Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Three out of four U.S. workers have skipped going into work because of a hazardous condition like severe weather, a security concern, or an infrastructure failure. That instinct isn’t overcautious: The U.S. recorded a dozen billion-dollar weather disasters in just the first half of 2026 alone, according to Climate Central. What’s potentially more disturbing is […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. While some workers and workplaces face higher risks of violence, it can happen to any worker in any work setting. Earlier this year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that violent acts were the third-leading cause […]
Citing major concerns about privacy and misuse, communities across the country are increasingly pushing back against automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, namely Flock cameras widely used by law enforcement and businesses. Amid the national debate, the Security Industry Association (SIA) has issued a call for the responsible and effective use of ALPR technology and released […]
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. Twenty-five years ago, you could walk your daughter to her airport gate when she left for college. Families waited at the jet bridge to say goodbye. In office towers, anyone could walk onto almost […]
A large office complex recently issued a request for bids for filter maintenance. The scope called for 2,100 filter changes twice a year. When the facilities manager ran the numbers, he realized the program consumed roughly 400 labor hours annually. By optimizing the filter specifications and maintenance strategy, he determined he could cut that in […]
As the new school year begins, thousands of college students nationwide are moving into dormitories and off-campus housing, which can lead to a major rise in campus fire hazards. That means facilities managers should remain vigilant about fire safety and help provide resources to key stakeholders. Through their annual Campus Fire Safety Month campaign every September, the National Fire […]
In April, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its National Emphasis Program on heat-related hazards. The revised program directs inspections and outreach for 55 high-risk industries in both indoor and outdoor work settings, including “warehousing and storage” under NAICS code 4931. Why does this matter for facilities managers? Because workers in warehouses, manufacturing […]
As schools return to full capacity, it’s a perfect time to reinforce proper hygiene practices. Sofidel, a provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, has shared tips that schools can implement to help reduce the spread of germs throughout the school year. “Healthy schools begin with consistent hygiene habits,” said Tahnie Gilliland, marketing specialist […]
During my years as a teacher and school principal, I learned that having an emergency operations plan and being prepared to respond to an emergency are not always the same thing. Most districts have emergency preparedness procedures that include conducting drills, working closely with first responders, and investing time preparing for emergencies. Those efforts certainly […]
Based on responses from retail professionals worldwide, new research shows retailers increasingly view physical security as a business function that supports operations, employee safety, and modernization efforts—not solely loss prevention. According to the 2026 State of Physical Security Report from Genetec, retailers are now using physical security data to improve broader business outcomes. More than […]