September Is National Preparedness Month!
Join us for a focused safety session designed to strengthen your organization’s emergency readiness. During this presentation, we will:
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Review OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan requirements and discuss what they mean for your workplace.
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Explore the Akron Zoo’s emergency drills and procedures, highlighting practical approaches that can be applied across industries.
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Hear real-life successes and lessons learned from the Akron Zoo’s safety team to help improve your organization’s preparedness.
About Brenna Erjavec
Brenna Erjavec has been with the Akron Zoo for more than nine years. She began her career as an Animal Keeper and later served as Lead Animal Keeper for Hoofstock and Primates. Four years ago, she transitioned into the field of health, safety and security.
Her extensive background in animal care, combined with her expertise in occupational health, safety and emergency management, gives her a unique perspective on the complex challenges facing modern zoological institutions.
Brenna is passionate about fostering a culture in which the safety and well-being of both people and animals are prioritized. She develops programs and emergency-response strategies that support the zoo’s employees, guests and animals.
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The FY27 Safety Council Rebate Program offers eligible employers a 3% rebate on BWC premiums, up to $5,000, when all program requirements are met.
Participants must earn 10 meeting credits during the program year to qualify.
How to Earn Credits
Monthly Safety Council Meetings
Earn one credit per meeting by attending your enrolled safety council’s monthly meetings between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
External Safety Training
Maximum: 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 offered by industry associations, third-party administrators (TPAs), or other approved safety organizations
- Ohio Safety Congress & Expo attendance—one credit for each day attended in person, up to two credits
Important: Certificates of completion must be submitted to the Safety Council sponsor by June 30, 2027.
BWC On-Site Safety Consultation
Earn two credits, available once every three years, by completing a BWC on-site safety consultation that includes:
- A full hazard assessment
- A claims review
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Submission of the official BWC Assessment Report to the Safety Council sponsor by June 30, 2027
Enrollment Information
Current Members
If your company is already listed as a participating member, no action is required. Your Safety Council enrollment will automatically carry forward into FY27.
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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Question: What should we know about mold with all this rain and humidity, and what can we do to help prevent mold exposure?
Answer: With recent rain, flooding, and persistent humidity, indoor environments become more prone to mold growth. Mold spores are always present, but they quickly multiply when they land on damp surfaces and can damage building materials as they grow. Mold growth becomes more likely when moisture builds up and is not dried within 24 to 48 hours. Mold can appear in any color, and its spores and fragments can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory symptoms. To prevent mold exposure, here are a few tips (but remember mold cleanup guidance is based on the severity of the mold):
- If there is a water source or a leak that is causing the issue, get it stopped!
- If you do surface or air sampling – you may have other actions to take
- Clean all surfaces that have visible mold with a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to a gallon of water per the CDC). There are alternative chemicals on the market that could also be used
- ASHRAE recommends an indoor humidity between 30% and 60%
- A HEPA filter may help if sensitive to mold and other allergens
- Consider area dehumidifiers if humidity continues
- Consider duct cleaning
- If issues persist after at least identifying a potential water source, cleaning off the visible mold, and checking the filters, seek professional remediation assistance
Become familiar with OSHA’s Preventing Mold guidance and staying aware of moisture issues and following these steps can help us keep our spaces healthier and reduce mold risks at work.
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National Preparedness Month | National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. National Preparedness Month 2026 Theme Announced | | | | |
Food Safety Education Month | This month take an active role in preventing foodborne illness, also known as "food poisoning." The Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually - that's about 1 in 6 Americans each year. | | | | |
A Food Facts on Safe Food Handling from FDA to consumers. | | | | |
Construction Suicide Prevention Week | The week's theme, "Building on Progress," recognizes "what's working while continuing to push forward." | | | | |
Join NIOSH in Recognizing Respiratory Protection Day | NIOSH will recognize Respiratory Protection Day on September 1, 2026, to promote the proper selection and use of respirators in the workplace. | | | | |
10 September Safety Topics Your Staff Should Be Aware Of | As the summer winds down and September approaches, it's the perfect time to prioritize safety awareness in your workplace. This month presents a unique set of challenges. | | | | | |
Spree With Me: Quarry Hike
Tuesday, September 1 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park
Celebrate the first day of the Fall Hiking Spree with a guided naturalist-led walk. Discover the unique beauty and fascinating history of Deep Lock Quarry.
Learn More About the Quarry Hike
Stepping On: A Fall Prevention Workshop Series
Wednesday, September 2 | 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Green Branch Library Community Room
Designed for community-dwelling adults who have experienced a fall or are concerned about falling, this workshop series provides practical strategies to help participants remain independent, upright, and active. The program has been shown to reduce falls by 31%.
Learn More and Register
Mindful Art: Tai Chi in the Galleries
Sunday, September 13 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Akron Art Museum
Join instructor Nancy Gardner for a beginner-friendly Tai Chi session in the museum galleries. Participants should bring a yoga mat and an open, creative mind.
Registration is required. Admission is free for museum members and $15 for nonmembers, including museum admission.
Learn More and Register
Free In-Person Mental Health First Aid Training
Saturday, September 26 | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Centenary United Methodist Church | Akron, Ohio
Learn how to recognize signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health challenge, provide initial support, and connect the individual with appropriate resources during this free, in-person training.
Learn More and Register
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CPR Training
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Our Lady of the Cedars
507 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333
Cost: $50 for active SCSC members (includes lunch)
Be prepared to respond when every second counts.
This comprehensive, hands-on training provides certification in:
- CPR
- First Aid
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Stop the Bleed®
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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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.
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
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
Virtual & In-Person Training
BWC continues to offer a wide variety of instructor-led virtual and classroom training courses throughout the year.
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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BWC eNotifications – Stay informed about new training, grants, deadlines, and safety resources delivered directly to your inbox.
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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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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:
- Featured e-newsletter advertisement during your sponsorship month (distributed to approximately 700 contacts)
- Company logo included on the monthly meeting reminder email (sent two days before the meeting)
- Company name and website link featured on our Events page for one month leading up to the meeting
- Up to five minutes to introduce your company during the meeting opening
- Display table at the meeting for brochures, promotional materials, and signage
- 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
📞 330-806-1676
📧 summitcountysafetycouncil@gmail.com
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