The Greater Cleveland Safety Council
Making the Greater Cleveland Area a Safer Place to Live & Work
The Greater Cleveland Safety Council (GCSC) is a community-based organization that promotes safety and prevents injury in the workplace, at home, in schools, and on the highways. Whether at work or play, our safety council works hard to make the Greater Cleveland Area a safer place to live & work.
We help educate in matters of public safety and hygiene, support the efforts of public agencies that promote health & safety, provide members and others who seek assistance with health & safety training, and work within the community to sponsor and endorse activities that promote safety.
Greater Cleveland Safety Council’s
37th Annual
Safety Day at the Zoo
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 26th from 10 am until 2 pm.
WHERE:
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo at the Palava Hut Pavilion and adjoining area.
WHO:
All Safety Council members and friends are invited to participate.
WHY:
This event is part of the Safety Council’s Community Outreach Efforts to promote safety, good health, and protection of the environment through education.
EXTRA:
We are looking for sponsors to help fund the cost of Volunteer T-Shirts.
Help Wanted
The Greater Cleveland Safety Council has a job opening for a bookkeeper. This position requires someone who is attentive to detail, good organizational skills, effective communication skills, excellent data entry skills, and ability to meet deadlines. As the bookkeeper, you would be responsible for recording the Council’s financial accounts information including fulfilling the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions. Your duties would include reviewing accounting records for accuracy; maintaining records of all bank accounts; preparing checks for paying bills or posting payments electronically when appropriate; making and tracking invoices and posting payments; tracking taxes due and posting payments; provide financial reports upon request.
This is a part-time position that requires 2 days a week (4 hours each day for a total of approximately 8 hours per week). Familiarity with QuickBooks and general bookkeeping principles is essential.
Those interested please contact Tom Rabe at 216-621-0059.
Complacency and the workplace
The term complacency, doing the same task for so long without incident that you assume nothing will ever happen, can become a challenge in any workplace. Complacency can affect anyone at any age regardless of their experience but there are ways to spot complacency among yourself and your employees. All too often employees do not realize how complacent they actually have become until they have a near miss or close call; such events tend to jumpstart hearts and refocus proper attention, at least for a little while, to the importance of tasks at hand.
Many times, employees are unaware of complacency and as they work through their daily job functions, they lose sight of hazards that may exist. Some may feel they are not affected by complacency but just letting your guard down for short time can be dangerous. One way to combat complacency is to be an engaged worker. Engaged workers are those that always work in the moment staying aware of the surroundings.
Let’s take an example of a person who performs a daily safety inspection before operation. This daily routine occurs for months even years without incident. Then the employee decides to skip the inspection. Then another time and soon inspections are being done less frequently and then something happens. Perhaps the employee doing the inspection gets injured or one of their fellow workers. Either way the results can be terrifying.
Usually the best person to spot complacency is the employee themselves, but complacency can mean they don’t see the dangers right in front of them. To stay safe, teach employees how to identify complacency for themselves. This may include situations such as:
• Dissatisfaction with work and/or lack of motivation
• Missing steps in work processes
• Frequent near-misses or incidents
Since it can be difficult to recognize these signs for each employee, teach them to spot them in their co-workers. The more they learn how to recognize these signs, the easier it may be to identify them in other situations. When looking at signs of complacency from your employees keep an eye out for the following situations:
• Changes in attitude
• Noticeable increase or decrease in communication
• Tardiness for meetings or shifts
As we mentioned earlier, getting employees engaged is a key point in getting out of the rut of complacency. There are some steps to focus on that will help.
• By consciously focusing on the task will lead to setting them up for success.
• It is key to recognize and dismiss distractions when they come up.
• When approaching tasks look for improvements in the routine. Always be on the lookout for continual improvement.
• If possible, consider changing some elements of the work schedule for the day; the change could help them focus and keep them from falling into “cruise control” mode.
Identifying and addressing complacency is a team effort. Not only is it key for employees but the employer can assist by looking at opportunities to change things up. Some suggestions to consider for employers can include:
• Sharing the Mission— Remind employees of the company’s purpose and goals so they maintain a connection to the larger missions and emphasize that their behaviors have an impact.
• Avoid Routines—Repetition can be related to complacency, if possible, change up some of the tasks required to add variety to an employee’s job.
• Encourage Observation - Have employees briefly stop work and observe the actions of other as they work, observing others raises one’s own awareness as well as the awareness of their co-workers
• Correct Poor Performance— Mentoring programs and coaching help employees identify and change troubled practices and potential problems.
• Safety Talks – Make safety talks part of a daily routine and get employees involved.
• Share Knowledge – Have employees identify and share the steps they perform to complete a job. Having another set of eyes may help improve the process.
