.
- Consider taking a winter driving training course.
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BWC library question of the month
A question received by the library over the past month with our response.
Question: Does BWC have online training videos in Spanish for powered industrial trucks/forklifts?
Answer:
The BWC Library provides access to hundreds of training videos, with many available in Spanish. Our subscription to Streamery has several powered industrial trucks in Spanish available to watch online anytime. For more information on accessing training videos, visit the Safety Videos page.
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Other news
Structure Fires Started by Hot Work
The National Fire Protection Association released a new research report Structure Fires Started by Hot Work. The major finding was: “During the five-year period from 2017 to 2021, local fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,396 structure fires involving equipment associated with hot work. These fires resulted in an estimated 19 civilian deaths, 120 civilian injuries, and $292 million in direct property damage.”
Safety Practices Reported Among Construction Contractors
A new CPWR Data Bulletin looks at construction contractor safety practices during all phases of construction work. The Bulletin is based on data from a study done every two years by CPWR and the Dodge Construction Network. Dodge’s report on the study is available here.
Holiday Workplace Safety
The holiday season brings special workplace safety issues. OSHA has information to help you keep your employees safe whether working in a retail store, packing deliveries, or delivering packages to homes.
Flu Season Tips
Flu season is upon us. Find tips to protect yourself, family, and coworkers and make the flu less severe on OSHA’s Workplace Safety and the Flu website.
The Ohio BWC Library of BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene compiles and distributes this newsletter each month.
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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.ohio.gov 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 bwc.ohio.gov.
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