Category: Safety

Understanding Workplace Fungal Threats

A Michigan paper mill recently had to close for intensive cleaning following an outbreak of workplace fungal infections. There were 21 confirmed cases, including 1 fatality, and 76 people at the mill were classified as having probable cases of blastomycosis. Fungal diseases like blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), and histoplasmosis can infect anyone, according to the […]

Public-Private Partners Huddle to Secure the 2023 NFL Draft

Local officials, federal agencies, and military engineers went the whole nine yards in partnering with the National Football League (NFL) to enhance security for the 88th annual draft that concluded in late April. In the months leading up to this year’s highly anticipated draft, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T); […]

MSU Details Security Upgrades Following Mass Shooting

Michigan State University (MSU) officials recently shared a progress update on campus safety and security initiatives taken in response to a mass shooting on Feb. 13. Three students were killed and five others were injured during the tragic event. In late April, MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) announced key findings from its ongoing […]

Hurricane Season Safety Guidelines for Your Elevators

Federal agencies are commemorating National Hurricane Preparedness Week April 30-May 6, 2023, in a national campaign to help everyone get ready before hurricane season begins on June 1. Although Facilities Management Advisor has offered many resources over the years about how to prepare your facilities for these dangerous storms, what should you do about your […]

Texas Gov. Signs Proclamation Recognizing May 10th as World FM Day

Signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a proclamation officially recognizing May 10, 2023, as World Facility Management (FM) Day was presented to IFMA Global Headquarters in Houston, Texas. IFMA contacted the governor’s office in March to request a proclamation formally recognizing FM’s responsibility for the functionality, safety, and sustainability of the built environment, and publicly […]

Report: Most CEOs Unprepared for Rise in Physical Threats to Their Businesses

Although physical threats are “skyrocketing,” most C-suite leaders are unprepared to mitigate the impact on operations and people. That’s according to a new report from critical event management provider OnSolve. The study found significant increases to three rising threats globally in 2022 when compared to 2021: infrastructure and technology (+688% globally, +807% in U.S.); transportation […]

International Code Council Kicks Off Building Safety Month

Following a presidential proclamation in the U.S., the International Code Council (ICC) kicked off its 43rd annual Building Safety Month on May 1st. The campaign aims to raise awareness among individuals, families, and businesses about the importance of constructing and maintaining safe and sustainable structures around the world. On April 28, President Joe Biden signed a […]

OSHA Again Cites Dollar Tree, Dollar General for Blocked Exits

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) again cited discount retailers Dollar Tree and Dollar General for blocked exit routes in their stores. On April 24, the agency announced it’s seeking $770,136 in penalties for hazards related to obstructed exits, unsafe storage of materials, fire, and other hazards at Dollar Tree stores in East Providence and Pawtucket, Rhode […]

What We Learned From… FM NOW: Building Tech Summit

We here at Facilities Management Advisor have wrapped up our Facilities Management NOW: Building Technology summit! The online event featured educational sessions covering a variety of hot topics. If you missed any of the webinars, here’s a rundown with key takeaways and links to free on-demand recordings. Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Opening Keynote | Refreshing […]

Back to Basics: PSAP and EOC Facilities

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. With April being Emergency Communications Month, let’s spotlight facilities that are vital in responding to emergencies. Public safety answering points (PSAPs) and emergency operations centers (EOCs) are critical facilities that provide essential services to the community […]