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 April 9, 2025: Eye Safety in the Workplace with Amber Okuly, ABO-C Licensed Optician from Van Wert Vision.
Amber Okuly is a dedicated and compassionate optician with over 8 years of experience at Van Wert Vision. As an ABO Certified and licensed optician for the state of Ohio, Amber has honed her skills in providing top-quality eyewear and eye care services to her community. With a strong passion for the optical industry, she has become particularly focused on safety eyewear over the last few years, advocating for its importance across various workplace settings.
Throughout her tenure at Van Wert Vision, Amber has worked closely with many area manufacturers to design, implement, and enhance successful safety eyewear programs. She has personally visited manufacturing facilities during all shifts to fit and adjust eyewear, ensuring the safety and comfort of employees. Her hands-on experience and deep understanding of safety eyewear have made her a trusted colleague in the field.
Amber has been a member of the Van Wert community for the last 15 years. At the core of her personal and professional life lies her unyielding faith, spirited personality and benevolent heart. She is a devoted wife to her husband, Devin of 14 years, and a proud mother to their son, Blake, a freshman at Van Wert High School. Her family would not be complete without Yoshi a timid tender-hearted cockapoo and Miles an ornery rambunctious golden doodle. Outside of work, Amber enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family.
Amber is proud of the relationships she has built, the knowledge she has gained, and the positive impact she has had in the community throughout the years. She is grateful for the time, wisdom and patience of those who have helped her become the woman she is today. Always up for a challenge, Amber finds joy in making her patients smile and is continually striving to make those around her feel special and valued. Her communication skills, attention to detail, and warmhearted approach make her a valued professional in the optical community.
Wednesday May14, 2025:
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.