Ashley Johnson

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?

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.

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?

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.