With the COVID-19 outbreak and various levels of lockdown, I’ve had a lot of time to read books and watch television. One of the technologies being heavily advertised is the 5G wireless technology, which is supposed to revolutionize cellular and internet connectivity.

But what is it going to do for our industry?

Interface Security Systems released a new business text messaging app that allows its restaurant, retail and hospitality customers to communicate with their patrons via SMS and MMS text messages.

Keeping video surveillance systems up and running can be challenging — in large part because not everything needed to keep the camera functioning properly is under the control of the security integrator.

Here’s the good news: Experts predict that within the next four or five years, there will be more than 40 billion IoT devices hard at work — improving the safety, efficiency, reliability and productivity of the world’s enterprises.

DMP has released its XT30 and XT50 alarm panels that are approved FirstNet Ready. 

There has been a decided push in both technology and interest — from both security integrators and customers — on the cloud-based services that bring recurring monthly revenue.

Interface Systems announced WaBa Grill Franchise has chosen Interface Systems’ Restaurant Network-Technology-in-a-Box solution to transform its network and voice infrastructure in over 190 franchise locations.

This new service includes tunneling and full network management for cameras, NVRs, alarm panels and other devices with built-in cyber security site isolation and automated AI VPN credentialing.

In any connected or IP-based security solution today, cybersecurity is — or should be — a primary focus, both for the security provider and your customer.

The new availability of rXg will greatly reduce the time and labor required to implement multi-tenant networks including those offering paid or tiered services.

Businesses and organizations leveraging LVT Units can access satellite connectivity for both primary connectivity and secondary connectivity.

Tumwater, WA — Nearly 1 out of 5 janitors in Washington state say they were injured on the job in the past year, results of a recent survey show.

This white paper walks you through OSHA's workplace injury and illness recordkeeping requirements, including recent revisions pertaining to COVID-19.

Miami — Temporary construction workers face “unique barriers” to reporting injuries and near misses, according to researchers from the University of Miami and the NIOSH-funded Occupational Safety and Health Program at the Florida Department of Health.

Vaasa, Finland — Organizations with “structurally powerful” CEOs experience fewer workplace injuries and illnesses, Finnish researchers claim.

This whitepaper walks you through OSHA's workplace injury and illness recordkeeping requirements, answering your most pressing questions using OSHA's own words.

Washington — OSHA is withdrawing the non-recordkeeping portions of its emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 focused on health care workers, the agency announced Dec. 27.

Harrisburg, PA — A new website launched by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute will help track struck-by incidents involving first responders on the nation’s roadways.

Tampa, FL — Fatal workplace injuries are most likely to occur on Thursdays and in the month of August, according to a recent analysis.

Boca Raton, FL — Management commitment, communication and the setting of clear expectations are common elements of successful return-to-work programs for injured employees, according to a new report from the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

Cambridge, MA — Early screening for psychosocial risk factors may aid in a worker’s recovery from an on-the-job injury, a new white paper from the Workers Compensation Research Institute suggests.

Chicago — A group of researchers is calling for an increase in occupational health and safety research focused on Indigenous people.

Iowa City, IA — Organizations seeking better safety results should adopt a more precise accounting system, a group of international researchers suggests.

Washington — OSHA’s changes to which workplaces are required to submit annual injury and illness data are undergoing final review, according to an Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs dashboard.

Washington — OSHA is asking for input on leading indicators – how they’re being used and their impact on safety and health management systems.

Washington — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is now accepting charges of discrimination under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Washington — Six states are dropping their lawsuit against OSHA after the agency finalized changes to its revised rule on submitting annual injury and illness data.

Tampere, Finland — Deaths caused by workplace injuries and illnesses spiked an estimated 26% globally over a recent six-year period, results of a recent study indicate.

Washington — OSHA is set to host a two-part webinar series on recordkeeping and the electronic submission of workplace injury and illness data.

Washington — Reminder to employers: If you’re required to submit to OSHA a yearly summary of injury and illnesses data, you must send your 2023 data by March 2.

Washington — A recent letter of interpretation from OSHA clarifies whether a fatal motor vehicle incident involving an employee would be considered work-related.

Website operators who seek to bind visitors to the terms of an arbitration agreement must make those terms “reasonably conspicuous” under the law.

A worker claiming unsafe working conditions sought unemployment benefits after quitting is role as a technician with a fire services company.   

In Michigan, an arsonist set the plaintiff’s liquor store on fire.

A California rule is used in deciding cases of workplace safety.

A U.S. District Court decision clarifies why the defendants’ conduct was not the legal cause of a plaintiff’s death. 

A state trooper dispatched to a burglar alarm activation at a warehouse leads to litigation over whether or not the defendant was legally apprehended.

An Illinois state law ensures that individuals are in control of their own biometric data and prohibits private companies from collecting it unless they meet certain consent criteria.

State legislatures are enacting consumer data privacy laws, which provide consumers with more choice over how companies acquire and utilize their personal data.

An alarm company allegedly failed to obtain the required approvals before disarming a customer’s video surveillance system.

At issue is a contractual provision whereby an insured waives the right of their insurance carrier to seek redress or seek compensation for losses from a negligent third party.

A party that signs a document is conclusively bound by its terms absent a valid excuse for having failed to read it.

Before entering the house from the garage, the defendant announced his and the K-9’s presence and ordered anyone in the house to surrender or they would be bitten by the dog.

A court has to decide whether or not a malfunctioning smoke alarm was the fault of the manufacturer or intentional disablement.

A court affirmed an insurer’s decision to deny a fire damage claim due to the absence of an automatic extinguishing system.

A female defendant, convicted for using aluminum foil to bypass retail anti-theft sensors, challenged the conviction by arguing the foil’s common household use.

A court ruled that an employer’s reasonable and good faith belief in compliance with wage statement laws precludes penalties for failing to report unpaid meal break premiums as wages.

“Women seem to have to work harder to prove their knowledge of the subject matter even when they might have more knowledge and experience than a male,” one expert says.

Amherst, MA — The long-standing approach that “the customer is always right” can take a toll on workers’ mental health and limit their capacity to serve customers, according to a recent study.

Saratoga, CA — It’s still an issue: A recent survey of women in the construction industry found that gender-appropriate personal protective equipment and maternity-friendly safety equipment is lacking on jobsites.