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Safety Insights


The Summit County Safety Council newsletter provides valuable safety information and resources to business owners and professionals, enhancing workplace safety and employee well-being across various industries. 

Join Us for This Month's Safety Council Meeting


Wednesday, May 20, 2026

11:30 AM

Our Lady of the Cedars


2025 Ohio Fire Code Updates:

What You Need to Know



Jamie Snyder

Northeast District Chief

Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal, Code Enforcement Bureau



The Ohio Fire Code establishes minimum fire safety standards for all structures, buildings, premises, vehicles and other loctions within Ohio. The 2025 version includes significant updates to improve overall fire safety and align with the latest standards.


Key takeways from Chief Snyder's presentation:


  • Understanding the key changes in the 2025 Ohio Fire Code and how they impact daily operations.
  • Identifying new requirements and emerging hazard areas included in the updated code.
  • Preparing your facility and staff for compliance ahead of implementation.


Jamie Snyder serves as the Northeast District Chief for the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal, Code Enforcement Bureau. He began his fire service career in 1978 with the Beach City Volunteer Fire Department. In 1983, he joined the City of New Philadelphia Fire Department, where he served for 25 years, including seven years as Fire Chief. Since 2008, Jamie has led code enforcement operations in the State Fire Marshal’s Northeast District, bringing decades of operational, leadership, and regulatory experience to the role.

 

May Spotlight on ...



JOG serves 2,000+ youth with multiple barriers to success, ages 14-24, in Ashland, Medina, Stark, Summit and Trumbull Counties annually.


Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) helps youth at risk of dropping out of high school, and those who have already done so, complete their education and successfully transition to employment at a livable wage or post-secondary job training.

JOG is an affiliate of the nationwide Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) organization and utilizes the evidence-based JAG curriculum, built on more than 85 competency areas, to provide academic intervention, counseling, employment readiness, leadership and career development, subsidized work experience opportunities, and job and post-secondary educational placement.

Review your FY26 Rebate Program Credits


If you are participating in the BWC’s Safety Council Rebate Program, there are only three regular meetings remaining to earn your FY26 Rebate Program credits. You must obtain 10 safety council credits between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.



Key ways to obtain credits:


• Monthly safety council meeting attendance – One credit per month for attending the enrolled council’s meeting.


• External training credits – Up to two credits for completing BWC safety training courses (in-person or virtual training courses (VTC) only), in-person safety training from external providers (e.g., industry associations, TPAs), or attending the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo® – one credit per day of in-person attendance (maximum of two credits). External training certificates must be submitted to safety council sponsor by June 30, 2026.


• BWC on-site safety consultation – Two credits (available once every three years). Must include a full hazard assessment, a claims review, and submission of the official BWC Assessment Report to the safety council sponsor by June 30, 2026. Contact a BWC Industrial Safety Consultant by May 15 to Schedule your onsite visit. Early scheduling will ensure the assessment and report are completed by June 30.


You may review your current meeting credits here.


View the External Training Guide for Employers here.

Cari's Safety Corner


Q: What electrical training is required for our employees, and who must be trained?


A: May is National Electrical Safety Month, and it’s a great reminder that electrical hazards can cause severe workplace injuries. Most companies know their maintenance employees need electrical training, but the National Electrical Code and NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace go a step further. These standards identify two categories of employees: qualified persons and unqualified persons. Qualified persons are employees who perform electrical work. All other employees are considered unqualified. Because of this, both groups require training, but the type and depth of training are very different.


Qualified persons must be trained in the construction and operation of electrical equipment, as well as how to identify and avoid electrical hazards. They also need to be familiar with precautionary techniques, electrical safety policies and procedures, PPE, insulating and shielding materials, insulated tools, and proper use of test equipment.


Unqualified persons must receive training in the electrical safety practices necessary to keep them safe while working near electrical hazards. This training must be refreshed at least every three years.


Job descriptions should clearly identify which roles are qualified versus unqualified. In addition, work instructions, including LOTO are a good way to identify the electrical tasks that are performed and support proper training assignments.



Cari Gray is an Industrial Safety Consultant Specialist with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC).

OSHA updates emphasis program on heat hazards

The revision includes a revised list of "high-risk" industries and guidance for agency inspectors on issuing citations.

National Electrical Safety Month educates the public about electrical fire hazards and related risks

Electricity helps simplify our lives, but it also poses serious risks, including shock and fire-related hazards.

