Life Safety/Security - News

Worker safety presentation available

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance (KOSHS) Program, and partners have developed a presentation on worker safety programs geared toward small businesses.

The presentation contains information on workers’ compensation, the basic elements of a worker safety plan, and how workers’ compensation premiums are impacted by the variation in the quality or absence of a worker safety plan.

New businesses or those small business owners without worker safety programs can download this presentation at www.kiprc.uky.edu

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ASSE issues advice on H1N1

DES PLAINES, Ill. – ASSE has developed several policies to limit the effect of H1N1 flu on businesses:

• Participate in and actively promote state and community public health efforts.
• Encourage good hand hygiene, washing hands regularly and thoroughly for at least 15 seconds.
• Consider allowing employees to borrow against their sick leave to ensure that they are not infectious before returning to work.
• Identify a workplace coordinator or committee to be responsible for dealing with H1N1 flu issues and their impact on business operations.
• Prepare business continuity plans to maintain operations during times of significant absenteeism.

For more information, see www.asse.org

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Top cos. Protect their LAN systems

BOSTON – More companies are securing their LAN systems, according to research by the Aberdeen Group.

Specifically, 73% of Best in Class companies have implemented a Wireless Intrusion Protection System to monitor the wireless radio spectrum for the presence of unauthorized access points and to automatically take countermeasures.

For more information, see www.aberdeen.com

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NYPD helps FMs

NEW YORK – The New York City Police Department has released a 100-page book, Engineering Security: Protective Design for High Risk Buildings, to assist the New York City building community in preventing and mitigating the effects of a terrorist attack on a building. The study also creates a three-tier system designed to categorize buildings based on risk. Buildings in New York City require varying levels of security: the vast majority warrant no special precautions, while a mere handful necessitate heightened security. Engineering Security’s recommendations address the specific security challenges facing the highest risk buildings in New York. It also recommends that stairwells in new buildings be wider to accommodate evacuation and rescue.

For more information, see www.nyc.gov

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ABC recognizes safest construction firms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recognized the nation’s safest construction firms in 2008. The winners are:

NAICS 236 – General Contractor

• Group Contractors, LLC; Baton Rouge, La.
• Hendrick Construction, Inc.; Charlotte, N.C. 
• Kaufman Lynn General Contractors; Boca Raton, Fla.
• Kelley Construction, Inc. Louisville, Ky.
• Three Rivers Corporation; Midland, Mich.
• TIC Holdings, Inc.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.
• VIRTEXCO Corporation; Norfolk, Va.

NAICS 237 – Heavy and Civil Engineering Contractor

• Allan A. Myers; Worcester, Pa.
• Austin Industrial, Inc.; Houston, Texas
• CRA Services; Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Craig & Heidt, Inc.; Houston, Texas
• Diamond D General Engineering, Inc.; Woodland, Calif.;
• Triple “S” Industrial Corporation; Lumberton, Texas

NAICS 238 – Specialty Contractor

• Canyon Concrete, Inc. Farmington, Mo.  
• Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing; Dallas, Texas  
• Corbins Electric; Phoenix, Ariz.
• Miken Specialties, Ltd. - A Member of The Brock Group; Clute, Texas
• The Brevard Company; Brazoria, Texas
• Thermal-Tec/Michigan Inc.; Cedar Springs, Mich.

For more information, see www.abc.org

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Aramark offers technology partnership

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – In a joint venture to streamline operations and enhance public safety, ARAMARK Correctional Services (ACS) and the Dona Ana County Detention Center announce the roll-out of a technology partnership that will serve a dual purpose of providing on-site staff with key inmate behavior management tools while boosting correctional officer morale.

To provide administrative efficiencies in accepting deposits into inmate trust funds and providing commissary services to those incarcerated, ACS’ technology-based solutions: iCare™, Go-Cart™ and TouchPay™ went live at the 900-bed facility.  Dona Ana officials anticipate the programs will free up time for the correctional officers and allow them to focus on maintaining public safety and security. Additionally, the programs take Dona Ana another step closer to operating as a paperless facility.

For more information, see www.aramark.com

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NIST awards $55.5 million

QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI) have joined forces to create an education and certification program that will qualify participants to audit disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs against existing standards and regulations.

Certification levels currently include Certified Business Continuity Auditor (CBCA) or Certified Business Continuity Lead Auditor (CBCLA).

For more information, see www.nfpa.org

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