Media Advisory: Feb. 22, 2010

Registration Open for 2010 BWC Safety Congress

Free event provides education and information to help keep workers safe

COLUMBUS – Ohio employers are encouraged to register for the upcoming Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, sponsored by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Safety Congress is the largest occupational safety and health event in the Midwest. Safety Congress features diverse programming on the latest advances in occupational safety and health to prevent occupational accidents and injuries and reduce workers’ compensation costs. This free, three-day event will be held March 30 through April 1 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

“The key to saving money on workers’ compensation insurance premiums is investing in the safety of our workforces,” said BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan. “BWC recognizes that employers are busy serving the needs of their customers. Safety Congress is designed to give them a one-stop opportunity to gain knowledge about the latest safety advances, techniques and products to help prevent workplace illnesses and injuries.”

Safety Congress offers informative general sessions featuring nationally-recognized experts, safety demonstrations and roundtable discussions designed to give employers a chance to problem solve with their peers. This year, BWC has expanded the educational component of Safety Congress by offering more than 150 courses that cover many areas related to workplace safety and workers’ compensation claims management. For the first time, many of these courses will fulfill BWC safety program requirements and allow participants to earn free continuing education credits (CEU).

The Expo Marketplace will be held on March 31 and April 1 and features more than 200 vendors of safety products, tools, personal protective equipment and services. The Expo allows Ohio businesses to have first-hand information about the most current safety products and equipment, view demonstrations, and build lasting beneficial relationships with the manufacturers and distributors of these products.

While the event is free, employers are encouraged to pre-register online at ohiobwc.com. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. On-site registration will also be available.

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