The Mid-Ohio Valley Safety Council was honored as the second best Safety Council of the Year for 2009 by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Division of Safety & Hygiene. With a record of excellence and dedication in the promotion of occupational safety and health, the Mid-Ohio Valley Safety Council offers a program for safety education, fostering a culture of safety in the workplace. 

 

Susan Burkhart, President of the Safety Council said “Our Safety Council, for the second time, has been awarded the honor of ranking second in the State of Ohio. Given the fact there are more than 80 Safety Councils in the State of Ohio, this speaks volumes to our Safety Council’s commitment of the community. We assisted the Washington County Career Center with incorporating safety as part of their core curriculum and the student graduates now have a head start on their employment search because of safety related credentials stated on their resumes. Businesses interested in locating in our community know safety is a number one priority because of the strength of our Safety Council and the relationship it has developed with our local community.”

 

In 2009 the Safety Council began the Youth Safety Initiative and partnered with the Washington County Career Center in bringing a safety message to the next generation of our workforce.  During the year the Safety Council and Career Center conducted OSHA 10 & 30 hour training, held a Youth Safety Day featuring 70 classes focused on health and safety and area businesses donated safety related equipment for the student’s unable to purchase the safety items needed for obtaining a job or succeeding in their jobs.

 

 

Washington County Commissioner Sam Cook stated “An integral part of our local economy is a strong Safety Council working with local businesses to provide relevant education, training and information. Businesses interested in locating in our community ask the local Chambers of Commerce about area Safety Council programs and workers' compensation rates. We are very pleased the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has honored our Mid-Ohio Valley Safety Council by declaring it as one of the best Safety Councils in the State of Ohio.”

 

Lori Smith, Manager of the Mid-Ohio Valley Safety Council said “It is an honor to be recognized at a state level for the level of safety commitment by our local business and industry. They are committed to safety, active in the community and continue to promote safety not only at work but at home. The Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to co-sponsor the Safety Council with the Ohio BWC.”

 

Charlotte Keim, President of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce said “It is quite an achievement for a small Safety Council in southeastern Ohio, competing against safety councils in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and other metro areas, to win this award. This honor reflects the commitment and leadership of Lori Smith who has worked tirelessly to promoting safety.  Equally important, it reflects the dedication of the Safety Council Board: President Susan Burkhart, Washington County;  President-elect Dave Fleming, Greenleaf Landscapes; Past President Gene Mallett, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Steve Cunningham, AEP Muskingum River Plant; Doug Currey, Americas Styrenics; Machell Hague, Green Valley Co-Op; Jim Harris, Broughton Foods; Candice Heiss, J.A. Schwendeman & Sons; Barbara Lockhart, Marietta Occupational Health Partners; Gary O’Brien, Globe Metallurgical; Carmen Shafer, Shafer Safety Solutions, Tracy Thompson, Ohio BWC and board advisors Cindy Bennett and Cheryl Kiggans, Pioneer Pipe.”

 

 

Established in 1988, the Mid-Ohio Valley Safety Council is a co-sponsored by the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio BWC Division of Safety and Hygiene.  Safety councils work with BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene to increase safety awareness in the workplace and educate businesses on occupational safety and health issues. Each year, the BWC recognizes the top four safety councils around Ohio. Success is measured by increasing membership participation and safety performance. These safety councils provide their local communities with quality programs addressing occupational safety and health, workers’ compensation and risk management education and information. They inform participants about new techniques, products and services, and provide a thorough knowledge of these

services.