Articles by Safety Services Management
Judge Rules California FAIR Plan Shortchanged Fire Victims on Smoke Damage
A judge ruled the California FAIR Plan’s smoke damage policy inconsistent with state law regarding lab-confirmed contamination. Some residents have returned to homes before proper cleanup or insurance review could be completed.
Understanding the Hazards of Wildfire Smoke Contamination and How to Restore Your Property
The 2025 Southern California wildfires left many buildings contaminated by toxic smoke, even those far from burn zones. Readers will learn about the dangers of wildfire smoke, which contains hazardous particles like heavy metals, asbestos, VOCs, and carcinogens, posing serious health risks and causing structural damage. The article explains how smoke affects health, damages property, and outlines the steps needed for professional remediation to restore safety.
Changes to Fall Protection Standards in California - What You Need to Know
Discover the latest updates to California's fall protection standards, implemented in 2023, aligning with federal OSHA regulations. Learn how these changes impact construction, maintenance, and confined space rescue standby services. Explore key requirements like the six-foot fall protection trigger, equipment updates for retractable lanyards, and employer responsibilities. SSM offers nationwide rental of a portable fall protection system to enhance workplace safety. Stay compliant, protect workers, and improve workplace safety with expert insights and solutions. Contact us today for more details or a quote!
Safety Services Management expands illicit drug-contaminated vehicle cleaning and Testing services to Kentucky
Safety Services Management (SSM), a leading U.S. provider of illicit drug remediation, testing, training, and cleanup consultation, has expanded its vehicle decontamination services to Kentucky. Utilizing the advanced MX908 mass spectrometry technology, SSM can detect trace amounts of hazardous substances, addressing challenges linked to the fentanyl crisis. CEO Jon Schibsted emphasizes the expansion’s importance in enhancing public safety and reducing costs for insurance companies and vehicle owners by restoring contaminated vehicles instead of destroying them.
Safety Services Management expands illicit drug-contaminated vehicle cleaning services to Illinois
Safety Services Management (SSM) is pleased to announce the expansion of its specialized vehicle cleaning services to Illinois. As a leader in fentanyl and drug lab cleanup, SSM offers expert remediation, testing, training, and consultation services for properties and vehicles contaminated by hazardous substances. This expansion will provide critical decontamination services to key cities throughout Illinois, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
Revolutionizing Illicit Drug Vehicle Testing and Cleaning in Los Angeles
Safety Services Management (SSM), based in Los Angeles, is the only U.S. company using the MX908 handheld mass spectrometer for real-time illicit drug testing in vehicles. This advanced technology, typically used by HAZMAT teams and law enforcement, provides same-day results. SSM aims to reduce contamination risks while offering sustainable solutions through their cutting-edge methods and nationwide expansion goals.
Safety Services Management Buys New Mobile Technology to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
Safety Services Management has partnered with Canadian Decon Solutions to bring cutting-edge technology to combat fentanyl contamination. With their expertise in safely decontaminating over 1,000 vehicles we are set to enhance safety for our customers and the environment. Stay tuned for more updates! #FentanylCrisis #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalProtection #SSM
Pros and Cons of In-House Versus Third-Party Confined Space Rescue Teams
When it comes to managing confined space safety, organizations face a critical choice: develop an in-house 'Confined Space Rescue Team' or hire external 'Confined Space Rescue Services.' In-house teams offer familiarity with the site and integrated team dynamics, which can enhance the speed and coordination of emergency responses. However, they require significant investment in training and equipment. On the other hand, third-party services bring specialized skills and reduce organizational liability, offering flexibility without the ongoing costs of maintaining a dedicated team. Despite these benefits, external teams may lack site-specific knowledge, which can impact the efficiency of their interventions.
Importance of Fentanyl Awareness & Illicit Drug Awareness Courses for Hotel Staff
Hotel staff, from cleaners to security personnel, are pivotal in ensuring the safety and well-being of guests. Illicit drug awareness training is crucial for recognizing drug activity signs, enhancing guest safety, and promoting a secure environment. Through these classes, staff learn to identify drug use indicators and handle drug-related incidents professionally, reducing risks to personnel and property. Additionally, such training reinforces the hotel's commitment to a drug-free environment and compliance with legal regulations, safeguarding both guests and the hotel's reputation. This proactive approach in substance abuse awareness is essential for maintaining a positive guest experience and mitigating potential legal liabilities.
