For immediate release: March 28, 2012

BWC Recognizes Marion Goodwill Industries with Safety Innovations Award

Organization recognized for outstanding workplace safety innovations

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) today recognized Marion Goodwill Industries with a People's Choice award during the first annual Safety Innovations Awards competition. The organization received the award at BWC's annual Safety Congress & Expo 2012 (OSC12). Ellen Bryan, Miss Ohio 2011 and lightening safety advocate, joined BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer, to recognize five employers from across the state. BWC nominated the employers for excellence in introducing safety innovations to keep their workers safe and healthy on the job.

"Safety and prevention are key to keeping workers' compensation costs as low as possible, and Ohio companies are innovating each day to protect their workforce," said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. "We are pleased to see so many Ohio businesses taking great initiative in creating safe work environments that minimize the risk of injuries."

The Safety Innovations Awards are new this year to OSC12. The event is the state's largest and longest-running occupational safety, health and workers' compensation conference. It, wraps up Thursday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Safety congress attendees voted for the People's Choice awards presented to each nominee in several categories, including innovation, simplicity, cost savings, risk reduction and presentation. Marion Goodwill Industries received a People's Choice Award in the simplicity category for introducing the most simple and straightforward solution to increasing safety and reducing workers' compensation claims. Marion Goodwill Industries serves five counties and operates eight retail stores and two donation centers. Managing all of the donations often involves handling heavy loads, resulting in hazards associated with lifting and reaching. The company was nominated for purchasing 113 heavy-duty polycarts to collect and process donations. The additions reduced injuries and saves approximately $112,000 annually.

Bryan is a national spokesperson for lightning safety through a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She began promoting her personal platform, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors," after her sister Christina was struck by lightning while working in 2000. Christina suffered lifelong disabilities, leaving her with limited mobility and unable to speak. Ellen served as the spokesperson for both the 2009 and 2010 National Lightning Safety Weeks in June.

The four other People's Choice award winners include Aexcel (Mentor, Lake County), the City of Akron (Summit County), Green Lines Transportation (Carroll County) and the City of Ironton (Lawrence County).

A panel of judges selected the City of Ironton for the competition’s top award.

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