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Join Us for This Month's Safety Council Meeting
๐ Wednesday, August 19, 2026
๐ฆ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
๐ Our Lady of the Cedars
507 S. Cleveland Massillon Road
Fairlawn, OH 44333
๐ BOGO Special This Month!
Buy One, Bring One FREE!
Register for this month's Active Threat Response Training and bring one attendee FREE with each paid registration.
๐ Important Registration Information
- All FREE attendees must be registered to attend and must sign in at the meeting.
- If you have prepaid for the year, you may still take advantage of this month's BOGO offer. Simply register your FREE attendee below using promo code: BOGO.
- If you have not prepaid for the year, register yourself and your FREE attendee at the same time. Use promo code BOGO during registration to receive the complimentary registration.
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๏ปฟActive Threat Response Training
Presented by
Officer Lauri Natko
Akron City Police Department
Community Relations
Emergencies can happen anywhere. Are you prepared to respond?
Join Officer Lauri Natko for an informative and engaging presentation on the Run, Hide, Fight and A.L.I.C.E. response concepts for active threat incidents. Participants will learn practical strategies that can improve their ability to respond effectively and increase their chances of survival during a critical incident.
This training applies to everyoneโwhether you work in an office, manufacturing facility, school, healthcare setting, retail environment, or simply want to be better prepared in everyday life.
Don't miss this important opportunity to learn lifesaving response strategies for yourself, your coworkers, and your loved ones.
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๐ค This Month's Advertising Sponsor
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The Summit County Safety Council is proud to recognize Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL) as this month's advertising sponsor.
ARDL is a trusted provider of testing, research, development, and consulting services for the rubber, polymer, plastics, and related industries. With decades of experience, ARDL helps manufacturers ensure product quality, improve performance, meet regulatory requirements, and solve complex material challenges.
We appreciate ARDL's support of the Summit County Safety Council and its commitment to advancing workplace safety, innovation, and excellence throughout our region.
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FY27 Safety Council Rebate Program
July 1, 2026 โ June 30, 2027
The FY27 Safety Council Rebate Program continues to offer a 3% BWC premium rebate (up to $5,000) for eligible employers who meet the program requirements.
To qualify, participants must earn 10 meeting credits during the program year.
How to Earn Credits
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Monthly Safety Council Meetings
Earn one credit per month by attending your enrolled Safety Council's monthly meetings between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
๐ External Safety Training (Maximum of Two Credits)
Earn up to two credits by completing eligible safety training, including:
- BWC in-person training
- BWC Virtual Training Courses (VTC)
- In-person training provided by industry associations, third-party administrators (TPAs), or other approved safety organizations
- Attendance at the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (one credit per day of in-person attendance, up to two credits)
Important: Certificates of completion must be submitted to the Safety Council sponsor no later than June 30, 2027.
๐ฆบ BWC On-Site Safety Consultation
Receive two credits (available once every three years) by completing a BWC on-site consultation that includes:
- A full hazard assessment
- A claims review
- Submission of the official BWC Assessment Report to the Safety Council sponsor by June 30, 2027
Enrollment Information
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Current Members
If your company is already listed as a participating member, no action is required. Your Safety Council enrollment automatically carries forward into FY27.
๐ New Participants
If your company is not currently enrolled and would like to participate in FY27, please submit a completed Enrollment Form by September 30, 2026.
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๐ฆบ Cari's Safety Corner
Q: Can I use a lockout/tagout lock to place a piece of equipment out of service?
A: No, in most cases it is not appropriate to use a LOTO lock for placing a piece of equipment out of service. The OSHA LOTO standard (29 CFR 1910.147) states that LOTO devices "shall not be used for other purposesโ and applies only to the servicing and maintenance of equipment where unexpected energization or stored energy could cause injury. Out-of-service status for production, efficiency, or administrative reasons
does not fall under servicing or maintenance.
OSHA has clarified in a formal letter of interpretation that using LOTO devices for out-of-service purposes reduces the integrity of the LOTO program because these devices must have one clear and consistent meaning: โDo not energize.โ
If your facility uses โOut of Serviceโ tags or locks:
- They must be visually distinct from LOTO devices.
- Both affected and authorized employees must be trained on when and how these markers are used.
- Your written LOTO policy should clearly outline the process, including who applies out-of-service tags and under what circumstances.
If youโd like to discuss how to implement โOut of Serviceโ procedures or update your written policy, feel free to reach out to your BWC safety consultant.
| Cari Gray is an Industrial Safety Consultant Specialist with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC). | | |
Participate in Safe & Sound Week 2026: August 10-16, 2026 Safe & Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America's workers safe. | | | | |
National Traffic Safety Awareness Month | National Traffic Safety Awareness Month is observed annually throughout the month of August. It is a dedicated period to promote road safety and prevent traffic accidents by encouraging drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to be mindful of traffic rules and safe practices. | | | | |
Reducing wildfire smoke exposure: NIOSH has a new resource | The agency offers strategies for dealing with this "major health hazard." | | | | |
August Safety Topics: Essential Workplace Safety Tips You Need | Discover 12 essential August workplace safety tips to keep your team safe during summer and back-to-school seasons. Stay protected! | | | | |
August Safety Topics for Toolbox Talks | Learn about essential workplace safety topics for August toolbox talks, from building safety to mental health awareness. Keep your employees informed and engaged in creating a safe work environment. | | | | |
Back to School Safety Checklist | As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, remember these key tips to help keep kids safe and healthy. | | | | | |
๐ฉบ Upcoming Health & Wellness Events in Summit County
Take a break from the daily routine and explore these local events designed to promote wellness, physical activity, and community engagement.
