Latest news with #MRC
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The MRC Re-Affirms YouTube's Brand Safety Accreditation
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. YouTube has been awarded the Media Rating Council (MRC)'s brand safety accreditation for in-stream ads for the fifth year in a row, providing additional assurance for advertisers around their video ad placements. MRC accreditation means that YouTube's ad system has been approved by the MRC for its controls and metrics, based on a third-party audit of the platform's ad systems and processes. As per the MRC: 'Accreditation indicates that the Service complies with: (1) the Minimum Standards for Media Rating Research and the Enhanced Content Level Context and Brand Safety Guidelines published by the MRC; the Ad Verification Guidelines published by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and MRC; (2) the procedures described in Google's answers to the MRC questionnaire; and (3) the procedures described in procedure manuals and textual materials included in reports of the Service.' So it's really just confirming that Google/YouTube is maintaining its systems on this front, and ensuring compliance with relevant industry standard guidelines, but it does give advertisers some level of recourse, if they find that these systems are failing to meet the relevant benchmarks. The MRC's accreditation also certifies that YouTube's inventory filters deliver brand-safe ad placements, with content suitability based on advertiser selection. As per YouTube: 'Over the years, we've expanded advertisers' ability to choose where their ads run, and we've made sustained investments in policy and enforcement to ensure ads don't run alongside brand-unsafe content. As part of the accreditation process, the MRC assessed our AI-powered enforcement systems, our teams of human reviewers, and the policies that determine which videos are eligible to run ads.' It's a good endorsement of Google's ad systems, which, as noted, will give YouTube advertisers additional peace of mind. But I would note that, as specified by the MRC, this is only an audit of Google/YouTube's documented systems, not a test of them in action, as such. And with more and more AI elements being integrated into its ad placement process, such processes, in practice, could still veer from those parameters. Recommended Reading YouTube Launches New Experiment to Restrict Content from Those Using Ad Blocking Tools Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
3 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Report: Martinez refinery fire caused by inadequate training and monitoring of contractors, regulatory issues
A new report on the fire and chemical release at the Martinez Refinery Company in February blames inadequate training and supervision of contractors, as well as regulatory hurdles that created a lack of qualified workers. Contra Costa Health hired an independent firm to perform a root cause analysis to determine why the fire happened and how it can be prevented from happening again. The February 1 fire lasted for three days, injured six workers, and emitted a host of harmful chemicals, prompting a shelter-in-place alert and public health advisory for the surrounding communities. Consultant JEM Advisors was set to present the report to the CCH's Martinez Refining Company Oversight Committee at its meeting on Tuesday. The report determined that the fire at MRC began when workers mistakenly opened a flange on the wrong side of an isolation valve during maintenance work, leading to the release of hydrocarbon material which quickly caught fire. The report concluded that the root cause of the fire was inadequate monitoring of the operations and work of the contractors, who had limited organizational capability to perform the work. Such limited capability required increased operator oversight, the report concluded. The report also listed four contributing causes, one of which was regulatory restrictions due to California Senate Bill 54, passed in 2013, and co-employment rules included in Assembly Bill 5, passed in 2019. SB 54 requires companies to use source contractor manpower from local union halls, meaning personnel experienced in refinery unit maintenance shutdowns from other locations cannot be used and experienced workers are more difficult to find, the report said. Meanwhile, co-employment rules for contractors prevent MRC from approving contractor safety plans and providing safety training directly to contractors. Instead, the rules require sharing such safety training with contractor company leaders, "with the expectation that contractor employees are fully trained in these prior to working on the refinery site," according to the report. "As a result of these two regulations, there is now a higher likelihood for human errors entering into maintenance work performed by contractor resources," the report stated. Other contributing causes were faulty work procedures, inadequate contractor training because of co-employment rules, and inadequate or missing contractor supervision. Among the issues affecting contractors' ability to perform was the small font on work permits, making them difficult to read, and inadequate procedures to mark or tag locations where work is to be done. Smoke billows from the Martinez Refining Company in Martinez, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2025, during a fire. Tony Hicks/Bay City News New Jersey-based BPF Energy acquired MRC from Royal Dutch Shell in 2020. Since then, there have been three major incidents at the refinery as well as other spills and chemical releases. On Thanksgiving Day in 2022, the refinery mistakenly released more than 20 tons of chemicals into the air, covering cars and homes in metallic dust. In July 2023, the refinery spewed petroleum coke dust, also known as petcoke, prompting a hazardous materials investigation. In