Health & Safety: Page 3


  • A shot of three construction workers mid sections.
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    OSHA sets late December comment deadline for extreme heat standard

    The agency’s proposed rule would require employers to develop heat injury and illness prevention plans, among other actions.

    By Ryan Golden • Sept. 6, 2024
  • The Guaranteed Rate Field, a baseball stadium in Chicago.
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    Permission granted by Chicago White Sox
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    Chicago baseball stadium adds 11 free period product dispensers

    Facilities managers should view menstrual hygiene products as a budgetary line item akin to other restroom supplies, the Chicago White Sox’s senior director of park operations said.

    By Aug. 27, 2024
  • View of a back alley lined with trash carts in Baltimore, with utility lines and tree branches overhead
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    peeterv via Getty Images
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    Focus on heat illness intensifies after death of Baltimore sanitation worker

    Mayor Brandon Scott said the city has hired a law firm to conduct a thorough review of the Department of Public Works' heat safety policies, as labor groups call for more heat safety protections.

    By Megan Quinn • Aug. 23, 2024
  • A ventilation unit moves air in an office building.
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    Onurdongel via Getty Images
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    R-Zero launches IAQ monitor, control dashboard to support occupant comfort, HVAC maintenance

    Operators can also use the system to detect HVAC faults, fix ventilation problems and support healthy building certifications, the company says.

    By Aug. 21, 2024
  • An Adidas store stands in Manhattan on October 25, 2022 in New York City.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Adidas America faces almost $400K in fines over warehouse safety violations

    Safety hazards, such as an unsafe ladder and a lack of guardrails, found during a 2021 OSHA inspection of the facility were still not addressed during a January 2024 visit, the federal agency said.

    By Cara Salpini • Aug. 20, 2024
  • An area for workers to hydrate on a construction jobsite.
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    Permission granted by Turner Construction
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    Turner launches new heat safety study

    Building on a program from last summer, the contractor will measure the impact of high temperatures on 200 workers this month.

    By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 15, 2024
  • Smoky haze from wildfires in Canada diminishes the visibility of the Chrysler Building on June 7, 2023 in New York City.
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    David Dee Delgado via Getty Images
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    Combating indoor air pollution from wildfire smoke

    Smoke readiness plans, regular assessments of ventilation systems and high-efficiency HVAC filters can all play a role, experts say.

    By Amanda Loudin • Aug. 12, 2024
  • A man works in the sun at a construction site during a heat wave on July 27, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
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    Spencer Platt/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    OSHA’s proposed heat rule: It’s time to get HIIPP

    Legal experts say regardless of whether the standard will be adopted, it’s a helpful tool and provides insight into the agency’s view of heat safety.

    By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 1, 2024
  • A person sweating and wearing protective goggles, gloves and orange vest in a factory.
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    coffeekai for iStock via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    How OSHA’s proposed heat rule could impact manufacturers

    Companies should prepare now to offer employees additional breaks and increased air conditioning as global temperatures continue to rise. 

    By Sara Samora • July 30, 2024
  • 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
  • Aerial shot of buildings in dense urban setting
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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
  • A chef cooks a real hot dish.
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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
  • A person speaks at a podium
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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
  • Custodian janitor pushing cleaning cart down hallway
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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