Health & Safety: Page 7

  • A person in a grey sweater hovers over a laptop with their hands.
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    Cybersecurity firm flags attack on construction accounting system

    Plumbing, HVAC and similar subcontractors using default credentials faced active intrusions due to an emerging threat targeting Foundation Software users, according to cybersecurity firm Huntress.

    By Matthew Thibault • Sept. 23, 2024
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    SecureAire acquisition will drive energy-efficient air filtration, R-Zero says.

    With filters that last two to three times longer, building owners can cut maintenance costs and material waste, boosting overall efficiency, R-Zero’s CEO said.

    By • Sept. 18, 2024
  • K-12 education, school facility management Explore the Trendline➔
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    Trendline

    Schools on front lines of facilities management innovation

    As research mounts on the importance of a school’s physical infrastructure to the performance and well-being of its students, administarors, parents and the community expect facility managers to make the best use of often-limited resources.  

    By Facilities Dive staff
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    Courtesy of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union
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    Retail workers hail New York’s new panic-button law

    The law, which Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Thursday, mandates better lighting, adequate staffing, employee training and safety measures in stores. Key trade groups opposed the measure. 

    By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2024
  • A tired stress worker sweats from hot weather in summer.
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    Google pilots heat resilience tool in 14 US cities

    The tool is equipped with AI-driven object detection and other models that account for characteristics such as how well roofs on buildings reflect sunlight, Google says.

    By Ysabelle Kempe • Sept. 10, 2024
  • Smoke from the Canadian wildfires blots out the un over Midtown Manhattan.
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    3 steps to mitigate wildfire effects on IAQ

    Building occupancy, air filter inventory and measures to manage air intake and exhaust are among the factors to consider, experts say.

    By • Sept. 9, 2024
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    Sathit Trakunpunlert/iStock.com

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    Sponsored by Peak Power

    What every industrial facility manager needs to know about peak shaving and load shifting

    Two strategies industrial facilities can use to reduce high electricity demand charges.

    By Derek Lim Soo • Sept. 9, 2024
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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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    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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    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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    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
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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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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