Complacency can be a dangerous thing, and everyone is susceptible. It can lead to underperformance, low client satisfaction, workplace accidents and low morale. But with team effort and employee engagement, complacency doesn’t have to run the workplace.
For more information, please contact Andy Sawan at 330.819.4728 or andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com
Ohio BWC reimbursing employers in Drug-Free Workplace program
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is reimbursing employers for workplace substance use-related activities. The BWC is partnering with the Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards to help employers more effectively manage substance use issues in their workplace. Through the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program (SURWSP), eligible employers can be reimbursed for qualifying expenses related to implementing and administering a drug-free workplace program which includes:
• Development and legal review of employer policies and procedures about substance use issues.
• Training for employees to understand substance use and their employer’s related policies.
• Training to equip supervisors and managers to better manage employee’s recovery.
• Recovery-supportive drug testing for prospective and current employees.
• Access to a free employee wellness incentive program, Better You! Better Ohio!
Who is eligible for the program:
Employers may apply for the program online and receive immediate determinations and an email confirmation with additional information. To be eligible the employer must pay into the State Insurance Fund, be current on all payments due to BWC, and be an active policy. Those not eligible for this program include Self-insuring (SI) employers, employers participating in a SI PEO, and state agencies. Employers can currently claim eligible expenses back to July 1, 2019. This retroactive reimbursement period will end July 1, 2022.
What counties are covered:
As of December 27, 2021, employers in all 88 counties in Ohio are eligible to participate in this program. The Ohio BWC directly manages the SURWSP in 65 of the 88 counties. Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards manage the program on behalf of the BWC in the remaining 23 counties. A map and complete listing of counties with a link to ADAMH or the BWC reimbursement process can be found here.
Changes to the program:
Recently, the BWC restructured reimbursement for drug testing. Reimbursement for testing is now only available to employers with written “second chance” testing policies. The maximum reimbursement for testing will be capped at $1,500 annually. Employers are not required to choose from the Drug Free Safety Program (DFSP) vendor to receive reimbursement.
For more information, please contact Sedgwick’s Andy Sawan at 330.819.4728 or andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com
Premium discounts, safety & Ohio workers’ compensation
Much of the discussion about workers’ compensation surrounds group rating programs and group retrospective rating programs. Both programs can effectively reduce the amount of premium that you pay to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The group programs provide premium discount and rebate opportunities for employers. Qualifying for a premium discount or rebate depends on claim costs relative to an employer’s size. Generally, employers qualify for the group programs by having a safe workplace with limited workers’ compensation injuries and costs. The best injury is one that never occurs. If you do have a workers’ compensation injury, there are strategies to help get the injured worker back to work. The goal should be to facilitate a prompt, safe return to work, limiting lost workdays and helping injured employees recover. A quick, safe return to work benefits both the injured worker and the employer.
Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is complex. A work injury can be an unsettling and stressful time for your employee and you. Sedgwick, as the administrator of our workers’ compensation program, is here to consult with you about any specific workers’ compensation questions, and we also offer various educational opportunities to help employers navigate Ohio’s workers’ compensation system.
There are numerous workers’ compensation educational opportunities available to you from Sedgwick, the BWC and other sources. We recommend that you explore the educational opportunities that are available to you, which can help you implement strategies for a safer workplace and reduced workers’ compensation costs. If you do have an injury, these educational opportunities will review ways to manage the injury to help the injured worker quickly get back to work and productivity.
Sedgwick has developed training options for our clients to assist in educating you on strategies to prevent an injury or limit the costs if an injury occurs. The resources page on the Sedgwick website (www.sedgwick.com/ohiotpa) includes safety resources and sample ‘Toolbox Talks’ to help you improve safety at your workplace. Additionally, Sedgwick holds webinars throughout the year on various workers’ compensation and safety subjects. Our workers’ compensation educational series is designed to familiarize you with Ohio’s workers’ compensation system and show you how to maximize your program. Webinar topics include:
• Introduction to Ohio workers’ compensation
• Understanding your rate calculation
• Destination Excellence
• Seven steps to a successful workers’ compensation program
• Cost containment strategies
The BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene is also an excellent resource for training opportunities. You can find ample BWC training options on their website (info.ohio.bwc.org). Additionally, the BWC holds an annual Ohio Safety Congress & Expo each year. Typically, Safety Congress takes place in the first quarter of the year. The Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, which began in 1927, is the largest free workplace safety conference in the United States.
Additional training resources are Safety Councils which are located throughout Ohio. The BWC's Division of Safety & Hygiene sponsors Safety Councils across the state, organized through local safety-minded organizations. These Safety Councils provide their local communities with quality programs addressing occupational safety and health, workers’ compensation and risk management education and information.
