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.
Meeting Dates and Topics:
Wednesday December 10, 2025: Winter Slip and Fall Prevention
Ben joined the risk control team in 2021. He attended Manchester College and
Wright State University majoring in Organizational Communications. He has spent nearly years working in safety and health for companies ranging from agriculture to manufacturing. He also spent time working for a division of a Fortune 500 insurance company as a Risk Control Specialist.
In 2021, he attained the title of Certified Safety Manager (CSM) and Certified
Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS). Ben has also obtained the Transportation
Risk Insurance Professional (TRIP) certification in 2023. His territory is northwest Ohio and northern Indiana serving the Canton, Columbus, and Indiana branches.
Ben is an OSHA authorized instructor for general industry and can offer the 10-hour
and 30-hour courses.
In his free time, Ben enjoys going for walks with his dog and working on the
landscape around his property with his wife.
Wednesday January 14, 2026: Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures
Wednesday February 11, 2026: Ergonomics
Wednesday March 11, 2026: Active Shooter Preparedness with Detective Nathan Huebner from the Van Wert County Sheriff's Office and Detective Sergeant Brock Blackmore form the Van Wert City Police Department
Wednesday April 8, 2026: Culture Driven Safety: Leading from the Inside Out with Jim Mangas from Revolutionary Safety Services
In this session, we will discuss how a strong, values-based safety culture is the foundation of lasting safety performance. Participants will learn how leadership behavior, employee engagement, and shared accountability drive safer outcomes—beyond just compliance. This talk will challenge attendees to rethink how culture influences every safety decision and inspire practical steps to build a workplace where safety is owned by everyone.
Jim Mangas is the CEO and Founder of Revolutionary Safety Services LLC, based in Anna, Ohio. He holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). With over 25 years of experience across multiple industries, Jim is dedicated to helping organizations reduce risk, strengthen safety culture, and protect their most valuable asset—their people. His hands-on leadership and commitment to practical, effective solutions have made Revolutionary Safety Services a trusted partner for businesses nationwide.
Wednesday May 13, 2026: Transportation and Fleet Safety
Wednesday June 10, 2026: Safety Leadership with Chazz Rogers, Sr. SEH Manager from Danfoss
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.