By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN reporter
Gary Hess has been the telecommunications and safety coordinator for the City of Bucyrus for 12 years and recently took over the position of manager for the Bucyrus Safety Council.
“Tyler Jacobs of the chamber (Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce) was the manager and asked me if I would take it over,” Hess said.
Hess said the chamber co-sponsors the safety council in conjunction with the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.
Hess said that keeping workers safe in their jobs is important to him.
“I want workers to go home at night to their families without suffering an injury or tragedy on their job,” Hess said.
In his job for the city, Hess runs the Bucyrus Access Channel and provides safety programming and training for city workers.
“I also take photos and create posts for all city property that is to be sold through the Gov.deal auction sites,” Hess said.
When it comes to safety council, Hess is busy securing guest speakers for the monthly meetings that are held the second Tuesday of each month.
“The goal of safety council is increase safety awareness at our local businesses and industries,” Hess said.
According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, there are 83 safety councils across the state to provide local communities with quality programs addressing occupational safety and health, workers’ compensation and risk management education and information. They inform participants about new techniques, products and services, and provide a thorough knowledge of these services.
“Businesses also receive a discount if they send a representative to at least 10 of the 12 meetings each year through the Workers’ Compensation rebate program,” Hess said.
The next meeting of the Bucyrus City Safety Council is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 13 at the Bucyrus Community Hospital community room.
For more information, call the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-562-4811 or visit http://bucyrusohio.com/bucyrus-area-safety-council.