NECA is sponsoring a safety stand down on April 29 to recognize the many electricians and utility workers have been deemed essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to go to work each day and make sacrifices to better our country.  Take part and share a note or photo with #NECASafety, and on NECA’s LinkedIn and Facebook accounts. Please share the number of workers who participated with safety@necanet.org so we can feature this in the future. Material for your safety stand down can be found below at the NECA Coronavirus Resource Center.   

The Treasury Department issued additional guidance (#43 on FAQ) on the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury department postponed the Safe Harbor repayment deadline to May 14, 2020, as requested by NECA.

It's important not to immediately dive into using any cloud service without investigating what type of security measures are built into the platform.?

Safety Events Update: Postponements and More aconstanza Thu, 04/30/2020 - 16:03

NECA 2020 Safety Professionals Conference Postponed Until October aconstanza Thu, 04/30/2020 - 21:27

The real challenge in the world of employees working from their own homes is not the slack in productivity or the threat of transmission of the virus, but cybersecurity.

Margaret Parker, MD, FCCM, speaks Katri Typpo, MD, MPH, lead author of an article published in the September 2012 issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Margaret Parker, MD, MCCM, speaks with Christina L. Cifra, MD. Dr. Cifra is a Pediatric Intensivist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa.

Incomes of many people, especially those who are self-employed, have been impacted due to the lockdown. To help you through these tough times, here is how you can cut down on current expenses so that your future goals are not at risk.

COVID-19: Mangaluru doctors claim to develop ‘bubble helmet’ for better safety of health workers

An IAF fighter jet crashed into the fields here, Nawanshahr Deputy Commissioner Vinay Bublani said. The crash took place around 10.30 am, the officials said. An IAF spokesperson said the Mig-29 aircraft was on a training mission from an Air Force base near Jalandhar.

It took for the company’s HR department to visit the villages and show them the letters of approval received from the ministry of textile, local administration and to explain to the residents how this will help the country’s effort to fight the pandemic. HR departments face the additional task of convincing not just employees but their neighbours too of the hygienic conditions.

​The app that complements the Aarogya Setu App has been made mandatory for all employees across the value chain, requiring them to update their health status, including close family members, on the app everyday. It has been developed to ensure safety and monitor employees' health on a real time basis.

The Commission of Railway Safety, which investigates all serious rail accidents and clears all rail projects, also said that now that such an incident of migrant or other persons walking along the tracks leading to consequent deaths have come to notice, all-out efforts must be made to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Acting Director Laura L. Rogers today announced awards of more than $16.5 million to support public safety efforts in the Northern District of Texas. Funds will help law enforcement agencies, local cities and counties, campus safety, and victim service providers and domestic violence shelters fight gun, gang, drug and domestic and sexual violence and bring criminals to justice.

Today, the Department of Justice announced awards of more than $122 million to support public safety efforts in Michigan. The funds will help law enforcement agencies and community organizations in jurisdictions across the state fight gun, gang, drug and sexual violence, and bring criminals to justice.

The Department of Justice today announced awards of more than $29 million to support public safety efforts in the Northern District of Ohio. The funding from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) will support violent crime reduction, opioid/substance abuse reduction efforts, victim services, transitional housing for domestic violence victims, law enforcement activities, justice mental health, and juvenile justice.

The Department of Justice today announced awards of more than $165 million to support public safety efforts in the state of North Carolina. The funding from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) will support violent crime reduction, opioid/substance abuse reduction efforts, school safety, victim services, transitional housing for domestic violence victims, law enforcement activities, justice mental health, and juvenile justice.

Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd issued the following statement in support of efforts to streamline payments under the Public Safety Officer Benefit Program (PSOB) to public safety officers fatally injured while working during COVID-19:

As citizens across the nation follow public health instructions to shelter in their homes to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease, victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse are facing increased risk to their own personal safety.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety and Integrity Alliance today released a document outlining best practices for North American racetracks determined to prioritize the health and safety of all participants and employees, when conducting live racing in a spectator-free environment in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The comprehensive document will assist racetracks that […]

The post NTRA Safety And Integrity Alliance Releases Best Practices For Spectator-Free Racing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Burlington Free Press: Fired after raising concerns about unsafe conditions, UPS whistleblower gets her job back. “Marge Harvey got her job back. Harvey, a 33-year veteran driver for UPS in St. Johnsbury, was fired on April 10 after pushing management on unsafe conditions at her workplace, including no personal protective equipment, no soap in the … Continue reading Burlington Free Press: Fired after raising concerns about unsafe conditions, UPS whistleblower gets her job back

Bank runs should not be a concern, thanks to the system that protects your deposits.

