Industry Leading Best Practices, Networking and Professional Development
The Ohio West Safety Council is sponsored by the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation and Eastman & Smith, Ltd. Attorneys at Law and is open to all area businesses, is an initiative of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce designed to increase safety awareness, and to give businesses a potential cost savings benefit on their Workers’ Compensation rates. Held in collaboration with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the program aims to provide a forum for safety and health information, education and networking in local communities. Program topics must be classified under occupational safety & health, risk management, workers’ compensation, BWC services, rehabilitation or environmental issues.
The Ohio West Safety Council currently meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 8:00am-9:30am at Vantage Career Center with breakfast included. Each meeting will feature a update from the Ohio BWC, our sponsor Eastman & Smith, Ltd. Attorney's At Law, followed by our featured speaker. A steering committee made up of safety professionals from various local employers and a representative from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will guide the program development.
Upcoming Meetings:
Wednesday June 11, 2025: OSHA Topic Review with Charles Shelton
Elbert “Charlie” Shelton has 27 years’ experience with OSHA. Originally started working in the field as a Compliance Officer, promoted to Supervisor, and currently holds the office of a Compliance Assistance Specialist covering the State of Ohio. Testified on behalf of the Agency in several construction related cases and is a certified Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). Outside of work Charlie enjoys playing charter captain on Lake Erie.
Membership includes:
- A scheduled monthly safety meeting
- Breakfast for up to two attendees
- Take-Away Safety Information from each meeting
- Updates on the latest BWC programs
- Opportunity to speak with a BWC regional representative at each meeting
- Opportunity to network with other local companies
- Earn a 3% discount on your workers compensation insurance by attending 10 safety council meetings
For additional information about the Ohio West Safety Council or to register for the upcoming Safety Council program, please see the links located above, email the chamber at chamber@vanwertchamber.com or call us at (419) 238-4390.