Select By Topic Select a topic from the drop down list to display past articles on those topics. Select By Issue Select an issue from the drop down list to display that newsletter. All Ohio Plan Newsletters are in PDF format.     - Select a Topic - Board Members Cell Phone Claims Conferences Coverage Emergency Preparedness Financials Fire / EMS Harassment Healthcare Law Enforcement Leadership Legal and Legislative Little League Policies and Procedures Recreation Facilities Risk Management Safety and Safety Equipment Services Snow Removal Stress Traffic Control Training, Seminars and Certification Public Record - Select an Issue - Winter 2011 Spring 2011 Winter 2010 Special Edition 2010 Summer 2010 Spring 2010 Winter 2009 Summer 2009 Spring 2009 Winter 2008 Summer 2008 Spring 2008 Winter 2007 Summer 2007 Spring 2007 Winter 2006 Summer 2006 Spring 2006 Winter 2005 Summer 2005 Spring 2005 Winter 2004 Summer 2004 Spring 2004 Winter 2003 Summer 2003 Spring 2003     Board Members To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Special Edition 2010 Becoming a Board Member Qualifications, responsibilities and benefits of becoming an Ohio Plan board member.     Cell Phones To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2010 NIOSH Backgrounder on Distracted Driving: Work Related Hazards and Resources for Safety Statistics and issues relating to employee cell phone use while driving. Winter 2008 Use of Cell Phones While Driving State and local laws regarding cell phones and factors for cell phone use by employees.     Claims To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2010 Natural Disasters Handling insurance claims resulting from natural disasters. Summer 2010 Claim Handling Responses After Recent Tornados Overview claims handling in a catastrophic loss situation. Summer 2009 Claim Trends: A Full Moon or a Recession? An increase in questionable claims as a result of a poor economy. Winter 2008 Who is Responsible for Your Claims If... How claims will be handled in the event of insolvency by the Ohio Plan. Summer 2008 The Ohio Plan 20 Years of Defending Public Entites The Ohio Plan’s claims handling impact on public entity case law.           Conferences To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2009 Risk Management Why and How International Risk Management Institute illustrative introduction to risk management. Winter 2009 ODOT Update, Don’t’ Be Left Out Two new technical resources from ODOT. Spring 2008 CIT Training for 1st Responders Working with the Mentally Ill The Alliance for the Mentally Ill and mental health professionals champion Crises Intervention Team training to defuse emotionally charged situations involving the mentally ill. Spring 2008 New Fire Training Rules Take Effect House Bill 401 provides the first complete revision of Ohio’s fire training rules since 1978.       Coverage To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Spring 2011 What Do You Get With Business Income and Extra Expense Coverage? Examples and comments showing the importance of business income versus extra expense. Winter 2008 Consent to Settle or "Hammer" Clause - A Sheep in Wolves Clothing The Consent to Settle clause appears to give the right to refuse settlement at one’s own risk. Spring 2008 Coverage Highlight - Declaratory, Equitable and Injunctive Relief (DEI) Defense Coverage Endorsement The Ohio Plan offers new coverage to pay defense expense for acts covered under the public official liability for that do not include a request for monetary damages.       Emergency Preparedness To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Summer 2006 Disaster Planning - Emergency Preparedness - Crisis Management The importance of a disaster recovery plan and resources to assist entities at the State and Federal level.     Financials To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Summer 2008 The Ohio Plan's 2007 Year-end Financials Financial highlights from 2007.     Fire / EMS To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Spring 2008 New Fire Training Rules Take Effect House Bill 401 provides the first complete revision of Ohio’s fire training rules since 1978. Spring 2006 Emergency Vehicle Operations Safety Course Online The Department of Homeland Security’s United States Fire Administration and the national Volunteer Fire Council announce the Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations for Volunteer and Small Combination Emergency Service Organizations are available online.       Harassment To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2004 Limiting Legal Exposure for Workplace Harassment Minimize liability for workplace harassment through training.     