Fallen Ohio Workers Honored
Honoring Ohio’s fallen workers Scholarships available for families impacted by workplace injuries and fatalities BWC honored Ohioans who died as a result of a workplace accident or illness August 31 at the seventh annual Fallen Workers Memorial. The names of the 120 workers lost* were read aloud during the ceremony, and their memories honored by three tolls of BWC’s Memorial Bell. BWC Administrator/CEO Sarah Morrison also promoted Kids’ Chance Ohio, a charitable organization that provides scholarships to the children of workers severely injured or killed on the job. “This annual memorial is a solemn tribute and moving reminder that Ohioans are not guaranteed a safe return home at the end of their workday,” said Morrison. “As we grieve for their families, what better way to honor the fallen than to advance a culture of safety in all Ohio workplaces and support survivors as they forge a bright future.” The entire 30-minute ceremony is available for viewing on The Ohio Channel. Northeast Ohio police officer and amputee found ability in disability Ryan Nagy, a police officer from Middleburg Heights, lost his right leg while issuing a citation in 2005. A pickup truck rear-ended his cruiser on the side of the highway and pinned him between his car and the one he had stopped. Ryan’s successful return to work and a normal life following his above-the-knee amputation is a testament to teamwork along with BWC and finding ability in disability with a courageous attitude. His motivation, goal setting, collaboration and a strong support system at home and at work made the difference. Not only has he returned to work, he joined BWC staffers Jim Landon and Mukesh Singh on the Wounded Heroes’ Trek of Hope through the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal last year to raise amputee awareness, and funds for victims of a 2015 earthquake in Nepal. We invite you to learn more about Ryan’s inspiring story and the importance of support and motivation in returning pre-injury quality of life following a catastrophic workplace injury. Read a blog written by Jim and Mukesh, Motivation equals success, on the BWC Blog and hear from Ryan in this video on our YouTube channel. Statute of limitations for filing claims changed to one year The BWC budget bill (Substitute House Bill 27) signed into law by Ohio Governor John R. Kasich on June 30 includes a decrease in the statutory timeframe to file a claim for injury or death* from two years to one year. The effective date for the changes is Sept. 29. Other than the reduced timeframe, the claims process, (which can be found in BWC Basics for Employers) is the same. You can file a claim and automatically receive a claim number at bwc.ohio.gov. Or, you can report the claim to your managed care organization using the First Report of an Injury, Occupational Disease or Death. Remember, prompt filing of a claim and treatment results in better medical and return-to-work outcomes. Of course, the best claim is the one that never happens. BWC encourages employers to invest in the prevention of injuries to keep Ohio workers healthy and productive. Visit BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene web page to learn about free safety consultations, grants, and education and training that will help keep your employees safe on the job. *The change does not affect claims for occupational diseases Exhibit at BWC's Safety Congress & Expo 2018 We’re now accepting applications for exhibitors at our annual Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC18). The Ohio Safety Congress & Expo is the largest and longest-running regional occupational safety, health and workers’ compensation event in the United States. Exhibiting in the OSC18 Expo Marketplace will help businesses meet new customers, strengthen existing relationships and reinforce their brand. Last year’s event attracted more than 7,300 representatives from business and government attended – setting a new record for attendance. We offer discounts for applications received by Dec. 8, 2017. To view our Exhibitor Prospectus or to reserve booth space, click here.
|