Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Comp Awards More Than $258,000 to Support Workplace Safety

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today announced nine safety intervention grants were awarded to employers during the month of August. The Safety-Intervention Grant Program assists Ohio employers in reducing illnesses and injuries and creates a partnership with them to establish best practices for accident and injury prevention.

“We have more money available for safety-minded businesses this year, thanks to Governor Kasich’s support of increased statewide efforts to promote workplace safety and encourage further investment in protecting Ohio’s workers,” said Buehrer. “With triple the dollars previously available, expanded eligibility, and a $3 BWC match for every $1 an employer contributes, the safety grant program is a common sense solution for employers looking to keep their workers safe and reduce workers’ comp costs.”

BWC issued safety-intervention grant checks to the following businesses and government entities in August.

Copley Township (Summit County)

BWC awarded $6,745 to purchase a lift gate to reduce the risk of injury to the shoulders, neck, wrists, hands, back and legs. These injuries are often the result of repetitive motion, awkward postures and heavy lifting. Copley Township is a political subdivision in Summit County. The township provides a full range of services to its residents, including fire, EMS, police and road services.

Coventry Township (Summit County)

BWC awarded $36,943 to purchase a brush clipper, hydraulic winch and grapple to reduce the risk of injury to the upper and lower extremities due to heavy lifting, repetition and contact stress. Coventry Township is a small municipality located in south Summit County. Coventry Township is responsible for tree trimming and tree removal from township roads.

Gator Construction Inc. (Stark County)

BWC awarded $40,000 to purchase a paver machine to reduce the risk of injury to the hands, shoulders, wrists, back and legs related to repetitive motion, heavy lifting and awkward postures. Gator Construction is a commercial landscape construction company. The company specializes in retaining wall structures, brick/paver walkways, patios, streets, and parking lots, including environmentally safe, permeable pavers.

Maloney and Associates Inc., dba Canton Chair rental (Stark County)

BWC awarded $12,652 to purchase a lift gate to reduce slips, trips and falls, and lifting injuries. Canton Chair rental is a full-service party and event rental equipment store that rents chairs, tables, linens, tents, concession and AV equipment.

Ohio Precision Molding Inc. (Summit County)

BWC awarded $40,000 to purchase a central loading and blending system to reduce the risk of strains, repetitive motion and falling injuries related to manual material handling. Ohio Precision Molding, Inc. is a contract manufacturer specializing in plastic injection molding.

Plymouth Township (Ashtabula County)

BWC awarded $36,626 to purchase two cot power load systems to reduce the risk of injury related to manually lifting and loading/unloading patients into and out of emergency vehicles. Plymouth Township Fire Department is a volunteer-based fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider in Northeast Ohio. Plymouth Township Fire Department provides EMS and transport for patients from the scene of an emergency to a hospital.

Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (Hamilton County)

BWC awarded Sisters of Charity $5,215 to purchase a casket transporter to reduce the risk of injury to the hands, shoulders, back and legs related to repetitive motion, awkward postures, kneeling, twisting and forward bending of the torso. Sisters of Charity provides for the extended care of the retired Sisters of Charity in independent living in their Motherhouse, and in Mother Margaret Hall, the licensed long term care facility on campus, in both Assisted Living and Skilled Care Settings.

W & W Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services LLC (Highland County)

BWC awarded $40,000 to purchase a multi solvent machine to reduce the risk of exposure to noise and air contaminants. W & W Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services, LLC, is a dry cleaner that services southern Ohio. W & W Dry Cleaners handles everything from fire and flood restoration to every day shirt pressing.

Whitacre Greer Co. (Mahoning County)

BWC awarded $40,000 to purchase seven air cannons and a compressor to reduce the risk of injury to the upper and lower extremities related to slips, trips and falls, awkward positions and manual material handling. Whitacre Greer is a century old, family owned manufacturer of clay pavers and fire brick.

Ohio private and public employers are eligible for safety intervention grants, which include a 3-to-1 matching amount up to a maximum of $40,000. Quarterly data reports and follow-up case studies help BWC determine the effectiveness of employers’ safety interventions and establish best practices.

Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation