Mosquitos and spiders and snakes, oh my!

By Gabrielle Tharp, BWC Occupational Safety & Hygiene Fellow With summer in full swing, we’re more exposed to outdoor hazards, such as insects and snakes. As an outdoor worker, it is important you know the kinds of pests you may encounter during the workday. Below are tips for identifying these critters and keeping yourself safe. …

Visit us at the Ohio State Fair!

Stop by our booth to learn about our safety and wellness programs   Hello from the 2019 Ohio State Fair! We’re in the Bricker Marketplace – booth 02 to be exact – and we’re excited to share how we’ve got you covered! At work – Our safety services make workplaces and jobs safer; we’re also here if …

Feeling the heat? Stay safe with preventive measures

By Isayah Hickson, BWC Occupational Safety & Hygiene Fellow A glance at the thermometer tells the story: we’re officially in the dog days of summer. This means we’re in the hottest part of the season and at greater risk of heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. So, what’s the difference between the …

BWC reports 4 fraud-related convictions in June

Four Ohioans were convicted for workers’ compensation fraud or related charges in June, including a Springfield man who must reimburse the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) more than $13,000 after investigators found him working two jobs while collecting disability benefits. Clark A. Howard pleaded guilty June 18 to a fifth-degree felony count of workers’ …

Take these safety steps whether mowing at work or home

By Kennedy Gardner, BWC Occupational Safety and Hygiene Fellow In recent weeks, four Ohio workers suffered serious injuries while operating lawn mowers. The injured workers included: A 44-year-old male working in Massillon who died in a mower rollover. A 21-year-old male working in North Canton who suffered multiple injuries in a mower rollover. A 47-year-old …

12 fireworks safety tips for a celebratory Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is an exciting time for friends and family to gather and celebrate America. While most Independence Days are filled with fireworks, cookouts and parades, this holiday can also be one of the most dangerous. On average, 280 people visit the emergency room every day around July 4th with fireworks-related injuries. According …