April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s important to recognize stress’s impact on our lives and take steps to manage it. Modern society often overwhelms us with demands from work, family, and other commitments, but ignoring stress can lead to mental and physical health problems. The World Health Organization reports that one in four people will experience mental or neurological disorders in their lifetime. Stress is a significant cause of mental health. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, causing the “fight or flight” response. While this ..read more

As Ohio gears up for another season of road construction, lawmakers are taking steps to enhance safety in work zones across the state. House Bill 429, a bipartisan initiative, addresses the alarming risks the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) workers face by imposing stricter penalties for reckless driving in construction zones. What You Need to Know Rising Incidents: In the first two months of 2024 alone, 34 ODOT crews have been struck by vehicles, highlighting the urgency of implementing measures to safeguard workers’ lives. Increased Penalties: First-time offenders face a fine ..read more

Anticipation is building this weekend in Cleveland as visitors arrive to witness a rare celestial event, attend the Guardians’ home opener, and enjoy the NCAA Final Four. Due to the expected increase in crowds, some road closures and parking bans have been put in place. Road Closures and Parking Bans for April 8 Downtown Road Closures: Westbound ramps to Ohio 2/the Shoreway will be closed at the I-90 split east of downtown. (Note: All other ramps onto the Shoreway will remain open in both directions.) Alfred Lerner Way and Erieside Avenue, encompassing much of the roadway surrounding Clevela ..read more

As we begin National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it is essential to remember the hazards of distracted driving. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is taking action to tackle this issue by enforcing laws against texting while driving and other distractions from April 1st to April 8th. During this period, there will be an increased focus on enforcing the laws against texting while driving, cellphone use among drivers under 18, and other distractions. This effort is part of a bigger initiative with neighboring states to enhance road safety. Ever since Ohio implemented its distracted dri ..read more

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th, millions of us are gearing up to witness this rare celestial event. Whether you’re planning a road trip or preparing to view the eclipse from your own backyard, safety should be your top priority. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and memorable viewing experience: Use Proper Eye Protection: Invest in certified solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers meeting the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Ensure your glasses are free of scratches or damage. Purchase eclipse glasses from reputable ..read more

Welcome to National Poison Prevention Week! As caregivers and parents, ensuring the safety of our little ones is always a top priority. Among the many potential hazards that can lurk within our homes, accidental poisoning is a significant concern, especially for curious and adventurous children. From cleaning supplies to medications, numerous substances can pose a threat if ingested by a child. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies and tips for childproofing your home to prevent accidental poisoning, helping you create a safer environment for your family. Understanding the Risks Po ..read more

In today’s fast-paced work culture, the pressure to perform often makes us sacrifice sleep in favor of productivity. However, many need to realize the profound impact of sleep deprivation on our work performance and workplace safety. According to the Sleep Foundation, overly tired employees are 70% more likely to be involved in workplace accidents. Let’s explore why getting enough sleep is important, what’s causing the sleep shortage, and how we can tackle this issue effectively. Understanding the Importance of Sleep Sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for our overall well-being and pr ..read more

Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common, and they can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. In 2022, pedestrian fatalities hit a record high nationwide, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, with 7,508 deaths reported, marking the highest toll since 1981. In Ohio, like in many other places, determining fault can be complex and depends on various factors. Below, we’ll delve into Ohio’s laws regarding pedestrian accidents, explore scenarios where the fault may lie with the driver or the pedestrian, and provide examples to illustrate these situations. Ohio ..read more

2023 Total Traffic Fatalities in Ohio* 1,152 Leading Causes of Fatal Crashes OVI-Related: 52% Speeding: 29% Failure to Yield: 12% Ran Red Light/Stop Sign: 5% Distracted: 2% Deer: 1% Ohio Counties with the Most Crash Fatalities Franklin County had the highest amount of fatal crashes in 2023, followed by Cuyahoga and Hamilton Counties. Van Wert and Putnam counties had zero fatal crashes. Franklin: 116 Cuyahoga: 100 (up from 82 in 2022) Hamilton: 72 Montgomery: 58 Lucas: 51 (up from 38 in 2022) Summit: 45 Fatal Crashes by Hour Most fatal crashes in Ohio occurred from 7 – 7:59 pm. 7 – 7:59 ..read more

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, many of us are gearing up to host or attend gatherings filled with food, friends, and football. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game, it’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of your guests. In this blog, we’ll explore how to host a Super Bowl party that is not only fun, but also responsible, focusing on food safety and liability concerns. Tips for Safe Food Handling: Before diving into the game-day festivities, take a moment to review some essential tips for safe food handling from the USDA: Keep delivery a ..read more