Healthcare To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Spring 2011 Reducing Prescription Drug Costs Tips for cutting the cost of prescription drugs. Winter 2010 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium Brief history of the Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium (OPHC). Summer 2010 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium OPHC day to day management moved to Hylant Group and management roles and responsibilities. Spring 2010 Spousal Carve Outs and Surcharges Description and issue associated with spousal carve outs and surcharges. Winter 2009 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium Introduces Wellness Plus Program Wellness Plus program which provides tools, programs and consumer awareness to promote a healthier workforce. Summer 2009 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium Value Provision Controlling and budgeting for future healthcare rate increases. Spring 2009 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium OPHC update, staffing and review of legislation changes affecting COBRA. Winter 2008 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium - Membership Benefits Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium membership and advantages. Summer 2008 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium programs for managing health care costs. Spring 2008 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium Membership status and program features of the Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium. Winter 2007 Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium Goals and features of the Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium.                 Law Enforcement To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Spring 2009 Ohio Attorney General - Opinion No 2009-008 The opinion of the Attorney General on response to calls for police assistance on county property within a municipal corporation. Spring 2009 Police Officers Receive Favorable Rulings from our Nations High Court U.S. Supreme Court ruling on 3 cases involving police officers and fourth amendment were decided in favor of police officers in 2008. Winter 2008 Training Made Simple Create, implement and track police department training with tools you already have. Spring 2008 CIT Training for 1st Responders Working with the Mentally Ill The Alliance for the Mentally Ill and mental health professionals champion Crises Intervention Team training to defuse emotionally charged situations involving the mentally ill.           Leadership To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2009 Risk Management is Leadership in Your Organization Characteristics of successful leadership. Spring 2008 Are You a Delegator? Characteristics of non-delegators and tips of an effective delegator. Winter 2007 Learning to Shut Up Tips for effective communication Summer 2007 Work Tip: A Lesson in Asking Advice When you ask someone a question you should ask yourself if the person has all the information necessary to answer with accuracy. Spring 2007 Some Tips on Sound Decision Making Decision making styles and steps to make sound decisions. Spring 2007 Good Leadership and Assertiveness Researchers find leaders have a common weakness of assertiveness.               Legal and Legislative To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Summer 2010 Implication of the 1500 Hour Rule Extended to Municipalities A review of House Bill 1 extending the former township definition of part-time employee to all public employees. Spring 2010 Ohio Revise Code 2744 Ohio Supreme Court ruled Ohio Revised Code 2744 granting public employees broad immunity is controlling law, not the ‘Public Duty Rule’ in place prior to ORC 2744. Winter 2009 Legal Issues Surrounding a “Limited Appointment” Employee Ohio’s Tenth District Court’s decision on property rights of “limited appointment” employees. Spring 2009 Ohio Attorney General - Opinion No 2009-008 The opinion of the Attorney General on response to calls for police assistance on county property within a municipal corporation. Spring 2009 Police Officers Receive Favorable Rulings from our Nations High Court U.S. Supreme Court ruling on 3 cases involving police officers and fourth amendment were decided in favor of police officers in 2008. Summer 2008 Electronic Communications - How They Impact Public Records and Litigation Issues of electronic communications as public records and lawsuit discovery materials. Spring 2008 New Fire Training Rules Take Effect House Bill 401 provides the first complete revision of Ohio’s fire training rules since 1978. Winter 2007 High Court Uploads Discretionary Immunity for Local Governments and Their Employees In Elston v. Howland Local Schools the Ohio Supreme Court reaffirms a political subdivision’s immunity for an individual employee’s exercise of judgment or discretion. Winter 2007 Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Repair Responsibility Ohio Revised Code responsibilities of public entities as relates to bridge maintenance and repair.                     Little League To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Spring 2010 Youth Sports Leagues And Their Use Of Public Facilities Recommendations, resources and guidance for sports leagues using public facilities.   