Category: Emergency Preparedness

First Aid Kits: Update Yours to Meet New Industry Standard

A first aid kit can be easy to ignore. It’s quiet, unobtrusive, and often hiding in plain sight. But it’s more likely to be used than you might think. There were 2.7 million workplace nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in the U.S. in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor […]

Why Healthcare Facilities Need More Public View Monitors

Public view monitors (PVMs) have an integrated camera and display the captured images of visitors. PVMs are typically hung from the ceiling or mounted on the walls at customer entrances and lobby areas. They have been used for years in the retail sector and proven to deter criminal activity. PVMs can help to set the […]

Public Health Experts Urge Action Before Next Pandemic Wave

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) should establish federal workplace standards regarding ventilation, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), physical distancing, and other basic public health precautions in anticipation of future surges in COVID-19 infections, according to a group of public health experts.   In a report titled “Getting to and Sustaining the Next Normal: A Roadmap […]

What Are Healthy Buildings?

As we head into Healthy Buildings Week here at Facilities Management Advisor, one might ask: “What are healthy buildings?” Healthy buildings involve a variety of categories, including design, cleaning protocols, ventilation, water quality, safety and security, clear communication and signage, encouragement of active occupants, and certification programs. Healthy buildings take on added importance as many workers […]

How Digital Contact Tracing Could Help Facility Managers Limit COVID Outbreaks

From implementing new cleaning and sanitization guidelines to dealing with labor shortages and supply chain issues, facility managers are handling more moving parts than ever before because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the virus transforming communal areas into new opportunities for infections, facility managers have a newfound responsibility to protect the health and well-being of […]

Workplace Safety Concerns Hit All-Time High for U.S. Employees

Most U.S. employees are more concerned about workplace safety than ever before, with worries ranging from health hazards to cybersecurity, and they expect employers to ensure their well-being while on the job, according to a new study from AlertMedia. Based on responses from over 2,000 full-time U.S. workers, the State of Employee Safety Report found […]

OSHA Ups Inspections at Healthcare Facilities Treating COVID Patients

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced an enforcement memorandum for a short-term increase in highly focused inspections directed at hospitals and skilled nursing care facilities that treat or handle COVID-19 patients. For two years, millions of the nation’s healthcare workers have been battling the coronavirus. Many have endangered […]

Healthcare Facilities Can Prepare for Disaster and Recover Quicker with FEMA Assistance

Last year, the United States saw 20 weather- and climate-related disasters with losses that exceeded $1 billion—each. These events included flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and more. Tragically, they left 688 people dead and created significant economic challenges in the areas the storms hit. These disasters were in addition to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, which continues […]

How Authorities Are Tackling Security for Super Bowl LVI

Before Super Bowl LVI kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 13, a massive coalition of federal, state, and local officials is hard at work to help ensure the safety and security of employees, players, and fans during the big game. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas recently traveled to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, […]

Be Prepared for New Enhanced 911 Regulations

Kari’s Law and the Ray Baum’s Act are two pieces of federal legislation concerning Enhanced 911 (E911) services. These are advanced services for 911, the universal telephone number used in the United States for emergency services. Facilities management professionals should understand these laws to ensure that their facilities are compliant. These laws were discussed during […]