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Wednesday, August 12
๐ฆ 11:30 a.m. โ 12:15 p.m.
๐ Lock 3 Park, Akron
Join the Downtown Akron Partnership for a guided walking tour of downtown Akron. Discover local public art, small businesses, and exciting downtown developments while enjoying a refreshing lunchtime walk.
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Saturday, August 1 & Saturday, August 22
๐ 5:00 โ 8:00 p.m.
๐ Cascade Plaza, 122 S. Main St., Akron
Lace up your skates and enjoy an evening of old-school roller skating, music, and family-friendly fun in the heart of downtown Akron.
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Sunday, August 16
๐ 10:00 a.m.
๐ Northside Green, 21 Furnace St., Akron
Relax and recharge with a FREE outdoor vinyasa yoga class led by instructors from Yoga Squared. Bring your yoga mat and enjoy a peaceful morning in the Northside District.
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Thursday, August 20
๐ 5:30 โ 7:00 p.m.
๐ Peg's Gallery Multi-Purpose Room, 53 First St., Hudson (or attend virtually)
Join Peg's Foundation for an engaging discussion exploring art, history, and the evolving conversation surrounding women's mental health. Participants may attend in person or online.
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Upcoming SCSC Training
โค๏ธ CPR
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Tuesday, September 22, 2026
๐ฃ 8:30 a.m. โ 2:00 p.m.
๐ Our Lady of the Cedars
507 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road
Fairlawn, OH 44333
๐ฒ Cost: $50 for active SCSC members (includes lunch)
Be prepared to respond when every second counts.
This comprehensive, hands-on training provides certification in:
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- CPR
- First Aid
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Stop the Bleedยฎ
Expert instructors from Shull Medical Educators will provide practical instruction and guide participants through real-world emergency response scenarios. Upon successful completion, participants will earn certification through the Health & Safety Institute (HSI).
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๐ฐ Ohio BWC News & Resources
Stay informed about the latest programs, training opportunities, and resources available through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).
๐ฐ Safety Intervention Grant (SIG)
The Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) Program helps employers improve workplace safety by providing 3-to-1 matching funds of up to $40,000 for eligible state-fund private and public employers. Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment that substantially reduces or eliminates workplace injuries and illnesses associated with specific tasks or operations.
Important Update: Due to strong interest in the program, applications were temporarily closed on March 31, 2026. BWC is currently reviewing submitted applications and will continue processing them until available funding has been fully awarded.
๐ฉบ Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program
The Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) Program combines several former BWC initiatives into one comprehensive program designed to help employers prevent workplace substance misuse while supporting employee recovery.
The SUPR Program includes:
- Drug-Free Safety Program (DFSP)
- DFSP Safety Grants
- Substance Use Recovery and Workplace Safety (SUR) Program
๐ Updated Safety Services Catalog
BWC has launched a new Safety Training webpage, making it easier than ever to find safety education.
The updated catalog allows employers to:
- Browse courses by industry and topic
- Register online through the Learning Management System (LMS)
- Access both in-person and virtual training opportunities
๐ป Virtual & In-Person Training
BWC continues to offer a wide variety of instructor-led virtual and classroom training courses throughout the year.
๏ปฟ
Virtual Training Courses (VTCs) provide the same BWC program credits as their in-person counterparts, giving employers greater flexibility while meeting Safety Council participation requirements.
Available Resources
Take advantage of these free BWC learning opportunities and tools:
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๐ง BWC eNotifications โ Stay informed about new training, grants, deadlines, and safety resources delivered directly to your inbox.
| | | ๐ Highlights from July's Happy New Year Celebration
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๐ Know a Safety Champion?
Want to nominate someone who demonstrates exemplary safety leadership or consistently goes above and beyond to create a safer workplace?
The Summit County Safety Council is looking to recognize individuals who make a positive impact through their commitment to workplace safety, health, and accident prevention.
Whether it's a coworker, supervisor, manager, or employee, we want to hear their story!
Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate those who are making safety a priority every day.
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๐ค Advertising & Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase Your Business to Northeast Ohio's Safety Professionals!
The Summit County Safety Council is offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to promote their products and services to approximately 150 professionals in the health, safety, environmental, and human resources fields during one of our monthly Safety Council meetings.
Our sponsorship program is a great way to increase your company's visibility while supporting workplace safety and education throughout Summit County.
Sponsorship Benefits
As a monthly sponsor, you'll receive:
- ๐ง Featured e-newsletter advertisement during your sponsorship month (distributed to approximately 700 contacts)
- ๐ผ๏ธ Company logo included on the monthly meeting reminder email (sent two days before the meeting)
- ๐ Company name and website link featured on our Events page for one month leading up to the meeting
- ๐ค Up to five minutes to introduce your company during the meeting opening
- ๐ Display table at the meeting for brochures, promotional materials, and signage
- ๐ฝ๏ธ Two complimentary lunches at your sponsored meeting
Sponsorship Criteria
To ensure our sponsorships provide value to our members:
- Your company's products or services should align with workplace health, safety, environmental, or human resource objectives.
- Newsletter advertising materials (logo, contact information, tagline, call-to-action, etc.) must be submitted by the 29th of the month preceding your sponsorship month.
- Sponsorships are limited to one meeting per company per fiscal year.
- Summit County Safety Council maintains a no-solicitation policy and cannot provide member contact information. A current membership roster is available on our website.
Investment
$200 per meeting
Reserve Your Sponsorship Today!
Meeting sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information or to reserve your sponsorship, contact:
Sally Cox
๐ 330-806-1676
๐ง summitcountysafetycouncil@gmail.com
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