Policies and Procedures To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Summer 2010 Lexipol In Ohio Ohio Plan board announces discount program for Lexipol’s knowledge Management Services. Winter 2008 Use of Cell Phones While Driving State and local laws regarding cell phones and factors for cell phone use by employees. Summer 2005 Distribution of Policy and Procedure Manuals Distribution and acknowledgement of policies and procedures.           Public Record To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2010 Workplace Investigations: Are the Reports Public Records? Review of issues relating to employee misconduct investigations and Ohio public record law.     Recreation Facilities To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Spring 2009 Virginia Garaeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act Requirements for safety drain covers under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. Spring 2008 How Safe Is Your Playground? Common accident causing scenarios on playgrounds. Summer 2007 New Playgrounds and Equipment Use authorized, qualified and trained personnel to install new playground equipment. Spring 2007 Playgrounds Inspection Guide The National Program for Playground Safety offers ten steps for safer playground for children. Spring 2007 Retrofitting or Replacing Bleachers Key points to consider when retrofitting or repairing bleachers.           Risk Management To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Spring 2011 Methods for Obtaining Abstract of Driving Record Sources and reasons for obtaining Driver Abstracts. Spring 2011 “Failure to Train” Theory for Police Departments Example and importance of training police officers in the law they enforce. Spring 2011 Playground Maintenance Tips Reminders of what to look for in playground safety inspections. Winter 2010 Risk Management's Top 3 Observed Exposures Comments on the top three municipal exposures as observed by the Ohio Plan Risk Management Representatives. Winter 2010 New Law Enforcement Resources The Ohio Plan offers assistance to members subscribing to Lexipol Policy Manual and Daily Training Bulletin service. Winter 2010 Lexipol Launches Policy Manual and Daily Training Bulletin Service in Ohio Risk management resources for public safety organizations available in Ohio. Winter 2010 Developing Your Risk Management Plan Part 3 of a 3 part series covering a road map and steps to establishing a good risk management plan. Summer 2010 Developing Your Risk Management Plan Part 2 of a 3 part series covering a road map and steps to establishing a good risk management plan. Summer 2010 Cellphone Use While Driving Current status on jurisdictions banning cellphone usage while driving. Spring 2010 Risk Management Challenges in an Improbably Environment Managing risk on a tightening budget and some steps to review. Spring 2010 Developing Your Risk Management Plan A road map and steps to establishing a good risk management plan. Spring 2010 Guide to Purchasing a New Building Due diligence and issues to consider on purchasing existing properties. Spring 2010 Youth Sports Leagues And Their Use Of Public Facilities Recommendations, resources and guidance for sports leagues using public facilities. Winter 2009 Motor Vehicles Record as a Risk Management Tool Employer’s use of Motor Vehicles Records regarding employment. Winter 2009 Encourage Your Employees to Innovate Ideas to encourage innovation. Winter 2009 Safety Color Coding Review of OSHA Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910 regarding color codes, Red, Yellow, Green. Winter 2009 Risk Management Why and How International Risk Management Institute illustrative introduction to risk management. Summer 2009 Don't Invite Fire into Your Workplace Tips on proper fire prevention, preparation and evacuation in the workplace. Spring 2009 Managing Risk Today Nonprofit Risk Management Center introduces free online tool to strengthen risk management programs. Spring 2009 For Sale - One slightly used "S" Hook: $270,000 A faulty “S” hook costs an entity $270,000 as jury finds willful and wonton negligence. Winter 2008 Consent to Settle or "Hammer" Clause - A Sheep in Wolves Clothing The Consent to Settle clause appears to give the right to refuse settlement at one’s own risk. Winter 2008 Human Factors & Risk Management Values and behaviors exhibiting in the workplace and their place in risk management. Winter 2008 OSHA's Top Ten Most frequently cited violations of OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard. Summer 2008 Electronic Communications - How They Impact Public Records and Litigation Issues of electronic communications as public records and lawsuit discovery materials. Spring 2008 How Safe Is Your Playground? Common accident causing scenarios on playgrounds. Spring 2008 Risk Management Is Everyone's Business Myths and Facts relating to Risk Management and internal controls. Spring 2007 New Playgrounds and Equipment Use authorized, qualified and trained personnel to install new playground equipment. Summer 2007 The Ohio Quick Clear Program The Ohio Department of Transportation Quick Clear program establishes best practices for incident management when a traffic