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Join us for a focused machine guarding safety session designed to strengthen everyday protection across all work areas. During this presentation, we will:
• Review when machine guarding is required and explain what “must be guarded” means.
• Explore common guarding mistakes and discuss simple ways to prevent them before injuries occur.
• Highlight available resources such as OSHA guidance, equipment manuals, and on‑site safety support, and explain where employees can get help when questions arise.
Meet the Presenter: Kelly Baker
Kelly Baker has more than 14 years of experience as an occupational safety and health consultant. She trained under Rob Medlock, retired Cleveland OSHA Area Director, and James Washam, retired OSHA Region V Machine Guarding and Lockout Coordinator.
Throughout her career, Kelly has conducted more than 500 safety and health audits and incident evaluations to determine causation, liability, and appropriate corrective measures. Following Mr. Washam’s retirement, she became SCR Safety Solutions’ machine guarding and lockout expert.
Kelly has also conducted technical research and developed professional opinions for intentional tort, Violation of a Specific Safety Requirement (VSSR), OSHA, and negligence cases. She provides senior-level safety and health consultation services to employers throughout Ohio and beyond.
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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
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Are you prepared?
At our September meeting, we talked about preparing for emergencies. The Summit County Safety Council Board is sharing these resources to help you take the next step at work and at home:
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Keep learning. A free half-day BWC Emergency Preparedness class is listed for March 3, 2027. Visit the BWC Learning Center for registration details.
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Go beyond the basics. Ready Business offers tools to help organizations plan for emergencies and disruptions.
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Question:
Why is it critical for drivers to maintain Assured Clear Distance, and how can we make sure we’re leaving enough room on the road?
Answer:
Following too closely is one of the leading causes of crashes in the United States, contributing to thousands of rear‑end collisions every year; in fact, nearly half of all two‑vehicle crashes involve one vehicle not maintaining enough stopping distance.
Assured Clear Distance is the space a driver needs to see and keep open in front of their vehicle so they can stop safely if something unexpected happens. Leaving this buffer is the simplest and most effective way to prevent rear‑end collisions and give drivers time to react to hazards like sudden stops, debris, weather changes, or pedestrian movement. To maintain Assured Clear Distance, drivers should keep a minimum 3–4 second following distance in normal conditions, increasing that gap in rain, snow, low visibility, or when carrying heavy loads. Regularly scanning the road ahead, avoiding tailgating, and staying alert to changing speeds in traffic all make it easier to hold this safe space. Maintaining Assured Clear Distance protects not just the driver, it protects everyone who shares the roadway.
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Celebrate NFPA Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 4-10 | This year's Fire Prevention Week focus on lithium-ion batteries works to better educate the public about how to charge safely. | | | | |
Enjoy a safe and healthy fall season with these tips and resources. | | | | |
National Protect Your Hearing Month | Learn more about noise and hearing loss and how to prevent it, especially in the workplace. | | | | |
Secure Your Business | CISA | Your business is digitally connected-to employees, vendors and customers-and it has valuable data that cybercriminals want. No business is too small to be a target. From ransomware to phishing, cyber threats are growing. In 2024, the FBI reported over $2.7 billion in losses from business email compromise alone, just one of many threats businesses face. | | | | |
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month | National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is observed annually in October to highlight the vital role of substance use prevention, education, and community health. | | | | |
100 Safety Talks for the Fall Season: Essential Topics for a Safer Workplace | 100 Safety Talks for the Fall Season : The fall season brings cooler weather, shorter daylight hours, and unique workplace hazards. From slippery leaves to heating equipment risks, employers must a... | | | | |
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - National Breast Cancer Foundation | October 1 to 31 is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Get 2026 breast cancer facts, key dates, free resources, and simple ways to take action with NBCF. | | | | | |
Summit Senior Expo
October 2, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A comprehensive, free wellness expo located at Summit Mall (3265 W Market St, Fairlawn, OH). It features local wellness businesses, healthcare resources, prizes, and social events tailored for older adults. 2026 Summit Senior Expo | Fairlawn, OH
Yoga Hike at Oak Hill Trailhead
Sunday, October 4 • 9 AM - 11 AM
Join us for a yoga hike with Kim Scott Sowinski, 500 RYT, in Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Power down and connect with nature while using all your senses: smelling the forest, seeing the textures and colors, feeling the breeze, listening to the birds, tasting the air while stopping to practice yoga postures (asana) and learning breath practices (pranayama) during your moderately paced hike. Lower your stress. Clear your mind. Increase creativity and cognitive function. Ideal for those ages 14 and older, yoga hikes are inclusive of all fitness and yoga abilities.
Yoga Hike at Oak Hill Trailhead Tickets, Sunday, October 4 • 9 AM - 11 AM | Eventbrite
Mindful Art: Yoga in the Galleries
Sunday, October 11 • 11 AM - 12 PM
This month, we will be joined by a certified instructor from HARVEST yoga + wellness for a beginner-friendly session. Please bring a yoga mat and an open, creative mind. Registration required. FREE for members / $15 for nonmembers, includes admission
Mindful Art: Yoga in the Galleries Tickets, Sunday, October 11 • 11 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite
Spree With Me: Hike & Campfire
October 25 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
FASN/Campfire Area) Join a naturalist to hike the 1.4-mile Seneca Trail to earn spree credit. Then, stick around for a campfire and s’mores while supplies last!
Spree With Me: Hike & Campfire - Summit Metro Parks
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CPR Training
Tuesday, March 2, 2027
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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