Health & Safety

  • An upper-room germicidal ultraviolet disinfectant system.
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    Thank you for your assistant via Getty Images
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    Germicidal ultraviolet lighting can help reach clean air targets: PNNL

    Maximizing outdoor air isn’t effective in meeting CDC air change guidance, requiring significant increases in energy use, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers said in a recent seminar.

    By • July 19, 2024
  • An air purifier in an office.
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    Onurdongel via Getty Images
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    Airborne Act seeks to provide IAQ-related tax credits for upgrades

    The legislation, introduced by Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia with support from ASHRAE and other industry organizations, would provide a $1-per-square-foot tax credit for indoor air quality assessments.

    By • July 18, 2024
  • A fire truck parked in front of a fire station.
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    AlexSava via Getty Images
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    Operative IQ rolls out module for first responder facility management

    The latest software solution centralizes facility data, assisting clients like hospitals and fire service agencies with essential maintenance and inspection information, the company says.

    By • July 15, 2024
  • workers toil on a hot construction site with the orange sun in the background
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    SonerCdem via Getty Images
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    OSHA proposes rule to protect workers from extreme heat

    The standard would require employers to evaluate heat risks and, when necessary, provide drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat.

    By Zachary Phillips • July 3, 2024
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    AerialPerspective Works via Getty Images
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    NYC Council approves legislation requiring proactive building inspections

    If signed into law, the bill would require the Department of Buildings to use predictive analytics to identify and address hazardous structures before they become dangerous.

    By • June 28, 2024
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    vgajic via Getty Images
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    California adopts rule limiting indoor workplace heat exposure

    Employers will have to provide workers with cooldown spaces and water if the indoor temperature or heat index cracks 87 degrees Fahrenheit. 

    By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 27, 2024
  • A modern open-plan office space interior featuring desks, computers, armchairs, a shelf, a plant a concrete ceiling and LED lights.
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    ExperienceInteriors via Getty Images
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    Illinois bill to swap fluorescent lamps for LED lights awaits governor’s approval

    The Illinois State Senate and House of Representatives have passed legislation to phase out fluorescent bulbs. The legislation, if signed into law, is expected to provide over $1.5 billion in utility savings.

    By • June 6, 2024
  • A multi-level parking garage with a neon parking sign in New York City.
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    ArtemPortnoy via Getty Images
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    New York City Council passes legislation to enhance parking garage safety measures

    If signed into law, the legislation would mandate more frequent inspections, increased civil penalties and structural assessments to ensure the integrity of the city’s parking structures.

    By • May 31, 2024
  • A construction worker atop a steel beam drinks from a bottle of water.
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    Brian Snyder/Reuters

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    Deep Dive

    Heat-related laws in Texas, Florida, Phoenix to be put to the test

    As summer begins, some states prevent cities from mandating water breaks. Still, there are commonsense practices to protect workers from soaring temperatures.

    By Zachary Phillips • May 30, 2024
  • An empty classroom with multiple ceiling air handling units and large windows.
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    SolStock via Getty Images
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    DOE recognizes 13 school districts for efficiency, healthy school efforts

    There is also a nationwide drive to boost indoor air quality and health in schools, backed by experts and data pointing to improved student performance.

    By • May 13, 2024
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    Retrieved from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on April 23, 2024
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    Want a 7-day forecast of heat risk near you? Check out this new federal tool.

    The tool accounts for how unusual heat is in a specific location and pulls in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data on what that means for public health, federal officials said Monday.

    By Ysabelle Kempe • April 25, 2024
  • A view of Aunt Flow's period product dispenser integrated witH TRAX Analytics' software
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    Permission granted by Aunt Flow and TRAX Analytics
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    Houston Airport System introduces sensor-enabled period product dispensers in airport restrooms

    The smart restroom technology provides predictive analytics that can help custodial employees determine when the dispensers must be refilled, the airport system’s chief terminal officer says. 