Sobriety safety checkpoints will be set up within Grand Canyon National Park this holiday season in an effort to assure the safety of park visitors and residents. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2011-12-21_checkpoints.htm

On December 28, during the peak of the holiday season, a sobriety safety checkpoint was conducted in Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/2012-01-10_checkpoint.htm

Grand Canyon National Park rangers will be setting up sobriety safety checkpoints, over the Memorial Day weekend, in an effort to assure the safety of park visitors and residents. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-taking-steps-to-ensure-public-safety-over-the-memorial-day-weekend.htm

Employees of Grand Canyon National Park have been recognized for outstanding achievement and leadership in the promotion of public and employee safety in 2012. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-employees-receive-several-safety-awards.htm

The National Park Service is issuing a drinking water advisory for the following areas along the North Kaibab Trail, Manzanita Rest Area (Roaring Springs) and Cottonwood Campground within the backcountry at Grand Canyon National Park. The rest of the park including South Rim Village, Desert View, Indian Garden, Phantom Ranch and North Rim Developed Area is not affected by this advisory and water is safe to drink. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/drinking-water.htm

The National Park Service is lifting a drinking water advisory that was issued on Friday, October 31st for the following areas along the North Kaibab Trail, Manzanita Rest Area (Roaring Springs) and Cottonwood Campground within the backcountry at Grand Canyon National Park. Water in the rest of the park including South Rim Village, Desert View, Indian Garden, Phantom Ranch and North Rim Developed Area continues to be safe to drink. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/lift-advisory.htm

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of Grand Canyon National Park. The warning is in effect from 10 am Saturday, June 17 to 8 pm Wednesday, June 21 for areas below 5,000 feet in the canyon including Phantom Ranch and Indian Garden. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/summer-safety.htm

The National Park Service would like to remind everyone that the best way to enjoy Fourth of July at Grand Canyon National Park is safely. Visitors and residents are encouraged to contribute to a safe and enjoyable park experience on Fourth of July by drinking responsibly and not driving under the influence. With the holiday fast approaching, visitors and residents are also reminded that fireworks are prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park at all times. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/celebrate-4th-of-july-safely-at-grand-canyon-national-park-v.htm

The National Park Service reminds visitors to enjoy Grand Canyon safely and to remember a visit to Grand Canyon is not like going to the zoo-there are no fences to separate you from real wild animals. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/view-wildlife-safely-2018-1.htm

Safety First. A trip to Grand Canyon can be both fun and safe by keeping these few tips in mind. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/safety-first-at-the-rim-2018-07-03.htm

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, along with the DUI Abatement Council, granted Grand Canyon National Park $10,000 to improve highway safety and stop impaired driving. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-awarded-state-grant-to-improve-highway-safety-and-stop-impaired-driving.htm

The firm has responded to a complaint over the barriers at the Chillingham Road store

Leading music and film organizations today sent a new letter to leaders of CONGRESS that highlights how they believe the implementation of the CARES Act has fallen short. The organizations … more

Today, more than patient advocacy, medical and public health organizations sent a letter to senior Trump Administration officials, appealing to the Administration to take immediate action to alleviate the critical shortage across the nation ventilators...

AHA COVID-19 newsroom     DALLAS, May 4, 2020 — The American Heart Association, together with 14 cardiovascular societies in North America, today issued joint guidance, “Safe Reintroduction of Cardiovascular Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic:...

Research Highlights: The blood thinner apixaban, which treats and prevents blood clots in some people with irregular heart rhythm, is safe and effective in stroke patients. Apixaban is associated with less bleeding, death and hospitalization than ...

We all know elections matter. Local elections matter in particular because these elected officials have significant impacts on our daily lives. Government here in our community impacts us through our schools, in our streets, and on our property.

Electing a sheriff is unique because it’s a direct link between the voting public and a law enforcement official; we all have a stake in the sheriff election. The public should take a critical look at each candidate, examine the candidates’ goals, and their plans for attaining them. Look at the substance and nature of their campaign. Scrutinize their grasp of the office.

I’m running because I see where the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office can improve our services and have specific plans to achieve these goals. My campaign has focused on engaging people and groups across the county to listen to what is important to people when selecting a sheriff and sharing tangible, achievable goals to keep the Sheriff’s Office moving forward.

Perhaps most important, though, the next sheriff must also understand the role the office holds in county government. It is vital to understand the scope of the office as well as the legal and ethical boundaries that the sheriff is held to and must operate within.

I’m confident that my experience within the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office — and appreciation of the responsibility — provide voters with an additional measure of comfort when casting your ballot.

