Articles by Ashley Johnson

Safety on the line?

Poultry-processing rule would endanger workers, groups say
June 1, 2013
Ashley Johnson
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working on a rule that would allow poultry plants to increase line speeds. Advocates say the change would further endanger poultry workers, who already experience high rates of musculoskeletal injuries.
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Job Outlook 2013

Safety professionals report job stability, but some say their titles fail to reflect their responsibilities
May 1, 2013
Ashley Johnson
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In Safety+Health’s 2013 Job Outlook, safety professionals report stability but say job titles and pay often do not reflect their responsibilities.


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Screening for safety -- contractors 500

Screening for safety

Assessing a contractor's safety performance
April 1, 2013
Ashley Johnson
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What factors should be used to assess the safety of a potential contractor? Experts recommend employers hiring contractors consider a combination of lagging and leading indicators.
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Red flags

From fake OSHA inspectors to inadequate training providers, con artists can prey on unsuspecting employers. OSHA offers advice on how to identify and report fraud.
March 1, 2013
Ashley Johnson
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From fake OSHA inspectors to inadequate training providers, con artists can prey on unsuspecting employers. OSHA offers advice on how to identify and report fraud.
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Safety crisis - hashtag computer phone tablet

#safetycrisis

Handling crisis communication in the digital age
February 1, 2013
Ashley Johnson
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When a crisis occurs these days, some people may first hear about it on Facebook or Twitter and use those sources to obtain additional news and views about the incident and response efforts. For employers, the rise of digital communication requires a change in how they communicate with the public, stakeholders and employees after a major incident.
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No one ever snaps

'No one ever just snaps'

Identifying – and acting on – red flags may help prevent workplace violence
January 1, 2013
Ashley Johnson
One Comment
A workplace shooting or other violent incident can harm employees and damage morale. What signs should employers look for to recognize potentially dangerous employees, and how should they respond to the threat?
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Gender differences

Studies suggest demanding jobs, shift work may harm women’s health
January 1, 2013
Ashley Johnson
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Several studies suggest that shift work and job stress may negatively impact women’s health. Although the risks aren’t yet fully understood, reducing stress and increasing workplace autonomy for women may help.
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Beyond the injury

Successful return-to-work programs may need to address both workplace and personal factors
December 1, 2012
Ashley Johnson
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What does it take to get an injured worker healthy and back on the job in a reasonable amount of time? Coordination among the supervisor, worker, health care professional and case manager is crucial, but can be difficult to accomplish.
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Bringing OSHA 'into the 21st century'

An ‘exit interview’ with Rep. Lynn Woolsey
November 1, 2012
Ashley Johnson
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In an “exit interview” with Safety+Health, soon-to-retire safety advocate Rep. Lynn Woolsey discusses her career in Congress, her sponsorship of the Protecting America’s Workers Act, and her take on OSHA’s current direction.
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