February, CCH said the chemicals and combustion byproducts from February's fire and release included those that can cause cancer, and heart and lung disease. In a statement issued at the time, the county health director said it was fortunate the wind blew most of the toxic smoke north of the refinery and away from populated areas. "This could have been much worse," county health director Dr. Ori Tzvieli said. "We got lucky this time. But our community shouldn't have to rely on luck." CCH said in February that concentrations of chemicals in the air from the fire were mostly below the threshold considered dangerous, but there was a brief period when the particulate matter near the refinery was at a high level. The agency said it was working with toxicologists to determine whether there were any long-term health impacts from the release, including potential impacts to soil and water. The report from JEM Advisors said MRC has already implemented some changes recommended in the report, such as increasing company personnel presence during contractor maintenance work and reinforcing adherence to existing procedures. Other recommendations include increasing operations oversight, closely reviewing and endorsing safety assessment permits to ensure contractors are aware of risks, and providing consequences for poor performance as well as for excellence.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
MRC extends Mohamad Suparadi's service for another two years
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) has extended the term of office of its Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor for another two years, effective June 1, 2025 until May 31, 2027. MRC said in a statement today that the extension reflects the continued confidence of Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani in Mohamad Suparadi's leadership in driving the progress of the country's rubber products industry. First appointed in 2023, Mohamad Suparadi brings extensive expertise in strategic, business and financial management, making him a credible leader in strengthening the direction of MRC and the competitiveness of the Malaysian rubber industry globally. Commenting on the extension of his term of service, Mohamad Suparadi said he is honoured to accept the responsibility once again, stressing that MRC is now at an important phase in its transformation journey. 'The extension is also a trust to ensure that the direction of MRC's transformation continues to be strengthened and in line with the needs of the industry and the demands of the international market,' he said. The extension coincides with the MRC's 25th anniversary celebration since its establishment in 2000. The MRC's 25th anniversary this year is themed 'Driving Sustainable Industry'. The MRC continues to strengthen its role as a proactive, resilient and progressive agency in the face of the changing landscape of the global rubber industry including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
The Star
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
MRC extends Mohamad Suparadi's service for another two years
MRC Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) has extended the term of office of its Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor for another two years, effective June 1, 2025 until May 31, 2027. MRC said in a statement today that the extension reflects the continued confidence of Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani in Mohamad Suparadi's leadership in driving the progress of the country's rubber products industry. First appointed in 2023, Mohamad Suparadi brings extensive expertise in strategic, business and financial management, making him a credible leader in strengthening the direction of MRC and the competitiveness of the Malaysian rubber industry globally. Commenting on the extension of his term of service, Mohamad Suparadi said he is honoured to accept the responsibility once again, stressing that MRC is now at an important phase in its transformation journey. "The extension is also a trust to ensure that the direction of MRC's transformation continues to be strengthened and in line with the needs of the industry and the demands of the international market," he said. The extension coincides with the MRC's 25th anniversary celebration since its establishment in 2000. The MRC's 25th anniversary this year is themed 'Driving Sustainable Industry'. The MRC continues to strengthen its role as a proactive, resilient and progressive agency in the face of the changing landscape of the global rubber industry including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. - Bernama
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
MRC SJK Chung Hua No 5 members gain life-saving skills in safety workshop
Soo (right) teaches the young MRC members the proper way to utilise the AED. KUCHING (June 1): The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) members of the SJK Chung Hua No 5 Chapter gained crucial life-saving skills during a safety workshop held recently. During the session, they learned the techniques in water safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). The half-day workshop focused on ensuring MRC members gain practical knowledge to handle emergencies effectively, said MRC in a statement. Water safety expert Teo Ling Song guided participants on essential precautions and techniques to stay safe in an aquatic environment. Meanwhile, trainer Soo Ai Lim and MRC Stampin Chapter chairman Chew Kim Soon led hands-on training sessions on CPR and AED usage, empowering members with life-saving intervention skills. 'The initiative underscores the Malaysian Red Crescent's commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness. 'By providing comprehensive training, the organisation ensures that its members are well-equipped to respond to critical situations with confidence and expertise,' said MRC.
