April Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

OABA is pleased to partner with Sedgwick to offer members quality service and stability through the complex workers' compensation environment. Check out this update from Sedgwick regarding Power Tool Safety at Work: Protecting People, Productivity and Property and Controlling Costs with the Disabilty Relief Program.

Power Tool Safety at Work: Protecting People, Productivity and Property

Power tools play an essential role in many industries, including construction, manufacturing and maintenance. Examples of some power tools include circular saws, drill presses, bench grinders, air hammers/chisels, concrete drills and torque wrenches. Even though these tools increase efficiency, they also introduce risks when not used properly. Injuries such as lacerations, eye injuries, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's), amputations and even hearing loss can lead to lost time, costly claims and long-term physical harm. So, it is important that employers create a strong culture of power tool safety to ensure a safe workplace.

An effective way to develop training on power tool safety is to review the safe work procedures outlined in the manufacturer's recommendations. Let's look at some commonly used safety practices and recommendations:

1. Understand the hazards that power tools can expose workers to, including:
   • Lacerations and punctures from sharp or fast-moving blades or bits.
   • Electrocution from damaged cords or improper grounding.
   • Eye injuries from flying debris.
   • Hearing damage from loud or prolonged operation.
   • Ergonomic injuries from vibration or awkward handling.
   • Fire hazards from sparks or overheating motors.

Encourage employees to stay alert and make safe decisions when operating the power tool.

1. Inspect tools before, during and after use. Employees should look for:
   • Damaged or missing guards.
   • Cracked housing.
   • Frayed electrical cords or exposed wiring.
   • Battery damage or leaks.
   • Properly functioning switches and controls.
   • Excessive noise, vibration or overheating.

If you find something wrong with the tool, stop using it immediately, tag it and remove it from service.

1. Incorrect use of a power tool is one of the most common reasons for injury. When operating tools, employees should:
   • Select the tool specifically designed for the task.
   • Avoid forcing a tool beyond its intended capacity.
   • Ensure accessories, such as bits, blades and discs are the correct size and type.
   • Never modify or remove safety guards.

The "right tool for the job" mindset reduces injury risk and helps prevent tool damage.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) acts as a layer of defense and employees must ensure they wear the appropriate PPE, which may include:
   • Safety glasses and / or face shields.
   • Cut-resistant or impact-resistant gloves.
   • Hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs
   • Steel-toed boots.
   • Dust masks or respirators.

Workers must be trained on the appropriate PPE to use for the specific tool, potential hazards and work environment.

1. Long-term safety requires regular attention to equipment, proper storage and maintenance. To achieve this, employees can:
   • Store tools in clean, dry, secure areas.
   • Keep cutting tools sharpened to reduce kickback.
   • Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules.
   • Recharge and store batteries correctly.
   • Perform regular inspections for safe operation.

A proactive maintenance program reduces downtime and protects workers from preventable hazards.

1. Safety relies on open communication so employers should encourage employees to:
   • Report damaged tools.
   • Notify supervisors of unsafe usage.
   • Ask for assistance if needed.
   • Participate in refresher training.
   • Share near-miss incidents to prevent future accidents.

Organizations benefit when safety becomes a shared responsibility rather than an individual task.

Power tools make work efficient but they require respect, training and care. By understanding hazards, using proper PPE, inspecting tools and maintaining clean work environments, employees can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents. For employers, promoting a culture of safety not only protects their workforce but also improves performance, reduces costs and strengthens compliance.

If you would like to know more about Sedgwick's safety services or would like to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact Andy Sawan at [email protected] or 330-819-4728.

Controlling Costs with the Disabilty Relief Program

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) offers the Disability Relief Program (formerly known as Handicap Reimbursement) to potentially offset claim costs and encourage employers to hire and retain employees with disabling conditions. Ohio Revised Code 4123.343 recognizes 26 conditions / disabilities in which, under some circumstances, the employer may be eligible for reimbursement of partial claim costs. The disability percentage awarded by BWC will reduce claim costs without reducing the benefits to the injured worker. The reduced claim costs can result in sizable premium reductions.

Eligibility Requirements

If an employee suffers a lost-time industrial injury/ occupational injury or death, the claim may be eligible for disability relief if it can be shown that the disability pre-existed the industrial injury or occupational disease and either caused the claim or contributed to increased costs or delay in recovery. Additionally, one of the following benefit types must have been paid in the claim:

• Temporary total compensation
• Permanent total disability
• Permanent partial-scheduled loss
• Survivor benefits
• Wages in lieu of temporary total disability

Application Filing Deadlines

Private Employers:

• If the date of injury is between Jan. 1 and June 30, the application must be filed by June 30 of the year no more than six years from the year of the date of injury or occupational disease.
• If the date of injury is between July 1 and Dec. 31, the application must be filed by June 30 of the year no more than seven years from the year of the date of the injury or occupational disease.

Public Employers:

• A public employer must file the application by Dec. 31 of the year no more than six years from the year of the date of the injury or occupational disease.

The Sedgwick cost containment team conducts reviews on claims which meet the eligibility requirements for disability relief, files the application and attends the disability hearing on behalf of our Ohio TPA clients.

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dave Deyo, at 614-3765401 or [email protected].

Learn more about Sedgwick!

Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers' compensation costs? Through the OABA workers' compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers' compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. Our program, administered by Sedgwick, offers you quality service and stability through the complex workers' compensation environment.

For over 50 years, Sedgwick has been helping employers navigate Ohio's workers' compensation system, providing services to help them control claim-related costs and reduce premiums. Our team includes experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp.

Learn more about how Sedgwick can help your company save significantly on your workers' compensation premium by clicking here.