COLUMBUS — Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator/CEO Sarah Morrison hosted the Ohio Fallen Workers Memorial, Aug. 31, an annual event honoring Ohioans who died as a result of a workplace accident or illness.
In addition to leading a moment of silence for the 120 workers lost, Morrison also promoted Kids’ Chance Ohio, a charitable organization that provides scholarships to the children of workers severely injured or killed on the job.
“This annual memorial is a solemn tribute and moving reminder that Ohioans are not guaranteed a safe return home at the end of their workday,” said Morrison. “As we grieve for their families, what better way to honor the fallen than to advance a culture of safety in all Ohio workplaces and support survivors as they forge a bright future.”
Morrison was joined by Columbus attorney Robert A. “Buz” Minor, executive director for Kids’ Chance Ohio.
“Our mission is to help children affected by a parent’s work-related injury or death pursue their educational dreams,” said Minor, a partner in the Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease law firm. “We’re pleased that BWC is helping us promote this worthwhile cause so that more deserving children can take advantage of available scholarship funds.”
Also participating in the ceremony were David Barnhart, Kids’ Chance board member and injured worker representative with the Philip J. Fulton Law Office; BWC Board of Directors Chairman Nicholas Zuk and board members Peggy Griffith and Peter McLinden.
The names of the fallen were read aloud during the ceremony, and their memories honored by three tolls of BWC’s Memorial Bell.
The Kids’ Chance scholarships provide up to $5,000 for children of Ohio workers fatally injured or rendered permanently and totally disabled as a result of a work-related accident or occupational disease. The scholarships can be used at institutions ranging from vocation and trade schools to traditional colleges and universities. They can be applied to tuition, fees, books and room and board. Scholarships are awarded annually for one year, on either an academic- or calendar-year basis.
Kids’ Chance Ohio is not affiliated with BWC, and any awards are separate from BWC survivor benefits. However, the related death, injury or occupational disease must be deemed compensable under the Ohio workers’ compensation law. Full details on the scholarship, its eligibility criteria and the application process can be found at http://www.kidschanceohio.org/.