There are many options to help you successfully manage your workers’ compensation program. Leveraging your resources can help prepare you to minimize costs and preserve premium savings options. Additionally, leveraging your resources can help you position your employees to return home from work each day in the same healthy condition in which they came to work.
For more information, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Robert Nicoll at 330-418-1824 / robert.nicoll@sedgwick.com
Solutions for Ohio employers
For over 50 years, we’ve been helping employers navigate Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, providing services to help them control claim-related costs and reduce premiums.
Our team includes the experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp. The two companies merged and are now Sedgwick. We have provided claims and risk management consulting solutions for decades. Together, we serve nearly 65,000 Ohio employers including organizations of all sizes operating in various industries across the state.
Expert services
Workers’ compensation claims management
We provide prompt claims investigations to determine compensability, careful evaluation of claims prior to certification, and coordination of legal counsel, hearing representation, private investigations, case management and/or vocational expertise to bring complex cases to timely resolution.
Group rating program administration
Employers with better than average claim histories can join together through a sponsoring organization and pay a much lower premium. Programs administered by us have produced over $4 billion in savings since group rating was introduced in 1991.
Group retrospective rating program administration
Employers with claim costs below a predetermined amount have the opportunity to receive retrospective premium refunds at the end of three evaluation periods. We administer programs for cities, school districts and counties, as well as businesses in various industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, transportation and retail. Participants have earned over $630 million since the program began in 2009.
Education programs
We offer comprehensive educational programs covering a variety of topics related to claims management, cost containment strategies, rate development, alternative rating programs, return to work strategies, safety practices, loss prevention, industry and legislative issues, and current trends.
Program consultation
Our industry leading experts review each client to ensure participation in programs that may help them save the most on premiums, such as group rating, group and individual retrospective rating and deductible programs, and other options such as the Drug Free Safety Program, Destination Excellence, EM cap, Grow Ohio, One Claim Program, safety council and self-insurance.
Unemployment compensation services
Our experienced team also provides a wide range of cost-effective unemployment services such as claims management, hearing representation, charge auditing, strategic management reports, and an advanced solution for verification of employment and income data. We also offer unemployment tax management services to help businesses analyze tax liability, manage accounts and uncover possible savings.
We are here to help
Workers’ compensation premiums are among the largest operational expenses for any business. We help improve our clients’ programs and increase savings by simplifying and resolving complicated claim issues and helping them navigate the process.
You can learn more about Sedgwick — a leading global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits and integrated business solutions — at sedgwick.com.
Save Significantly on Your Workers’ Compensation Premium
Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers’ compensation costs? Through the Sedgwick workers’ compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers’ compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. 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. Their team includes the experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp. The two companies merged and are now Sedgwick. Together, they serve nearly 65,000 Ohio employers including organizations of all sizes operating in various industries across the state. Group rating programs administered by Sedgwick have produced over $4 billion in savings since group rating was introduced in 1991, and their group retrospective programs have returned over $630 million in premium refunds since the program began in 2009.
If your organization is not yet participating in this member benefit, and you would like to receive a free, no-obligation analysis from Sedgwick, email Robert Nicoll at robert.nicoll@sedgwick.com.
Contact Sedgwick:
Robert Nicoll
Phone: 330-418-1824
Email: robert.nicoll@sedgwick.com
Website: www.sedgwick.com/ohiotpa
Sedgwick Safety Resource Page
www.sedgwick.com/ohiotpa/resources
Adult Remedial
Driving Classes
The Greater Cleveland Safety Council provides Remedial Driving Classes for adults (persons 18 years of age and older) that are approved and certified by the Ohio Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Juvenile Driver Improvement Classes
The Greater Cleveland Safety Council provides a remedial driver training program for persons under the age of 18 years old. This class is approved and certified by the Ohio Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Upcoming Events
Become a Member
The Greater Cleveland Safety Council is a non-profit organization that works hard to educate and support its members and member businesses. There are a number of benefits exclusive to GCSC Members. Take a look through our site to see all that membership has to offer.
Classes & Training
The Greater Cleveland Safety Council offers a wide variety of classes & training programs. Businesses work with us to help promote health and safety in the workplace. Individuals work with us to promote personal health and safety. No matter what your needs are, we have a solution.
Our Commitment
Our Board and Staff are committed to promoting safety throughout the Greater Cleveland Area. Since 1917, our organization has helped Northeast Ohio Business and Residents avoid accidents and injury, take sound safety precautions, and maintain personal health.
Please explore our site to learn more about the benefits of joining our association, the training programs we offer, and some helpful resources.
GCSC is a charter member of the American Association of Safety Councils, an international organization comprised of Safety Councils from across the United States and Canada that works toward educating, communicating, and promoting health & safety measures.