2020 hit us all hard with one negative event after another; so let's strive to make the New Year a better one! One topic that needs addressed in the new year is workplace wellness. Not only are we being confronted with the physical effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; but the mental ramifications are also impacting workplace productivity and performance. Schedules have shifted, employees are working from home, and the post-holiday doldrums are settling in. What are employers and staff managers doing to help employees through this trying time? Our January presenter, Regina Bond, of Working Partners will focus on the impact that alcohol has on on the workforce, especially during the pandemic. Click Here to register for the January RCSC virtual meeting. You will notice a green confirmation box pop up after you register that includes the meeting link and meeting ID. Please email me prior to the meeting if you have not received the link.

Just days from now we'll have our sixth Ross County Virtual Safety Council meeting of the 2020-2021 season. It's this Thursday, January 14, 2021, 10am

To join/attend a meeting this year you MUST pre-register on our website.

As a reminder, all remaining virtual meetings this year will start at 10am (unless notified otherwise). We expect the presentations to take between 30-45 minutes with a brief question & answer portion immediately following.

The remainder of the 2021 Program Year will bring presentations on the following topics:

February--Cardiac Health

March--Severe Weather Preparation

April--Communicating with a Multi-Generational Workforce

May-- Electrical & Eye Safety

June--Developing a Safety-Conscious Work Culture

Focus this month is on employees' mental health during the 2020 Pandemic, and its obvious lasting effects on the workforce. The following article originally appeared in The Columbus Dispatch on September 26, 2020, as an op-ed, written by Dee Mason and distributed by Working Partners in December 2020.

Employees are the backbone of any organization. Without them being healthy, knowledgeable and able to perform their jobs, it's difficult to be successful. So even as employers are focused on surviving the economic havoc 2020 is wreaking, attention must be paid to the safety, health and productivity of the workforce...More

Our December poll question asked: In your opinion, what are the best measures to take to ensure worker safety post-quarantine?

The responses were split 50/50! Half feel that staggering worker break times and rearranging common areas is the best stategy. The other half feel that encouraging their team to discuss their safety and health concerns is an effective measure. Thnks to everyone for the feedback!

Learn more at Ohio Department of Health Healthy Homes

The Ohio TechCred application period is open through January 29, 3pm. TechCred helps businesses upskill their current and incoming workforce with tech-focused credentials. Learn More

 January 21, 2021: Premium installment due for the July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 policy year, if your company is on a monthly payment plan with the Ohio BWC. 

January 22, 2021: Deadline to enroll into Group Retrospective Rating with CareWorks Comp for the 2021 Policy Year.

 January 29, 2021: Deadline to enroll into the BWC One Claim Program (OCP) for the July 1, 2021 Policy Year.

**CLICK HERE FOR THE CAREWORKS JANUARY NEWSLETTER**

**CLICK HERE for the current issue of Safety and Health Magazine**

**CLICK HERE for the BWC Distance Learning offerings for 2021!**

The remainder of the 2020/2021 Program Year is almost set. Here's what members have to look forward to.