Latest news with #safetyissues
National Post
21 hours ago
- Health
- National Post
'Significant health risks' from second-hand fentanyl smoke in Vancouver supportive housing offices
VANCOUVER — The presence of second-hand fentanyl smoke is so severe at some British Columbia supportive housing facilities that workers cannot escape 'substantial exposure,' even if they stay in their offices and don't venture into hallways or tenants' rooms. Article content That is the among the findings of tests conducted at 14 British Columbia supportive housing facilities, results that contributed to the province's decision to form a working group aimed at tackling safety issues — including second-hand fentanyl exposure. Article content Article content The assessments, conducted by Sauve Safety Services for BC Housing, tested facilities in Vancouver and Victoria and found elevated levels of airborne fentanyl even in the main offices of all three buildings tested in Vancouver. Article content Article content In a statement, the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs said it takes the concerns about possible worker exposure to airborne fentanyl seriously. Article content 'We'll be working with our partners to ensure providers can take fast action to protect staff and tenants in supportive housing,' the statement said. 'The immediate need is to mitigate the known risks based on the exposure assessment and air quality testing that has been done.' In June, the province announced the formation of a working group to tackle safety in supportive housing, including second-hand exposure to fentanyl. Article content The announcement of the group came after a number of recent incidents in the housing units, including a June 11 fire at the former Howard Johnson hotel in Vancouver that injured two people. Article content Article content The ministry said at the time that testing on the 14 facilities in Vancouver and Victoria showed some may be 'more likely to have elevated levels of airborne fentanyl, above the limit WorkSafeBC has established.' Article content Article content Details can be found in more than 600 pages of assessments conducted by Sauve. Article content It recommended that all three Vancouver facilities improve ventilation to the main office, as well as mandating workers to wear respiratory protection in some cases and strengthening smoking policy enforcement for tenants. Article content In its assessment of the Osborn facility on West Hastings Street, testers found occupational fentanyl exposures over a 12-hour shift that 'grossly exceeded applicable regulatory limits,' including WorkSafeBC's limits. Article content 'This trend held true across all sampled work activities, including time spent in the main office, working in the kitchen, cleaning shelter areas, and performing general duties on the shelter floor,' the report said.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Footballer-favourite £250k Lamborghini supercar ‘in Diogo Jota crash' had been recalled over terrifying safety issues
THE £250,000 Lamborghini believed to have been driven by Diogo Jota in his tragic car crash has been plagued by recalls and serious safety issues. The horror smash happened just after midnight on Thursday on a Spanish motorway near the northern town of Cerdanilla. 8 8 8 8 The Liverpool star, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, died at the scene. Sources at Lamborghini said the company believes the car is a Huracán - a luxury model often seen in the garages of football 's elite. Aces like Kyle Walker have been spotted driving the same iconic supercar. The model is no longer in production but was one of Lamborghini's most successful cars. Authorities are investigating whether the crash was caused by a punctured tyre that blew out. There is no indication that any other safety issues that had been subject to recalls over recent years played a part in Jota's tragic crash. It is also not known what specific Huracán model the footballer was driving when he crashed. The Huracán – a £250k+ Italian supercar beloved by football stars and celebrities – was in production from 2014 to 2024 and became one of Lamborghini's best-selling vehicles, with more than 25,000 units sold globally. The Huracán has faced safety-related recalls over the years, including headlight adjustments that could cause glare and reduce visibility, as well as a seat belt warning failure, reports. A September 2024 recall affected 39 examples of the Huracán EVO Spyder in the US. Lamborghini admitted that a crash protection bracket — essential to the front structural member — may have been installed on the wrong side due to human error at the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory. Diogo Jota's tragic final post revealed just hours before dying in car crash Affected cars were built between November 20, 2023 and July 26, 2024. That defect, reportedly discovered by a factory worker, prompted Lamborghini to block production and inspect affected cars, reports In November 2023, Lamborghini recalled 7,805 Huracán models built between July 30, 2014 and October 30, 2023. The issue was a function in the infotainment system which allowed drivers to adjust headlights horizontally — including into 'tourist mode' for left-hand driving — a feature not allowed under U.S. federal safety rules. This could create glare for oncoming traffic and reduce driver visibility. Lamborghini issued a software update to remove the feature. Certain 2021 and 2023 Huracán Coupé and Spyder