    By • April 25, 2024
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    iStock / FangXiaNuo

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    Sponsored by CheckSammy

    Clean when you need it: The power of on-demand facility cleaning

    On-demand solutions for all cleaning emergencies.

    April 22, 2024
  • A ventilation unit moves air in an office building.
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    Onurdongel via Getty Images
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    Clean air benefits drive operators, manufacturers to prioritize IAQ

    A growing emphasis on indoor air quality among organizations, tenants and regulators is leading operators and manufacturers to shift their focus toward monitoring and improving building ventilation.

    By • April 19, 2024
  • An IT professional works at a computer next to colleagues.
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    Courtesy of Johnson Controls
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    Johnson Controls aims to combat cyber, operational risks through security service, partnerships

    Its Security Operations Centers service provides staffing support and quality assurance for a predictable “as-a-service fee,” the company says.

    By • April 16, 2024
  • Person holds hotel key to door
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    VTT Studio via Getty Images
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    Hotel cybersecurity vulnerabilities extend to key cards

    Researchers have found a way to hack Saflok key cards for up to 3 million hotel rooms. But that's just where the threats to guests begin.

    By Noelle Mateer • April 16, 2024
  • A closeup shot of an unrecognizable male person opening a glass door to enter the office. There are people in the background.
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    skynesher via Getty Images
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    Envoy rolls out 5 tools to bolster workplace safety as more employees return to office

    With varying in-office attendance rates, office space utilization has become more complex and “securing our spaces has gotten trickier,” Envoy’s CEO says.

    By S.L. Fuller • April 12, 2024
  • A blue clipboard with a white paper that says "OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration," and protective gear lying above it.
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    designer491 for iStock via Getty Images
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    OSHA publishes final employee walkaround rule

    The rule, effective May 31, reverts to a long-standing practice that gives employees the right to select a third-party advocate to accompany a safety inspection.

    By Zachary Phillips • April 11, 2024
  • A worker uses their smartphone to gain access at a turnstile.
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    Alina Rosanova via Getty Images
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    Allegion US adds Google Wallet to mobile credential capabilities

    Security access controls will be available to customers using Schlage locks, wall readers and reader controllers, the multinational security firm says.

    By • April 8, 2024
  • An indoor air quality monitor in a classroom.
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    Suebsiri via Getty Images
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    Higher indoor air quality standards needed, researchers say

    The IAQ experts highlight the growing consensus for a need to revise ventilation rates beyond the existing minimum “acceptable” targets.

    By • April 3, 2024
  • A fire alarm system in a commercial building.
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    Alacatr via Getty Images
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    NFPA launches new solutions, advisory services corporation

    NFPA Global Solutions will help customers demonstrate compliance with fire and electrical safety codes, standards and regulations via testing, inspection and certification.

    By • April 1, 2024
  • Aerial shot of a highway alongside a billboard that reads 1:22 p.m., 110 degrees F.
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    Brandon Bell/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Phoenix passes worker heat safety ordinance amid rising heat, deaths

    The measure, which applies to city contractors and subcontractors, emerges on the heels of labor demands and record high temperatures last year.

    By Ginger Christ • March 29, 2024
  • The indoor unit of an air conditioner featuring a cassette split system on a grey ceiling
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    N-sky via Getty Images
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    Modine’s school HVAC solutions certified for safety and compliance

    It certified many of its Airedale indoor air quality products to stay ahead of new federal regulations slated to take effect in 2025, the thermal management company says.

    By • March 21, 2024
  • The front of Watershed Public Charter School in Baltimore County, Maryland.
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    Retrieved from Watershed Public Charter School on March 20, 2024
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    DOE unveils $180M for energy efficiency, air quality upgrades in K12 schools

    The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize will provide school districts funding for new HVAC systems, building envelope and lighting projects, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

    By • Updated March 20, 2024
  • An atrium in a modern, healthy building with trees outside the window.
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    Baona via Getty Images
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    WELL building standard hits 5B-square-foot milestone

    A rising global focus on workforce well-being and employee recruitment has driven interest in the healthy building standard, IWBI says.

    By • March 6, 2024