About Building Safety Month - ICC

Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place in May to raise awareness about building safety. This campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

Your Ear Gear and Hearing Health - ENT Health

Your ear gear, the listening devices you wear in or around your ears, is a critical part of your hearing health.

International Roadcheck

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event when CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier...

SAMHSA unveils toolkit for Mental Health Awareness Month

The overall theme of this year's observance is, "See the Person. Support the Journey."

National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), OSHA approved State Plans, State consultation programs, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), the U.S.

Upcoming Health & Wellness events in Summit County, Ohio








Upcoming SCSC Training Opportunities


Commercial Drivers' Refresher Course


May 28, 2026 - 8:00am to noon


Our Lady of the Cedars

507 S Cleveland Massillon Rd

Fairlawn OH 44333


Cost: $15.00


This course is designed for commercial drivers and managers seeking a refresher on current Ohio and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The curriculum includes classroom and hands-on training covering Pre-Trip Inspection, Load Securement, Licensing, Distracted Driving, and more. The lead presenter for this session will be the Stark County Sheriff's Office.


CPR, First Aid, AED, Bloodborne Pathogen, Stop the Bleed


June 16, 2026 - 8:30am - 2:00pm


Our Lady of the Cedars

507 S Cleveland Massillon Rd

Fairlawn OH 44333


Cost for active SCSC Members - $50.00 (includes lunch)


Our CPR training and certification program offers comprehensive instruction in CPR, First Aid, AED Use, Bloodborne Pathogens Training and Stop the Bleed Certification. Expert instructors from Shull Medical Educators will guide you through the training and provide certification upon completion. Certified by the Health and Safety Institute (HSI).

Ohio BWC News


BWC Safety Intervention Grant


The Safety Intervention Grant Program (SIG) is now accepting applications! Employers can complete their application and their reporting requirements online. The SIG program provides 3-to-1 matching funds up to $40,000 for state fund private and public employers. The funds are available to purchase equipment to substantially reduce or eliminate injuries and illness associated with a particular task or operation. Important: Due to strong interest in the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) program, applications were temporarily close at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026. BWC will continue reviewing and processing all submitted applications until available funds have been fully awarded.


Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program


The Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Program (SUPR) combines the Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP), DFSP Safety Grants, and the Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety Program (SUR) into a single program to address workplace use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs.


Safety Services catalog


The Safety Services catalog has transitioned to the new Safety training webpage. The updated page organizes our safety training course offerings by type and industry. Customers can easily search for available courses and register directly through the Learning Management System.


Resources and Class Information



As part of the annual regular schedule BWC will offer a selection of instructor-led classes to be taught virtually. Both in-person and virtual classes will be scheduled. Instructor-led Virtual Training Classes (VTCs) will be provided the same BWC program credits as their in-person classroom counterparts.


Monthly learning - May, 2026

Includes In-person classes, Webinars, Virtual Training Classes and Online eCourses


Virtual Training Classes January 2026 - June 2026


In-person course schedule July 2025 - June 2026


Canton In-person course schedule July 2025 - June 2026


Safety for the non-safety professional - May 28 8:30 am - 4:15 pm


Learning Center


Micro Training Videos


Sign up for BWC's eNotifications


Highlights from April

Advertising Sponsorships


As a forum for workplace health and safety, Summit County Safety Council is offering opportunities for your company to showcase your product/services in front of approximately 150 people in the Health, Safety, Environmental and HR Fields during a monthly safety council meeting in the upcoming year (6/1/26 to 12/31/26). 


Advertising opportunities include:


  • E-newsletter ad for the month of sponsorship (sent the beginning of the month to approx. 700 contacts)
  • Logo on meeting reminder (sent two days prior to meeting)
  • Name and Link from our events page to sponsor's website for one month prior to meeting
  • Commercial speaking time up to 5 minutes during opening of the meeting
  • Display table at meeting for promotional materials, brochures, signage
  • Up to two paid lunches for sponsored meeting


Criteria:


  • The service or products your company provides must have some degree of relevance or be aligned with our objectives.
  • Newsletter ad info such as logo, tagline, contact information, call to action statement, etc. must be submitted by the 29th day of the month prior to the month of sponsorship.
  • Limit to one event per year.
  • We have a no-soliciting policy and cannot provide our membership contact information. However, a membership roster can be found on our website.


Cost: $200.00


Interested in sponsoring a meeting? Have questions or need more information? Call Sally Cox at 330-806-1676 or email summitcountysafetycouncil@gmail.com.

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