models were recalled due to an issue where the door unlatching cable's safety clip might not have been properly secured during assembly. This raised concerns that doors could fail to open properly during an emergency. Lamborghini Huracán's main features LAUNCHED in 2014, the Huracán succeeded the Lamborghini Gallardo and became one of the brand's best-selling models. Production ended in 2024, with over 25,000 units sold globally before it was replaced by the plug-in hybrid Temerario. Here are some of the main features of the supercar: Engine & Performance • 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine • Power output varies by trim, with up to 640 cv (632 hp) in the Huracán Performante • 0–62 mph in 3.2 seconds (varies by model) • Top speed: over 200 mph Variants • Huracán EVO • Huracán Performante • Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata) • Huracán Spyder (convertible variants available across trims) Dimensions & Weight • Length: Approximately 4,459 - 4,520 mm (175.6 - 178 inches). • Width: Approximately 1,924 - 1,956 mm (75.7 - 77 inches). • Height: Approximately 1,165 - 1,248 mm (45.9 - 49.1 inches). • Curb weight (with fluids): Around 1,553 kg (3,423 lbs). • Dry weight (without fluids): Can be as low as 1,339 kg (2,952 lbs) Lamborghini advised that authorised dealers would inspect and fix the problem at no charge. Some models produced between 2021 and early 2022 were also recalled after it was discovered the seat belt warning chime and dashboard visual indicator might not activate when the vehicle dropped below 20 km/h — a failure to meet minimum safety standards. In a statement, a spokesperson for Lamborghini told The Sun: "We are saddened to learn of the accident that occurred in Spain involving a Lamborghini, in which Diogo and André Jota tragically lost their lives. "In this moment of deep sorrow, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family. "Automobili Lamborghini awaits further information regarding the circumstances of the incident, in full respect for the people involved." Prem ace gone Diogo Jota 's tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The Liverpool and Portugal ace had only just married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso 10 days earlier and leaves behind three children. Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, said: 'We have lost two champions. 'The passing of Diogo and André Silva is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honor their legacy every day.' Liverpool Football Club said it was 'devastated' by the news. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute, writing: 'It doesn't make sense… I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André.' 8 8 8 8
Reuters
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
US farm agency finds safety issues at top research site after whistleblower complaints
WASHINGTON, June 26 - The Department of Agriculture found significant safety issues at its top U.S. research facility in an investigation of 2023 whistleblower complaints about the state of the site, the Office of Special Counsel said in a letter sent to the White House. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., is the agency's flagship research site spanning nearly 7,000 acres (2,833 hectares) and houses labs studying climate change, invasive insects, animal genomics and more. Reuters exclusively reported in May 2023 that BARC workers had filed complaints that unsafe work conditions, ranging from broken fire alarms and ventilation systems to wild indoor temperature swings, were impeding research and endangering staff. Experts have warned that declining government investment in agricultural research threatens the U.S. position as a leading agricultural innovator. The investigation, ordered by the Office of Special Counsel in 2023, substantiated many of the whistleblower allegations and found "pervasive safety deficiencies," including excess grime, damaged flooring, mold and a lack of potable water, according to a letter sent from the OSC to President Donald Trump on Wednesday. The poor condition of the facility was caused by inadequate funding, understaffing, a lack of necessary tools and equipment and the absence of a maintenance plan, the letter said. The investigation did not find that the poor conditions were hindering research, the letter said. BARC workers told Reuters of incidents including a plumbing leak in 2022 that had ruined records and data and that issues such as inoperable fire alarms pulled staff time away from research to conduct fire patrols and other tasks. The agency has taken some corrective actions to address the issues, including hiring a new director for the facility and drafting a plan to move employees to fewer and more modernized buildings on the site, the letter said. Trump's administration has proposed to cut funds to USDA research agencies and the agency's research arm has lost hundreds of staff under efforts to shrink the cost and size of the federal government.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
OPP finds 6 tires need replacing after stopping commercial vehicle
