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HRM in the News is South-Western's service to provide summaries of the latest human resource management news stories. Review the brief summaries and, for stories of interest, select the full summary. |
| SAFETY, HEALTH AND SECURITY | |
| Title | Brief Summary |
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Many point to the election of Barack Obama as a sign of new racial equality and acceptance. But take today’s uncertain job market, mix it with an increasingly diverse work culture, and that volatile combination may spark racial comments, intolerant attitudes, and at times violence and tragedy. HR managers need to identify the potential for racially based workplace aggression and put plans into place that address tensions and prevent escalation. |
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Butterball LLC, the nation’s largest turkey producer, has reduced its injury rates to 63 percent below the poultry industry average of 6.6/100 employees, with a set of best practices that set the company apart in an industry that is known for its inherent risks. (Updated May 2008) |
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An explosion that took 15 lives at a BP refinery in Texas and injured 170 others has exposed flaws in BP’s approach to safety. According to the National Safety Board, BP needs to establish a corporate safety culture that goes beyond the basics in promoting a safe work environment. (Updated July 2007) |
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A recent survey released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable information about workplace violence at American companies. Understanding the real scope of violent workplace events, and not just the portrayal of these events in the media, can help HR professionals determine what policies and procedures should be in place. (Updated July 2007) |
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The Governor of New York has negotiated a deal that will dramatically enhance the state’s workers’ compensation program. Employer costs will be cut by $800 million or more annually, while injured workers will receive a benefit pay hike. (Updated June 2007) |
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Workplace violence is a growing problem, as illustrated by the recent shooting of two Pitney Bowes employees by a former co-worker. As human resources departments get more involved with preventing violence, some are finding themselves drawn into the gun rights issue. (Updated June 2007) |
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A building being torn down in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania this December collapsed, trapping a worker under nearly two feet of rubble. The cause of the collapse is under investigation by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, which has strict procedures for demolitions. (Updated March 2007) |
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In 2001, OSHA leaders scaled back the Agency's regulatory measures and moved in the direction of more voluntary programs and alliances with business and industry groups. The change has brought criticism, however, as the Agency struggles to pass new and necessary regulations and the U.S. falls behind other countries in new worker protection regulations. (Updated May 2006) |
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Violence in the workplace is almost always preceded by danger signs. Employers need to have policies in place to help them to recognize and handle problems before they escalate. (Updated April 2006) |
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Pennsylvania Governor Edward Randell is advocating legislation for his state that will keep miners safe and modernize Pennsylvania's outdated mine safety laws. The proposed law will eliminate obsolete language in the state mine's safety statutes, enhance the role of the Department of Environmental Protection's mine safety experts in permit reviews, and increase corporate responsibility, holding mine operators responsible for safety compliance issues. (Updated March 2006) |
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With the rise of medical care costs, companies are using positive incentives to motivate employees in making lasting health changes. While previous incentive programs catered to already-healthy workers, new programs focus on employees with the greatest risk. (Updated October 2005) |
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With safety concerns surrounding new drugs in the market, many patients are choosing familiar medications and sometimes missing out on improved variations. (Updated September 2005) |
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Companies are using new technologies to monitor employees' whereabouts in an effort to improve productivity. These technologies are raising privacy concerns and creating a delicate situation where employers must balance their right to know where employees are with the employees' right to privacy. (Updated August 2005) |
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With increasing costs for workers' compensation, many businesses are creating an "injury-free culture" to control expenses, and ensure an optimal level of safety and employee care. (Updated July 2005) |
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Instant messaging is already being used in many offices and is predicted to dwarf e-mail usage in the next few years. Companies need to be prepared for the legal and security implications that this "instant" form of communication will bring. (Updated February 2005) |
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With the cost of hospital and prescription drugs rising, the hot trend in corporate benefits is wellness programs. These programs are difficult to define because they are being implemented differently by different employers.
(Updated October 2004) |
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A recent safety study set out to determine what elements most affect safety climate. The results showed a combination of environmental conditions, safety efforts and organizational culture all contribute in creating an organization's safety climate.
(Updated 08/01/04) |
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Workplace safety is everyone's concern, but CEOs should incorporate safety into the company's culture to avoid business losses caused by safety hazards and damaged reputations. Workplace accidents have an effect on employees, customers, vendors and shareholders.
(Updated 05/01/04) |
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Employers are partnering with insurance carriers in a push to help keep their employees healthy. Programs range from simple physical assessments to very elaborate in-house programs. (Updated 4/01/04) |
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Anxiety in an organization is contagious, and can undermine the organization's effectiveness. You can learn to manage your own anxiety in the workplace, which may have the added benefit of lowering the anxiety of your co-workers. (Updated 12/01/03) |
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In a recent survey, only 38 percent of respondents said they were prepared for an emergency while at work. The American Red Cross is developing programs to remedy this. (Updated 11/01/03) |
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This article raises questions about a company's responsibility when an employee takes his rage out against other workers. (Updated 10/01/03) |
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Companies are increasingly demanding more and more of their employees, and employees are reacting with physical ailments and high stress levels. Now many companies are seeing the benefits of offering meditation sessions to help their employees become mentally and physically healthier. (Updated 10/01/03) |
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This article contains SARS information for human resource professionals by answering common questions about the disease and implications for employers. (Updated 7/31/03) |
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This article discusses the use of automatic defibrillators in settings like the workplace. This topic raises questions about a company's legal and ethical responsibility in the use of devices such as these, particularly by non-medical personnel. (Updated 7/31/03) |
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