December Resources from Sedgwick - OABA Member Service Partner

OABA is pleased to partner with Sedgwick to offer members quality service and stability through the complex workers’ compensation environment. Check out this update from Sedgwick regarding safety during the holidays and client education programs for workers' compensation.

Safety During the Holidays

The holidays are upon us! This is the time of year we spend with family and friends, do some shopping, decorate the house, cook meals, and hopefully, relaxing. It’s also the time of year where we may shift our focus away from safety. Remember, just because we are taking a break during the Holidays, doesn’t mean that safety will. In fact, with all the distractions the Holidays bring, it is more important than ever we maintain our focus on safety. In this month’s safety article, we will discuss safety tips when decorating and how to handle stress.

Decorations are a great way to get into the holiday spirit but putting up those decorations may be hazardous. A few tips to remember when decorating:

• Before using a using a ladder, inspect it for any damage and ensure it is placed on a stable surface. Landscaped areas provide potentially unstable bases.
• When putting up outdoor lights, be sure they are identified for outdoor use. Do not use indoor lights outside.
• Do not use damaged or frayed extension cords. Inspect them for any damage and replace them if necessary. 
• When you are using indoor/outdoor lighting, make sure there are no missing or broken bulbs.
• When attaching lights to the house, use clips. Nails or staples may cause damage to the string of lights and be a potential hazard.
• Indoor lights should be kept off the ground and away from high traffic areas to prevent breakage and accidental trips and falls.
• Be sure to turn off lights when leaving the house or going to bed. Most home fires occur during the evening and at night.
• If you decide to use a live Christmas Tree, be sure to keep it watered. A dry tree has a much higher potential to catch fire. 

The holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time with family and friends but sometimes stress can be overwhelming during this time. Here are some tips to help relieve some of that stress.

• Plan Ahead – If you are hosting a meal, be sure to plan a menu. Having a predetermined list will make grocery shopping easier.
• Budget for the Season - Create a budget for meals and gifts and stick to it.
• To-Do List – Create a To-Do list to keep you organized. Cross off those items so you feel a sense of accomplishment.
• If family or friends offer to help, take advantage of it. This could be one less thing on your “To-Do” List.
• Maintain Healthy Habits – The holidays are a time to indulge but keep it in moderation. Limit the amount of food and beverages you consume. Exercise is a great way stress reliever and a great way to recharge your batteries.
• Engage in activities that make you feel good: Reading a book, listening to music, taking a walk, or just having a conversation with family or friends.

Remember, don’t lose sight of what’s important. The Holidays should be an enjoyable time with family and friends and celebrating safely and stress-free is key to a successful Holiday Season. Finally, be sure you take control of the Holidays and don’t let the Holidays take control of you.

For more information, please contact Sedgwick’s Andy Sawan at 330.819.4728 or andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com.

Client Education Program for Workers' Compensation

Sedgwick offers a comprehensive, webinar-based education program to current clients, covering a variety of topics within the workers’ compensation industry. These training webinars are free to member clients of Sedgwick.

Sedgwick’s workers’ compensation educational series is designed to familiarize yourself with Ohio’s workers’ compensation system and show you how to maximize your program.

Webinar topics include:

• Introduction to Ohio workers’ compensation
• Understanding your rate calculation
• Destination Excellence
• Seven steps to a successful workers’ compensation program
• Cost containment strategies

New topics coming in 2023 include:

• Return to work strategies
• Workers’ compensation strategies for the smaller business

Sedgwick offers these educational programs once or twice monthly. The programs are designated for both private and public employers, private employers only or public employers only.  Additionally, all sessions qualify for 1-hour of the 2-hour Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation safety training requirement for group and group retrospective-rated employers.

Sedgwick will be offering OSHA/PERRP Recordkeeping webinars in December 2022 and January 2023. For questions or to register, please email sedgwickohriskservices@sedgwick.com

• OSHA Recordkeeping (private employers) will be offered:
  • December 6, 2022 – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • January 11, 2023 – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• PERRP Recordkeeping (public employers) will be offered:
  • December 6, 2022 – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • January 11, 2023 – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Recordkeeping Roundtable – Ask the experts (private and public employers) will be offered:
  • December 15, 2022 – 10:00 am to 11:00 am
  • January 18, 2023 – 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Sedgwick will be releasing their 2023 education program schedule in January.  Look for future communications with the dates, times and topics for the 2023 series.

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Rejeana Woolum-Napier, at 614.359.2403 or rejeana.woolum-napier@sedgwick.com.

Learn more about Sedgwick!

Did you know that many alternative discounts are available to help reduce your annual Ohio workers’ compensation costs? Through the OABA workers’ compensation program, your organization can significantly reduce your workers’ compensation costs through a variety of alternative rating programs. Our program, administered by Sedgwick, offers you quality service and stability through the complex workers’ compensation environment.

For over 50 years, Sedgwick has been helping employers navigate Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, providing services to help them control claim-related costs and reduce premiums. Our team includes the experienced colleagues from CompManagement and CareWorks Comp.

Learn more about how Sedgwick can help your company save significantly on your workers’ compensation premium by visiting www.oaba.net/services_workers_comp.