For immediate release: October 30, 2012

BWC awards Ashtabula's Iten Industries $40,000 to improve workplace safety

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer today visited Ashtabula's Iten Industries to recognize the company's exceptional efforts to maintain a safe workplace. Buehrer presented CEO Pete Huggins and employees with a $40,000 check to purchase safety equipment through BWC's Safety Intervention Grant Program.

"I commend Iten for its ongoing commitment to making their workplace as safe as possible. The company has a great working relationship with BWC and has taken advantage of BWC programs and services available to help prevent injuries and the resulting workers'compensation claims," said Buehrer. "Management's proactive approach toward safety and claims management is one we would like to see all Ohio companies emulate."

Iten Industries is a manufacturer of thermoplastic and thermoset stamped, molded and machined plastic parts. Iten officials recognized the process of repeatedly lifting laminated sheets weighing in excess of 500 pounds was placing employees at the risk of injury. Iten applied for and was awarded a $40,000 Safety Intervention Grant to purchase vacuum lifters to reduce the risk of injury. The lifters will allow workers to move the product with less physical effort whereby more time can be spent on improving the quality of the finished product.

Buehrer visited Iten Industries following a presentation to the Ashtabula County Safety Council, comprised of 120 area businesses, organizations and professional safety forces. BWC's Division of Safety & Hygiene sponsors 80 safety councils around the state organized by local safety-minded groups to inform participants of new safety techniques, products and services, and provide a thorough knowledge of topics, including occupational safety and health, workers' compensation and risk management education.

BWC's Safety Intervention Grant Program assists Ohio employers in reducing illnesses and injuries and to create a partnership with them to establish best practices for accident and injury prevention. Ohio private and public employers are eligible for safety intervention grants, which include a 2-to-1 matching amount up to a maximum of $40,000 for a total of $60,000 - $20,000 from the employer and $40,000 from BWC. Quarterly data reports and follow-up case studies help BWC determine the effectiveness of employers' safety interventions and establish best practices.

Learn more about the Safety Intervention Grant Program and view the stories of previous grant recipients at ohiobwc.com or BWC's YouTube channel.

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