Talk safety with us at the Farm Science Review

By Erik Harden, BWC Public Information Officer With nearly 78,000 farms producing $9.3 billion in revenue, Ohio is one of the top five states in the U.S. for agriculture. This robust industry remains a critical component of Ohio’s economy and one of the state’s major industries for employment. It’s also high-hazard work with great potential …

Ten ways to take action for National Preparedness Month

Whether natural or man-made, disaster can strike at any time. Which is why it’s so important to be prepared. Next week marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month, so it’s a great time to check on your planning – at home and in the workplace. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this year’s theme …

Ohio BWC honored to host national conference

Thank you to everyone who helped make it a success By Kendra DePaul, BWC Other States Coverage Manager Almost 500 workers’ comp professionals traveled to Cleveland the week of July 21 for the 2019 American Association of State Compensation Insurance Funds (AASCIF) Annual Conference. We are happy to report the conference was a resounding success! …

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 …

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 …

BWC, ODJFS: Online training to help injured workers

OhioMeansJobs webinars available for continuing education credit By Tina Elliott, Director, BWC Return to Work Services To help Ohio’s injured workers return to work, we’re continuing our partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) through its OhioMeansJobs.com website. A recording of our joint training series with ODJFS is now available online. …

Physician’s note: Start the back-to-work conversation

A first-appointment transitional plan can help an injured worker before the claim is approved By Adam King, BWC Public Information Officer Constance was working a late shift when she slipped and fell. She jarred her arm and wrist trying to catch herself and twisted her back as she landed awkwardly. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ …

Walking the walk: BWC, Ohio connect recovery to employment at the Kennedy Forum

By Dr. Terrence Welsh, BWC Chief Medical Officer, Forum panel member I was honored to be a part of last week’s Kennedy Forum 2019 in Chicago! The mission of this annual event is to create lasting change in the way mental health and addictions are treated in our healthcare system. The forum envisions parity in …

Looking out for aging workers

May is Older Americans Month By Stephanie McCloud, Administrator/CEO, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Americans are living longer, and they’re working longer too. Today, one in every five American workers is over 65, and in 2020, one in four American workers will be over 55, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the …

Work comp doc: ‘Look at patients holistically’

Counseling, coaching help patients overcome ‘behavioral barriers’ to recovery By Tony Gottschlich, Public Information Officer The human body is more than a machine. And when it breaks down, simply repairing the parts won’t get it running again, especially when fear and poor coping skills are involved. That was the message Friday from the chief medical …