Category: Safety

Building Codes and Compliance: Best Practices for Facilities Managers

In the ever-evolving landscape of facilities management, staying compliant with building codes is not just a legal obligation; it’s a cornerstone of operational integrity and public safety. For facilities managers, navigating the complexities of code compliance can be a daunting task, especially when juggling daily operations, maintenance schedules, and long-term capital planning. However, a solid […]

The Not-So-Hidden Cyber Risks in Commercial Real Estate

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. As commercial real estate undergoes rapid digital transformation, driven by the need for greater sustainability, improved energy efficiency, and the evolving demands of hybrid work, the cybersecurity of building management systems (BMS) is becoming […]

RTO Mandates and Rising Workplace Violence Call for More Integrated Security

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. Companies and government agencies have recently doubled down on return-to-office mandates. In September, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy revealed that employees would have to return to the office five days a week—ending their hybrid policy—starting […]

Certified for Growth: How Skilled Trade Certifications Empower Workers and Build Confidence

In the skilled trades, confidence isn’t just about experience—it’s about staying sharp, adaptable, and prepared for evolving industry demands. Certifications have become a crucial tool for professional growth, particularly in trades like fire protection and electrical work. They provide workers with the structured learning needed to refine their expertise, enhance job performance, and build confidence […]

A CRE Readiness Plan as Companies Enforce Return-to-Office Policies

Office vacancy rates have climbed sharply in the wake of the pandemic as many firms downsized office space due to remote work. Nationally, the United States office vacancy rate hovered around the high teens by late 2023 (nearly 17%–20%, up from roughly 9% pre-pandemic)​. Major city centers have been hit especially hard. These elevated vacancies […]

6 Tips to Keep Your Facility Safe

Although 96% of employees think physical safety is a top priority, they’re not sure their employers feel the same way. In fact, most workers overwhelmingly believe their employers put their reputation, productivity, and the bottom line above workplace safety. If a safety incident arises, many workers could be unprepared. You can’t control when an emergency […]

Back to Basics: Asbestos Risks and Remediation for Facilities

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. Asbestos went from being a “magic material” in the 20th century for its ability to resist heat and corrosion—to being banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Approximately 30 million homes and buildings in the U.S. […]

Are Graphics a Budget-Friendly Way to Boost Facility Aesthetics and Functionality?

Modern facilities serve as more than places to work, eat, or shop—they are reflections of an organization’s identity, culture, and commitment to the well-being of its occupants. For facilities managers on tight budgets, achieving a dynamic, aesthetically pleasing, and functional space might seem challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. By focusing on […]

Enhancing Workplace Safety in Manufacturing Facilities

As manufacturing continues to become increasingly automated, manufacturers continue to look for ways to protect their most important asset: their workforce. Robots, autonomous ground vehicles, material handling equipment, and more complex systems can create more dangerous workspaces than ever before without the proper safeguards installed on the production floor. There are many forms of safety […]

The Real Story of Wildfire Smoke and Why It Matters for Schools and Hospitals

Wildfires may burn in specific regions, but their smoke is a global problem. It drifts across state lines, national borders, and even oceans—turning a localized crisis into a worldwide public health issue. Schools and hospitals, where vulnerable populations spend extended periods, are particularly susceptible to the long-lasting effects of wildfire smoke. The Hidden Danger of […]