Tires on a commercial vehicle lead to the CMV being pulled out of service in Bradford, Ont., on Wed., June 25, 2025. A commercial vehicle stopped on Highway 88 at Highway 400 in Bradford Wednesday by provincial police led to the big rig being taken out of commission due to critical safety issues. According to police, the driver had completed a pre-trip inspection report, indicating the vehicle was in good working condition with 'No Issues.' However, when officers conducted their own inspection, they discovered significant discrepancies. Officers say six tires on the vehicle needed to be replaced due to wear and tear, which can pose a risk to the safety of the driver and other motorists. The vehicle was subsequently taken out of service for the repairs to be completed. There was no word on whether any charges were laid.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lewisham nan lived in home ‘with no heating or hot water' before dying
A Lewisham family is fighting to keep their home following the death of their matriarch nan, who lived there for nearly 40 years. Lou Abbott moved into her Lewisham home in the late 1980s and lived there until her death in 2025. Lou Abbott (Image: Shannon Abbott) At the time of her death, the property was in poor condition, with unresolved heating and safety issues. Lou's granddaughter, Shannon Abbott, told the News Shopper: 'Lewisham Council's contractor came to the home to do a standard gas safety check. 'The man was in and out in about 10 minutes, but we didn't know if that's how long a gas safety check usually takes. 'The next morning, the carbon monoxide alarm went off.' Contractors returned promptly after the alarm went off to cap the gas and provide temporary heating solutions, including a hot plate and electric heaters. However, the family was informed that it would take eight days for a full repair of the boiler to be completed. Lou suffered from with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and was therefore on the priority list. Shannon, 20, added: 'When the repair workers came, they told us the boiler was over 20-years-old and couldn't be replaced there and then. 'So that prolonged the whole situation, leaving my nan without hot water and heating.' Rubble inside the boiler prevented it from working, causing further delays. Soon after, Lou was hospitalised. Shannon explained: 'My nan was taken to hospital due to health complications. 'We are not trying to say that the council caused her death, as she did have secondary breast cancer. 'However, we do believe that it definitely contributed to it, because she already had poor health as it is. 'Living in that condition was only going to make it worse, and the last moments she spent in the house, she was greeted with unfair treatment from Lewisham Council.' Lou passed away on February 14, at the age of 73. The boiler at Lou's property remained unfixed until weeks after she had passed. Now, Lewisham Council is reviewing whether to reclaim the tenancy under their Succession Policy. She said: 'Nan was the sole tenant on record, even though my uncle is living down there. 'They are trying to say that nobody is entitled to live there and they won't rehome the people that currently live there because they're not priority.' The Abbott family have been going back-and-forth with Lewisham Council since February and as of June 19, no final decision has been made. Kelly, Lou's daughter and Shannon's mum, continues to appeal the decision, though Shannon says Lewisham Council us 'very reluctant to take accountability for the negligence' as Lou was a vulnerable person. To push for change, Shannon started a petition to help her family keep the home. Shannon described her grandmother as a loving mother of 12 and family matriarch who was unbothered by housing several relatives. Lou Abbott and her husband (Image: Shannon Abbott) Shannon and her husband cherished their garden, spending countless summer days hosting family barbecues and celebrations beneath the open sky. She often took her grandchildren and great-grandchildren outside to pick apples from her beloved tree, tidy up the garden, and plant flowers together. (Image: Shannon Abbott) Shannon emphasised that the family is deeply committed to keeping the home, which holds far more meaning than just bricks and mortar. She said how fulfilling her grandmother's last wish to keep the property is their driving motivation, and the family is fighting hard to make that happen. The News Shopper asked Lewisham Council, who admitted delays and shortcomings in their service to Lou but denied responsibility for her death or the family's tenancy dispute. A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: 'We extend our deepest condolences to the family and appreciate that dealing with Council bureaucracy at such a time is an added burden. 'However, we are legally bound to follow our Succession Policy when deciding if a tenancy can be passed on to a member of a tenant's family. 'It is a question of fairness for all tenants and making sure housing is available for those who are in most need in the borough. 'Although we denied the application we received, we have been asked to review this decision and are waiting on new information to enable us to do so. 'We are extremely sorry for the delay in replacing Mrs Abbott's boiler in the period before she was admitted to hospital. 'The family made a formal complaint to us which prompted a full investigation, the details of which we have provided to them. 'Our service was not to the standard our residents should expect, especially given Mrs Abbott's vulnerable condition, and there were certainly opportunities missed to complete the works sooner. 'Mrs Abbott was provided with alternative heating and cooking options, and vouchers to help with costs, but we accept that these were inadequate, and we were not responsive enough to the family's concerns.'