California Employers Required to Adopt New Workplace Violence Plans Under Senate Bill 553
Senate Bill 553, which is also known as the California Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, is a legislative bill created to address the rising incidents of violence in the workplace. It requires employers to develop and implement specific strategies and protocols to prevent and respond to workplace violence effectively.
The Rising Risk of Illicit Drug Contamination in Recovered Stolen Vehicles
In the past few years, a growing concern has been arising regarding accidental second-hand exposure to illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl and xyzaline. Historically, auto theft often resulted in parts being sold off, but recently, an increasing number of vehicles are being used by thieves for joyriding or as temporary shelter. This is leading to more cases where these cars are found with dangerous substances left behind like fentanyl, xyzaline, and methamphetamine. This poses a significant risk for the car owners and insurance companies responsible for releasing those vehicles back to property owners.
The Silent Victims of the Opioid Crisis: The Urgent Call for Legislation and Training
We are living in an opioid crisis which has had a devastating impact on the United States. This epidemic has not only effected those struggling with addiction and their loved ones but those tasked with working around this lethal chemical. What is less discussed are the professionals and innocent bystanders who also are being effected by this epidemic. This article aims to shed light on this new and growing hazard.
12-year-old Boy Dies After Cleaning Uncle's Drug Paraphernalia
In a somber event from March 2022 in Blackwood, New Jersey, a 12-year-old boy tragically lost his life due to a suspected fentanyl overdose. Troy Nokes, 35 who is the boys uncle is in custody for allegations related to the boy's exposure to fentanyl.
According to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and the Gloucester Township Police, Nokes faces charges including aggravated manslaughter. Fentanyl intoxication was identified as the cause by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office.
Fentanyl Awareness Training for Hotel Staff
We are excited to announce the launch of the first and only fentanyl awareness program designed to protect employees working in the hospitality industry from accidental secondhand exposure. Illicit Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine and has been responsible for a significant increase in overdose deaths in recent years.
Our program is designed to educate employees working in environments who may come into contact with fentanyl.
Confined Space | Take care of your employees
WHAT IS A CONFINED SPACE?
According to OSHA, a Confined space means a space that: (1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; (2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and (3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Atmospheric Hazards within a Confined Space
An incident last November 2021 caused the life of a 35-year-old worker. The worker lost consciousness after descending into a regenerator overflow well at the Benicia refinery to evaluate the condition of the well interior and perform cleaning operations in advance of a welding crew.
Los Angeles Schools dealing with fatal fentanyl
In the weeks to follow, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho intends to provide Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, to every LAUSD campus. This is a great start to helping those who are actively overdosing. However, this does not stop the truckloads of lethal illegal drugs crossing our southern border.
Fentanyl - The Untold Story
While deaths of fentanyl users increasingly make the headline news, rarely if ever are there the untold stories of those responsible for decontaminating a property to make it fully safe and habitable.
Fentanyl Epidemic in Teens
Deaths associated with the illicit flow of fentanyl into American culture is often deemed to be an adult problem. In cities, addicts gathered in small clusters—like The Tenderloin district of San Francisco—will jump at any drug that comes their way. In the suburbs, people craving an exciting recreational high are at full risk because they don’t know what’s in a drug that has been purchased. Online dealers are notorious for flooding the market with fentanyl-laced powders and pills. These cases are proliferating in recent years, though too often they fall out of consciousness as an issue that is irrelevant. But what about the kids?
Methamphetamine Remediation
Nearly 20 years ago, Joe Mazzuca and his wife Julie founded Meth Lab Cleanup Company with the intent to clean up contaminated properties that were used as labs for manufacturing methamphetamine for the black market. In a conversation last fall with Mazzuca, he estimated that there are 2.5 million clandestine meth lab sites in the U.S.