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BWC featured items
Upcoming BWC in-person training, safety webinars, and virtual training classes BWC has two upcoming webinars:
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 Monthly safety topic - Roadway safety
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and kill over 100 people every day. However, motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths are preventable. There are proven strategies to prevent these injuries and deaths. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, take steps to stay safe on the road.
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Prepare before you go: Plan your route ahead of time. Ensure your vehicle is safe for driving by checking the oil and tire pressure. Check for open recalls and have the repairs completed.
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Buckle up: Lack of seat belt use is a top cause of fatalities in crashes. Always wear a seatbelt.
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Slow down in work zones: Give workers extra room and be prepared to stop. On average, over 700 fatalities occur in work zones each year nationally.
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Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation: Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving – drugs, including opioids, cannabis, and some over-the-counter medicines, can cause drowsiness, alter visual functions, and affect mental judgment and motor skills.
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Watch your speed: Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.
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Drive distraction-free: Thousands have died in car crashes involving cell phone use – put your phones away and #JustDrive.
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 BWC Library question of the month
Question:
Does the library have any information on the changes to the OSHA HazCom standard? I read something about an update.
Answer:
Yes, on May 20, 2024, OSHA released the revised HazCom standard (HCS). They made changes to align with revision 7 of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS). It takes effect July 19, 2024, but there are additional compliance deadlines.
The final rule doesn’t change the basics of HCS. You are still required to provide information to your employees about the hazardous chemicals at your site using a hazard communication program, labels, safety data sheets, and training.
Here are links to some basics about the program and the deadlines:
If you need help with understanding safety, contact BWC’s Safety Services. Consultation services are free for employers with a BWC policy. Do you have a question for our library? You can submit a question to us, anytime!
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 Other news
Heat stress prevention training program
This new worker training program from the National Institute of Health NIH Building Blocks for a Heat Stress Prevention Training Program, helps employers identify and implement steps needed to reduce the risk of heat stress for workers in indoor and outdoor environments.
Ohio EPA ban on methylene chloride
On April 30, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a dangerous chemical known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death.
- Prohibits manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses.
- Prohibits most industrial and commercial uses of methylene chloride, including paint and coating removers. Consumer paint and coating removal was prohibited in 2019.
- Creates strict workplace protections through a Workplace Chemical Protection Program to ensure that for the remaining uses, workers will not be harmed by methylene chloride use.
- Requires manufacturers (including importers), processors, and distributors to notify companies to whom methylene chloride is shipped of the prohibitions and to maintain records.
The Ohio BWC Library of BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene compiles and distributes this newsletter. After July 2024 the Safety Update newsletter will change its frequency to quarterly.
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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.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 $22 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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