Media Advisory: March 31, 2009

BWC Kicks Off Safety Congress & Expo; 5,000 Attendees Expected Over Three Days

New Superintendent of Division of Safety & Hygiene Announced

COLUMBUS – Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Administrator Marsha Ryan today kicked off the 79th Annual Ohio Safety Congress & Expo. The three-day event offers safety demonstrations and education covering a variety of topics related to the safety and health of Ohio’s work force. Additionally some 250 exhibitors will demonstrate safety techniques, safety product information, and occupational health and safety resources.

“Safety is the one commodity business owners have that is guaranteed to save them money,” said Ryan. “By developing a safety culture in the workplace, employees remain safe and healthy. And employers can ensure the cost of their workers’ compensation insurance will remain as stable and low as possible. The Ohio Safety Congress & Expo is a terrific resource for Ohio employers. It allows them to learn about the latest safety products, practices and information needed to keep their work force safe.”

Nearly 5,000 people have registered for the free event held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The Ohio Safety Congress & Expo runs through Thursday, April 2. Employers can still register at the door or online at ohiobwc.com.

Participating in Safety Congress for the first time is the new superintendent of BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene, Ibraheem (Abe) Tarawneh. Tarawneh began his new duties March 30. He will oversee BWC’s efforts to ensure Ohio employers and workers have access to the latest safety techniques and practices.

Tarawneh has more than 15 years of specialized experience in research, teaching and consulting. His specialties are in the areas of occupational safety and health, accident analysis and prevention, and ergonomics. He also has expertise in construction safety, design and development of safety policies and consumer product safety. Tarawneh holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in industrial and management systems engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). He also has earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from UNL and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Jordan. Click here to access a high resolution photo of Tarawneh.

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