Health & Safety
-
Spencer Platt / Staff via Getty Images
As workplace incidents rise, so do panic button laws
A security CEO touts the versatility and privacy protections that can be part of an alert system.
By Robert Freedman • Sept. 17, 2025 -
simonkr via Getty Images
AI-assisted camera data hovers at the edge of biometric privacy
Capturing security images isn’t the same as capturing people’s biometric data but a risk manager thinks it’s close enough that disclosing what you’re doing is a good idea.
By Robert Freedman • Sept. 15, 2025 -
George Frey via Getty Images
Kirk shooter appeared to fire from roof of university student services building
Outdoor event security and building security are facing scrutiny following the shooting of the conservative political activist speaking at Utah Valley University.
By Robert Freedman • Sept. 11, 2025 -
Suebsiri via Getty Images
Younger generations more likely to consider leaving job over IAQ: Fellowes
All generations say clean indoor air enables their best performance, but fewer than half of employees think their employers are taking the right steps to address air quality.
By Joe Burns • Sept. 9, 2025 -
Suebsiri via Getty Images
School IAQ bill that aims to strengthen EPA oversight reintroduced, with industry support
The Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act would establish a nationwide assessment of air quality in schools and childcare facilities and bolster the EPA’s Indoor Environments Division.
By Joe Burns • Sept. 4, 2025 -
northlightimages via Getty Images
Health issues cloud cost-benefit equation of artificial turf
Facility managers must weigh the trade-off between ease and lower cost of turf against the heat, microplastic and PFAS concerns it raises.
By Robert Freedman • Sept. 2, 2025 -
proxyminder via Getty Images
Jury is still out on widespread use of UV lights in cutting infections
Although respiratory ailments dropped in a test of ultraviolet lights in long-term care facilities, it’s not clear use of the technology is warranted in many settings, research suggests.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 26, 2025 -
Courtesy of Hydrosense
Testing gaps can leave FMs blind to Legionella risk
Delays and other shortcomings of lab culture tests can prolong building users’ exposure to the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a testing specialist says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 25, 2025 -
TW Farlow via Getty Images
Arizona’s system for funding K-12 facilities ruled unconstitutional
Built-in jurisdictional disparities prevent the state from providing a uniform school system that meets minimal standards, a state court says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 22, 2025 -
Courtesy of Campus Guardian Angel
Florida schools will test armed drones this fall to thwart shooters
Three districts in the state will have the devices available as a first-response option that coordinates with local law enforcement, drone provider Campus Guardian Angel says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 21, 2025 -
Jon Cherry via Getty Images
American Lung Association urges school radon testing
HVAC systems must be functioning properly, with clean filters, for the tests to accurately identify levels of the radioactive gas, the organization says.
By Joe Burns • Aug. 20, 2025 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Deep DiveNew York City workplace shooting exposes building security weaknesses
The mass shooting in July underscores how access controls fail, but facility managers can get better security out of the technology, specialists say.
By Joe Burns • Aug. 18, 2025 -
spates via Getty Images
Legionella just one of many HVAC risks, microbiologist says
Even products that operators use to clean ventilation systems can cause illness among building occupants, a scientist says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 15, 2025 -
Elijah Nouvelage via Getty Images
Blast-resistant glass likely limited damage at CDC
Some 150 bullets pierced four buildings when a shooter opened fire Aug. 8 at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Employees say they want bulletproof glass.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 14, 2025 -
Courtesy of DriSteem
3 ways humidification can boost the bottom line
By reducing absenteeism, preserving furniture and protecting equipment, facility managers that optimize humidification can reduce costs, an engineer says.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 12, 2025 -
Andrew Burton via Getty Images
Legionella outbreak puts facility managers on front lines
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease thrives in warm water, so improperly cleaned HVAC systems can spread infectious agents when they’re released through commercial cooling towers, officials say.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 11, 2025 -
Onurdongel via Getty Images
Perception more important than reality when it comes to clean air: survey
Odor, stuffiness and dust guide decision-making by building occupants, suggesting facility leaders should showcase their indoor air quality efforts, GPS Air says.
By Joe Burns • July 31, 2025 -
Courtesy of Massachusetts Dept. of Fire Services
Building operations not implicated in deadly Fall River fire
The assisted living facility had compliance problems in 2023 but they were related to medical management, not the building’s electrical or mechanical systems, according to preliminary findings.
By Robert Freedman • July 28, 2025 -
Alacatr via Getty Images
Honeywell vulnerability exposes building systems to cyber attacks
Researchers have found vulnerabilities in the Niagara Framework, developed by a Honeywell company, which could allow attackers to disable building automation and security systems.
By Joe Burns • July 25, 2025 -
Serenethos via Getty Images
Locating ventilation above aerosol source helps contain pathogen spread: study
Well-placed ventilation also increases the effectiveness of social distancing, researchers say.
By Robert Freedman • July 22, 2025 -
Bill_Vorasate via Getty Images
DOE to drop accessibility requirement for buildings receiving federal funds
The U.S. Energy Department calls a decades-old accessibility provision redundant in a rule rescission taking effect soon.
By Robert Freedman • July 17, 2025 -
Kira-Yan via Getty Images
Polymer coating boosts air quality sensors, study shows
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University say they’ve developed a coating that can boost the performance and extend the life of formaldehyde sensors.
By Joe Burns • July 16, 2025 -
Fahroni via Getty Images
Building operators rapidly adopt streamlined green, health building pathways
The payoff is substantial, especially when stakeholders align on building sustainability, health and operational goals, supporters say.
By Joe Burns • July 15, 2025 -
Courtesy of Verkada
Using smart cameras as social media-fueled incidents heat up
Cultural facilities are increasingly at risk for security breaches. That puts a spotlight on building operators as they try to pinpoint risks before they escalate.
By Robert Freedman • July 9, 2025 -
slobo via Getty Images
How to protect building occupants from allergens and asthma triggers
While air quality, humidity levels and cleanliness are key, irritants can come from indoor surfaces and even cleaning products, experts say.
By Joe Burns • July 8, 2025
