As we look ahead to the coming year, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the learning moments of 2017 ― the areas where the security industry learned, grew and shifted thinking to better provide products and solutions for buildings of all types, across all industries.

The Israel Nature & Parks Authority (INPA) is using PowerG™ technology from Visonic Ltd., Tel-Aviv, Israel, a developer and manufacturer of wireless home security and safety systems and components, to enable research that will help protect the griffon vulture population in Israel.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), a living laboratory for researchers to teach, test and study the long-term impact of sustainable practices and technologies, features advanced building controls, sensing technology and management software from Honeywell.

When a large aerospace manufacturer acquired gas detectors to protect against hazardous leaks, it decided to leverage its Metis Secure Emergency Notification and Communications System.

After experiencing an increase in crime, The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad, home to more than 39,000 grad and undergrad students, was in the market for a professional grade CCTV surveillance system to improve the security of its students and assets.

Detroit – Night-shift workers who experience insomnia but report low levels of sleepiness have higher levels of cognitive impairment than those with insomnia who say they experience “excessive” sleepiness, according to a recent study from the Sleep Disorders and Research Center at Henry Ford Hospital.

San Diego — Eating within set times while not skipping meals can reduce the cardiovascular health risks of firefighters and other shift workers, results of a recent study show.

Toronto — Middle-aged and older adults who have worked the night shift or rotating shifts are significantly more likely to experience cognitive impairment, results of a recent study suggest.

Melbourne, Australia — Shift work and long hours can significantly raise the risk of preterm birth for pregnant workers, according to the results of a recent study.

Washington – Failure to apply inherently safer design principles, conduct damage mechanism hazard reviews and implement safeguards led to the hydrocarbon release and fire at a Chevron refinery in August 2012, concludes a draft report from the Chemical Safety Board.

Richmond, CA – Chemical Safety Board members unanimously approved a set of recommendations as part of the agency’s third and final report on a fire and vapor release that affected thousands of residents near a Chevron refinery in 2012.

Washington — Two environmental groups, along with 75 salon workers from across the country, have filed a citizen petition asking the Food and Drug Administration to ban hair straighteners containing formaldehyde.

New York — Workers in the manufacturing, warehousing, construction and transportation industries need better support for their mental and emotional needs, results of a recent survey suggest.

The Ronald McDonald House is far more than just a place to sleep. Many of the families who come here are undergoing some of the most stressful times of their life as they seek medical care for their children. 

The ITAR-free Neutrino SX8-ISR 35-700 model with 1280x1024 resolution combines Teledyne FLIR’s MWIR camera module and continuous zoom lens for integrators developing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.

The XTLplus Classic Package includes a 7-inch Touchscreen Keypad, 3 door/window contacts, a motion detector and siren. Additionally, the XTLplus Premium Package also includes a video doorbell.

Geneva, Switzerland — The World Health Organization has released evidence-based guidelines intended to help protect workers from potential health hazards posed by manufactured nanomaterials.

What are the new Environmental Protection Agency labeling requirements for hazardous waste containers?

At my facility, many areas have small leaks and drips outdoors that represent either an environmental risk or a slip, trip and fall hazard due to the slick surface they create. When dealing with these small hydrocarbon spills in the rain or on waters, are there any products or solutions that absorb the oil while allowing clean water to filter through, or other solutions to keep my employees safe?

Denios pop-up barriers are self-contained and passively powered. They are a self-closing solution that can save your facility – and even lives. No power, people or external sensors are needed.

Falls Church, VA – Virginia will become the first state in the nation to codify the Voluntary Protection Programs so that it becomes a permanent fixture of the state's workplace safety program, once recently approved legislation is enacted July 1.

What factors will help me determine the correct respirator needed for a specific job?

What are respirator fit tests?

A large number of men at our facility have beards, and I’m concerned that this could create problems with their respiratory protection. Can you provide any advice?

What are the benefits of powered air purifying systems versus negative pressure systems?

If I can get a worker with facial hair to pass a quantitative fit test using a PortaCount, can I then allow that worker to wear the full facepiece without him needing to shave?

How do I know if I should wear a powered air purifying respirator or a supplied air respirator while welding?

When it comes to respiratory protection, what important lessons have been learned from COVID-19?

Today, DMP released its new line of alarm communication radios that are FirstNet Ready and approved for use on FirstNet.

DMP has released its XT30 and XT50 alarm panels that are approved FirstNet Ready. 

Genetec Inc. announced that the company unified security platform has been chosen by Brazil’s Hercílio Luz International Airport in Florianópolis (Floripa), to manage its physical security infrastructure, and provide operational insights.

TouchTone’s partners face a unique challenge: the phasing-out of legacy copper-wire phone lines, informally known as Plain Old Telephone Service or POTS.

Washington — A proposed rule that would restore two parts of OSHA’s injury and illness recordkeeping regulations is under review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Harrisburg, PA — A new website launched by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute will help track struck-by incidents involving first responders on the nation’s roadways.

Washington — OSHA is requesting public comment on a proposed rule that would revise its injury and illness recordkeeping regulation.

Washington — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is now accepting charges of discrimination under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Quincy, MA — Eighty-nine firefighters died while on duty or within 24 hours of duty last year, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s annual report.

A man trapped for five days after a fire tore through an apartment building filed a suit seeking compensation to punish the defendant.

A decision recently rendered in Illinois involved a requirement that a property be retrofitted with an automatic sprinkler system. The municipality had previously mandated that commercial buildings be retrofitted with the fire/life safety solutions. The ordinance excluded multiple residence dwellings from the retrofit sprinkler requirement.

In Michigan, an arsonist set the plaintiff’s liquor store on fire.

A California rule is used in deciding cases of workplace safety.

A court has to decide whether or not a malfunctioning smoke alarm was the fault of the manufacturer or intentional disablement.

A court affirmed an insurer’s decision to deny a fire damage claim due to the absence of an automatic extinguishing system.

Quincy, MA — Fire departments nationwide are being asked to pause all nonemergency activities during the 2024 Firefighter Safety Stand Down to focus on safety and health education.

Washington — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has published a final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, including guidance to provide workers with more clarity on the law – and employers with a better understanding of their responsibilities.

ASSA ABLOY announced the company’s latest GreenCircle Certifications and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for architectural door accessories, which include the following Rockwood Products: locking pull LP3301; MegaTek pulls; MezzoTek pulls; GeoMetek pulls; BandWidth pulls; vandal resistant pull; offset pull and push bar; pull plates including 105x70C, 107x70C, and 111x70C; as well as ASSA ABLOY glass solutions products 4-in. square and tapered door rails, and the PDU8000-3 panic device.

Washington – A new OSHA directive outlines procedures for the agency’s new process in assisting early resolution of whistleblower disputes.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting to hear comments and suggestions on issues related to the agency’s Whistleblower Protection Program.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting for May 10 to hear stakeholder input on how it can improve outreach and training efforts for its Whistleblower Protection Program.

Kansas-based Safety Plus First Aid & Safety helps businesses protect their employees and customers with first-aid kits, AEDs, CPR kits and other safety equipment needed in case of a workplace injury or emergency.