Health & Safety

  • 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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    Trump administration likely to abandon OSHA heat safety rule, experts say

    The incoming administration will probably let the standard die, but some other form of guidance could emerge instead, according to attorneys.

    By Zachary Phillips • Nov. 12, 2024
  • The second floor of the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics, with lounging sofas and desks in the foreground.
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    Retrieved from Carnegie Mellon University on November 05, 2024
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    Higher ed campuses update health, wellness, accessibility amenities

    Many colleges and universities are investing in facilities that promote overall well-being, including new fitness centers, mental health spaces and student support areas.

    By • Nov. 5, 2024
  • An indoor air quality monitor in a classroom.
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    Suebsiri via Getty Images
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    EPA updates IAQ guidance with multi-layered ventilation, filtration strategy

    Filtration improvements, HVAC upgrades and air cleaning technologies are some of the steps operators can take to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says.

    By • Nov. 4, 2024
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    Kira-Yan via Getty Images
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    Air quality, energy efficiency can coexist, but require intentional decision-making

    To reap the benefits of IAQ and energy efficiency measures, operators must focus on design, planning and verification of building systems, experts say. 

    By • Oct. 30, 2024
  • A modern hospital room interior with an empty bed, an LCD television and a city view from the window.
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    onurdongel via Getty Images
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    Cleanliness, safety gaps in healthcare workspaces affect employee retention, survey finds

    Employees eyeing exits in the next 12 months were likely to report dissatisfaction with employee offices and break rooms that were unsafe, unclean or had inadequate sound privacy, per a JLL report. 

    By • Oct. 17, 2024
  • An aerial view of flooding from Hurricane Helene.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    5 tips for businesses filing hurricane-related insurance claims

    With Hurricanes Helene and Milton estimated to have cost tens of billions of dollars in damage, it’s important for businesses to carefully document the impact when filing insurance claims, experts say.

    By Maura Webber Sadovi • Oct. 14, 2024
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    Octavio Jones/Reuters

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    Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium roof blown off by Hurricane Milton

    The storm shredded the canvas dome — designed to withstand 115 mph winds — of the Major League Baseball park, built in 1990.

    By Zachary Phillips , Jennifer Goodman • Oct. 10, 2024
  • An aerial view of flooding from Hurricane Helene.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Business continuity plans, partnerships key to navigating extreme weather, experts say

    As buildings recover from Hurricane Helene and brace for Hurricane Milton, facilities experts discuss the technologies, partnerships and practices that can aid in event response.

    By • Updated Oct. 8, 2024
  • A person in a grey sweater hovers over a laptop with their hands.
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    mapo via Getty Images
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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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    Serenethos via Getty Images
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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
  • A diverse group of people stand around a table where a person in a blue pantsuit signs papers.
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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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    coffeekai via Getty Images
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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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    Johnemac72 via Getty Images
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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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    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