Articles by Ashley Johnson

Opioids
AVOIDING DEPENDENCE

Workers and opioids

What employers and employees need to know about treatment choices
Opioid painkillers increasingly are being prescribed to treat chronic pain, and their use among injured workers may be dangerous if the drug is unwarranted or misused. What should employers and workers know to help encourage safe use of opioids?
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Worker in hard hat
WHAT ATTRACTS PEOPLE TO EHS CAREERS?

Job Outlook 2014

Students often find an environmental, health and safety major is the perfect mix of science and helping people – so why aren't more aware that EHS is a career option?
Seventy-five percent of respondents to Safety+Health's 2014 Job Outlook survey said environmental, health and safety was not their first career choice. Why aren't more students aware that EHS is a career option? Also: Veteran EHS pros talk about how they got their start.
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The end of the road

After more than four years writing for Safety+Health magazine, I’ve turned in my last feature article. Although I’m saying goodbye to the wonderful Publications team and the National Safety Council, I will never forget the lessons I’ve learned about workplace safety.
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hearing-conservation-drill.jpg
NOISE EXPOSURE IN CONSTRUCTION

Creating a ‘sound’ hearing conservation program

The challenges of limiting noise exposure in the construction industry
OSHA requires employers to have a hearing conservation program for construction workers whose noise exposure exceeds 90 dBA – but does not provide specifics. Taking into account challenges such as a transient workforce and outdoor environments, what are the most important elements of a hearing conservation program for construction workers?
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Have you read…?

Connecticut’s WNPR examines the issue of regulating noise levels in movie theaters. A proposal currently being debated would bar theaters from showing a movie or preview that was louder than 85 decibels.
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Supervisor safety pro

Safety conduit

A strong relationship with supervisors can help safety professionals reach workers
Developing a strong relationship with supervisors can help safety professionals influence the workforce. However, supervisors may have production or quality concerns they perceive as taking priority over safety, so it is important for safety professionals to be strategic in their communications with supervisors.
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