When electing a sheriff, voters should examine the career, character and commitment to the community displayed by the candidate. As a lifelong resident of this community and a career public servant to Johnson County, I’ve grown with this community and have a deep understanding of where we’ve come from and where we’re going. A sheriff’s office is a complex organization, and my experience as a deputy sheriff is invaluable to understanding the dynamics of the different divisions within the office. I also have important budget and personnel experience through service on the Solon City Council and on nonprofit boards. The sheriff is also a department head and it’s important to have a strong grasp of finance and management skills.

I’m proud of my proven record of service to public safety, public office and our nonprofit partners in Johnson County, and I will continue my commitment to service as the next Johnson County sheriff.

Brad Kunkel is a candidate in the Democratic primary for Johnson County sheriff. kunkelforsheriff.com

GPS is a must in any cell phone for seniors. It’ll help them get their bearings when they’re lost via GPS navigation and maps and it’ll help you (or emergency services). Cell Phones for Seniors

For safety-critical black-box optimization tasks, observations of the constraints and the objective are often noisy and available only for the feasible points. We propose an approach based on log barriers to find a local solution of a non-convex non-smooth black-box optimization problem $min f^0(x)$ subject to $f^i(x)leq 0,~ i = 1,ldots, m$, at the same time, guaranteeing constraint satisfaction while learning an optimal solution with high probability. Our proposed algorithm exploits noisy observations to iteratively improve on an initial safe point until convergence. We derive the convergence rate and prove safety of our algorithm. We demonstrate its performance in an application to an iterative control design problem.

Cyber-physical systems for robotic surgery have enabled minimally invasive procedures with increased precision and shorter hospitalization. However, with increasing complexity and connectivity of software and major involvement of human operators in the supervision of surgical robots, there remain significant challenges in ensuring patient safety. This paper presents a safety monitoring system that, given the knowledge of the surgical task being performed by the surgeon, can detect safety-critical events in real-time. Our approach integrates a surgical gesture classifier that infers the operational context from the time-series kinematics data of the robot with a library of erroneous gesture classifiers that given a surgical gesture can detect unsafe events. Our experiments using data from two surgical platforms show that the proposed system can detect unsafe events caused by accidental or malicious faults within an average reaction time window of 1,693 milliseconds and F1 score of 0.88 and human errors within an average reaction time window of 57 milliseconds and F1 score of 0.76.

This work addresses the problem of traffic management at and near an isolated un-signalized intersection for autonomous and networked vehicles through coordinated optimization of their trajectories. We decompose the trajectory of each vehicle into two phases: the provisional phase and the coordinated phase. A vehicle, upon entering the region of interest, initially operates in the provisional phase, in which the vehicle is allowed to optimize its trajectory but is constrained to guarantee in-lane safety and to not enter the intersection. Periodically, all the vehicles in their provisional phase switch to their coordinated phase, which is obtained by coordinated optimization of the schedule of the vehicles' intersection usage as well as their trajectories. For the coordinated phase, we propose a data-driven solution, in which the intersection usage order is obtained through a data-driven online "classification" and the trajectories are computed sequentially. This approach is computationally very efficient and does not compromise much on optimality. Moreover, it also allows for incorporation of "macro" information such as traffic arrival rates into the solution. We also discuss a distributed implementation of this proposed data-driven sequential algorithm. Finally, we compare the proposed algorithm and its two variants against traditional methods of intersection management and against some existing results in the literature by micro-simulations.

An important goal in reinforcement learning is to create agents that can quickly adapt to new goals while avoiding situations that might cause damage to themselves or their environments. One way agents learn is through exploration mechanisms, which are needed to discover new policies. However, in deep reinforcement learning, exploration is normally done by injecting noise in the action space. While performing well in many domains, this setup has the inherent risk that the noisy actions performed by the agent lead to unsafe states in the environment. Here we introduce a novel approach called Meta-Learned Instinctual Networks (MLIN) that allows agents to safely learn during their lifetime while avoiding potentially hazardous states. At the core of the approach is a plastic network trained through reinforcement learning and an evolved "instinctual" network, which does not change during the agent's lifetime but can modulate the noisy output of the plastic network. We test our idea on a simple 2D navigation task with no-go zones, in which the agent has to learn to approach new targets during deployment. MLIN outperforms standard meta-trained networks and allows agents to learn to navigate to new targets without colliding with any of the no-go zones. These results suggest that meta-learning augmented with an instinctual network is a promising new approach for safe AI, which may enable progress in this area on a variety of different domains.

Perhaps you've heard people banging on pans to support health care workers, or howling into the abyss just to let other humans know they were alive. We've gone to some extreme measures to keep ourselves entertained since much of the country went on lockdown to combat COVID-19, and here's another one that can get you out of the house while remaining safely social-distanced and supporting local artists at the same time.…