Deaths on the job are going up in Ohio.

Today in the Morning Briefing, we look at the latest data on workplace fatalities and how they’re changing. We also tell you more about a new Ohio law that could make getting some police video more expensive.

If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at [email protected].

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The newsletter should take about 3 minutes, 21 seconds to read.

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Dying on the job: Workplace fatalities rose in Ohio; nonfatal injuries dropped

More people were killed on the job in Ohio in 2023 than the year before, while nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries declined.

• Causes of deaths: Ohio workers have died from injuries caused by falls, traffic crashes, chemical exposure, electrocution, explosions, drownings and being crushed by commercial equipment.

• The numbers: In 2023, Ohio recorded 164 workplace fatalities, which was up 7% from 2022.

• Non-fatal incidents: Ohio had 2.2 cases of non-deadly illnesses and injuries per 100 full-time equivalent workers. The national rate was 2.4 cases.

DeWine signs bill allowing police to charge $75 per hour of bodycam footage

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine penned his signature on an omnibus bill Thursday night that will allow Ohio police to begin charging Ohioans up to $75 per hour of video requested.

• Why the change? The law is intended to help departments recoup labor costs — the time it takes to review, obscure and redact videos — associated with video public records requests

• DeWine’s reasoning: DeWine explained that, because the $75-an-hour charge was a permissive fee and not a mandatory one, he felt comfortable allowing the provision to enter state law. He said he was sensitive to the time-consuming and labor-intensive work behind releasing video public records.

• Concerns: The nature of the change sowed concerns for First Amendment advocates and the Ohio News Media Association, to which this outlet belongs, which worried about the “chilling effect” it might have on journalists and the public.

What to know today

• One big takeaway: The region could see its first significant winter storm of the new year Sunday, with heavy snowfall possible. Here’s the latest.

• Tip of the day: Loose Ends Brewing in Centerville has released its first flavor of Hop Water — a nonalcoholic, zero calorie beverage — just in time for Dry January.

• Person to know today: Danielle Reyes. The Dayton native and “Big Brother” veteran will be part of the Emmy Award-winning Peacock reality competition series “The Traitors” when it returns for Season 3 on Jan. 9.

• Quote of the day: “After countless twists and turns, I decided it was time to close my precious Home2Home.” — Kim Passineau, founder and owner of Home2Home Brand New & Consigned, which is going to close this month at Centerville’s Cross Pointe Centre.

• Photo of the day: A city of Dayton salt truck makes a run down Buckeye Street on Friday in preparation for a snowstorm this weekend. Photographer Marshall Gorby captured the image.