Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. The injury rate for workers in the warehousing and storage industry is 4.8 injuries per 100 workers, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data—higher than the average rate of 2.7 injuries per 100 workers for all U.S. […]
The manufacturing industry has long been characterized by its assembly line-style factory layout design. Improving the safety of factory workers has been a focus in recent years, which led to a shift in factory layout design. By rethinking the layout, it is possible to create a safer working environment for employees, reduce the risk of […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. Ergonomics is defined by OSHA as “fitting a job to a person,” and it can help lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity, and reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSDs affect the muscles, nerves, […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Amazon have entered into a corporate-wide settlement to help better protect employees from hazardous working conditions leading to serious lower back and other musculoskeletal disorders at Amazon facilities. The settlement agreement resolves the department’s multiple ergonomics cases against Amazon.com Services LLC, in the first major multi-site investigation […]
Creating a workplace atmosphere that promotes health and wellness is good for employees. It can also boost productivity and improve the staff’s mental health. As a facilities manager, you can implement changes that support wellness initiatives through ergonomic design choices and environmentally friendly changes. It also means caring for your own health while you develop […]
Workplaces of all shapes and sizes have potential safety hazards lurking around almost every corner. From slippery floors and poor indoor air quality to excessive noise and inadequate emergency preparedness, the number of employee safety and well-being risks is quite high. Facilities managers everywhere have a duty of care to mitigate these dangers for the […]
Linda Besetzny oversees facilities management on a global scale, which poses unique challenges but offers rewarding opportunities. And with over 25 years of industry experience, she has a long list of achievements and interesting stories to share. Besetzny is the director of global facilities at R.J. O’Brien & Associates (RJO), the oldest and largest independent […]
To make sure this holiday season is truly joyful, the U.S. Department of Labor reminds employers and workers not to overlook workplace safety and health. For a sad reminder of how an on-the-job tragedy can leave families, friends, and co-workers grief-stricken, look no further than Akron, Ohio, where a 25-year-old worker—hanging holiday lights on a […]
In the ever-evolving world of facilities management, there is a bigger emphasis on promoting the health and well-being of building occupants. Healthy buildings go beyond energy efficiency and sustainability; they prioritize factors that directly impact the health, productivity, and comfort of those inside. From optimizing air quality to meeting industry standards, facilities managers should consider […]
A federal workplace safety investigation has again found workers at an Amazon fulfillment center exposed to ergonomic hazards, this time at a facility in Logan Township, N.J. In response to a complaint, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opened an investigation in January 2023 and found the company was exposing employees to ergonomic hazards […]