BWC ADMINISTRATOR JAMES CONRAD, FORMER RED JOHNNY BENCH, TO OPEN SAFETY CONGRESS Print E-mail
75th annual conference to begin at 10:30 at the Columbus Convention Center

Monday, March 28, 2005

COLUMBUS – With baseball season just around the corner, it’s fitting that the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is trying to hit its message about the importance of workplace safety and active leadership out of the ball park.

For that reason, opening day at the 75th Annual Ohio Safety Congress will feature BWC Administrator and CEO James Conrad and former Cincinnati Reds catcher and Baseball Hall-of-Fame member Johnny Bench.

“Safety Congress presents Ohio’s employers and workers with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest safety techniques and strategies on the market,” Conrad said. “By learning how to successfully become leaders in making workplace safety a priority, businesses can reduce their workers’ comp premium costs while protecting its most valuable asset: its workers.”

The conference, sponsored by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), will begin at 10:30 on Tuesday, March 29 at the Columbus Convention Center. Attendance is free.

Conrad will lead off by discussing the critical components to a successful workplace safety program while also touching briefly on workers’ compensation reform efforts. Bench will share his tips on how to become a leader and achieve personal success in the culture of business.

In addition, seminars will be offered Tuesday afternoon covering topics such as:

--The importance of a drug-free workplace;
--Incorporating ergonomic practices into a business’ operation;
--The workplace injury rehabilitation process; and,
--Risk management and how businesses can successfully control workers’ compensation costs.

After 75 years, and over 150,000 attendees, Safety Congress is the second largest occupational safety and health event in the nation. With more than 150 hours of educational sessions and 200 exhibitors, professionals are exposed to cutting edge workplace safety information.

For additional information on Safety Congress, including information on seminars, continuing education, the expo area or advance registration information, please visit BWC’s Web site at ohiobwc.com or call 1-800-OHIOBWC. Attendees also can register onsite.

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Media contact: Jeremy Jackson, BWC, (614) 752-7558 or Emily Hicks, (614)728-6197.

EVENT CONTACT: Julie Darby-Martin, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, at (614) 466-8634, or Michelle Francisco, (614) 644-7042