accident occurs on a highway. Summer 2007 The Yin and Yang of Risk A sound risk management program must be proactive and forward looking in. Spring 2007 The Transfer of Risk Through Contractual Liability Considerations, clauses and drafting of contracts to transfer risk. Spring 2005 The Challenge in Public Employment Liability Steps to reduce or eliminate the frequency and severity of employment liability claims. Winter 2003 Benefits of Risk Management Tangible and intangible benefits of adopting risk management programs. Spring 2003 Risk Management Techniques Risk avoidance, Loss prevention, Loss reduction, Uncertainty reduction, Risk transfer. Fall 2002 Traffic Control Application of Ohio Work Zone Standards and Ohio manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and resources for traffic control.                                                                                         Safety and Safety Equipment To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Summer 2010 Fire Extinguisher Requirements Key points of OSHA’s portable fire extinguisher guidelines. Summer 2010 State Boiler Inspection - It’s the Law Overview of Ohio boiler requirements and Chubb insurance inspection services. Summer 2010 Who Pays for PPE - The Employee or the Employer? A list of some personal protective equipment OSHA requires employer to pay for versus those it does not. Summer 2009 Protest your Eyes, Protect Your Career Causes of and methods for preventing eye injuries. Spring 2009 Virginia Garaeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act Requirements for safety drain covers under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. Winter 2008 Safety Tip: Eye on Safety Tips for inspecting and maintaining eyewash and shower stations Winter 2008 Use of Cell Phones While Driving State and local laws regarding cell phones and factors for cell phone use by employees. Winter 2008 OSHA's Top Ten Most frequently cited violations of OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard. Summer 2008 Employee Workplace Safety The National Safety Council serves as the nation’s leading resource on industry trends, professional development and training and strategies for advancing safety practices and programs. Summer 2008 Personal Protective Equipment OSHA website provides detailed resource information and guidance for addressing appropriate personal protective equipment and its use. Spring 2007 Playgrounds Inspection Guide The National Program for Playground Safety offers ten steps for safer playground for children. Spring 2007 Play Hard - Don't Blink Protective batting helmets supplied at no cost from Ohio Ophthalmologic Society’s Play Hard - Don’t Blink program. Spring 2007 Retrofitting or Replacing Bleachers Key points to consider when retrofitting or repairing bleachers.                                           Services To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Summer 2008 Preferred Vendor Property Valuation Services The Ohio Plan introduces two service firms to provide property appraisal services.     Snow Removal To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter Snow and Ice are Part of Wintertime Life in Ohio Review of recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling on liability for injury due to ice and snow accumulation..   Stress To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2007 10 Ways to Releive Stress University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing tips for stress- busting.     Traffic Control To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Summer 2007 The Ohio Quick Clear Program The Ohio Department of Transportation Quick Clear program establishes best practices for incident management when a traffic accident occurs on a highway.     Training, Seminars and Certification To view an article, please click on the title. All articles are in PDF format. Issue Title Description Winter 2009 Risk Management Why and How International Risk Management Institute illustrative introduction to risk management. Winter 2009 ODOT Update, Don’t’ Be Left Out Two new technical resources from ODOT. Spring 2009 Pesticide Application Training and licensing requirements for pesticide applicators. Winter 2008 Training Made Simple Create, implement and track police department training with tools you already have. Winter 2008 Training Alerts and Cool Stuff Free from Ohio LTAP Ohio Department of Transportation & Local Technical Assistance Program training opportunities for 2009. Spring 2008 CIT Training for 1st Responders Working with the Mentally Ill The Alliance for the Mentally Ill and mental health professionals champion Crises Intervention Team training to defuse emotionally charged situations involving the mentally ill. Spring 2008 New Fire Training Rules Take Effect House Bill 401 provides the first complete revision of Ohio’s fire training rules since 1978. Summer 2007 Did You Know? The Ohio Department of Transportation Circuit Rider Classes on Work Zone Traffic Control & Safety are offered onsite and free in addition to other LTAP courses.