Over the last few years, Providence Publications has been recognized for journalistic excellence by three of the major trade associations. The Newsletter on Newsletters, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Specialized Information Publishers Association (SIPA) have recognized Workers' Comp Executive and Cal-OSHA Reporter for their work in numerous categories including government service, public service, and breaking news.
Society of Professional Journalists
2010
Winner of Public Service Newsletter Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, Cal-OSHA Reporter. Reporting by Kevin Thompson, editor
"Staffers Say Safety and Napa State Hospital Is "Snake Pit," "Catch-22" and "Cuckoo's Nest" Rolled into One"
When a nurse was killed at Napa State Hospital by a patient who was also a convicted felon, the safety standards at these facilities came under intense scrutiny. But even before this, a nurse at the facility contacted Kevin Thompson at Cal-OSHA Reporter telling him on the record about how dangerous conditions at the facility really were. Other nurses corroborated instances of violence against staff by inmates and their inability to properly deal with it. As a result of the deaths and violence, legislators have introduced bills applying additional safety standards at these facilities.
2009
Winner of Public Service Newsletter Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, Cal-OSHA Reporter. Reporting by Kevin Thompson, editor
Walmart Tagged by Needle Sticks
When Cal-OSHA Reporter found out that a Walmart employee contracted Hepatitis B, the search was on to find the cause. Reporter/ editor Kevin Thompson revealed, Walmart had not taken the proper steps to address needle sticks by tagging guns and was seemingly unaware that it was a problem. Getting stuck by a tagging gun was just considered part of the job. Once the issue came to light, Walmart cooperated with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to address the hazard immediately including issuing individual tagging guns to employees. Walmart was cited for several health and safety violations including allegedly failing to maintain a Sharps Injury Log of exposure incidents and for failing to provide hand protection to employees using tagging guns. DOSH proposed more than $16,000 in penalties.
Specialized Information Publishers Association (SIPA)
2011
Honorable Mention for Best Investigative Reporting, Cal-OSHA Reporter, Kevin Thompson, editor
"Staffers Say Safety and Napa State Hospital Is "Snake Pit," "Catch-22" and "Cuckoo's Nest" Rolled into One"
When a nurse was killed at Napa State Hospital by a patient who was also a convicted felon, the safety standards at these facilities came under intense scrutiny. But even before this, a nurse at the facility contacted Kevin Thompson at Cal-OSHA Reporter telling him on the record about how dangerous conditions at the facility really were. Other nurses corroborated instances of violence against staff by inmates and their inability to properly deal with it. As a result of the deaths and violence, legislators have introduced bills applying additional safety standards at these facilities.
Newsletter on Newsletters
2009
Award for Public Service, Cal-OSHA Reporter ; "
The Missing Mr. Moreno Must Move
." Reporting by Dale Debber and Kevin Thompson
Cal-OSHA Reporter editor Kevin Thompson and Publisher J Dale Debber collaborated on an editorial targeting a member of the Cal/OSHA Standards Board who was derelict in his duty. The Cal/OSHA Standards Board sets important safety standards for California industries. In a hard hitting editorial that appeared in both print and video, Debber pointed out that Jose Moreno represented labor interests on the board, yet unlike the other members of the board who had excellent attendance records, Moreno missed 28 out of 37 meetings.
When a crucial vote regarding heat standards came up Moreno’s absence on that day caused the vote to fail, a crushing blow to labor representatives. When Cal-OSHA Reporter brought these hard-hitting revelations to light, Moreno not only resigned his position on the board, but lost his subsequent union election. The solid reporting and concise writing demonstrated how the power of the media can bring about positive change.
The Newsletter on Newsletters
2008
2nd Place, Cal-OSHA Reporter for Best Free Net-Letter, Edited by: Rick Waldinger & Kevin Thompson
Accolades from Officials on Providence Publications’ Winning Five Prestigious Journalism Awards from Newsletter on Newsletters
"Good Journalism is essential for good government and I'm proud to have these California journalists recognized in the national community. We stand with all Californians in recognizing Providence Publications for its great journalism and many awards this year. Dale, Bess, and Brad are familiar faces around the Capitol and I join the whole Capitol community in recognizing not only the efforts of the whole Providence Publications team, but in thanking them for the kind of accurate and fair reporting they do. I am delighted that they brought so many prestigious awards back to California."
--Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Providence Publications winning five prestigious journalism awards.
"Workers Comp Executive and its excellent team of writers and editors work tirelessly to pursue the latest developments in the workers' compensation market," said California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. "Congratulations to Dale Debber, Brad Cain and Bess Shapiro for winning these awards and brining their readers their special brand of determined and detailed reporting."
--Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner on Providence Publications winning five prestigious journalism awards
News Releases and Articles
The Newsletter On Newsletters Awards Providence Publications Top Journalism Award For Second Consecutive Year
Providence Publications takes home journalism awards
