Latest news with #WilliamWalsh
CBC
25-06-2025
- CBC
Death of man in Dartmouth encampment ruled a homicide
The death of a 56-year-old man at a Dartmouth encampment last year has been ruled a homicide by the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service. According to a news release, Halifax Regional Police responded to a report on Dec. 22, 2024, that a man had been assaulted by a woman at an encampment on Geary Street. The man declined medical assistance and did not want a police investigation, the release said. Four days later, police were called back to the encampment where the same man was found dead in a tent. He was identified as Jeffrey Alexander Emmersen. The release said the investigation is ongoing. Assault suspect Police described the woman involved in the assault as white, 20 to 25 years old, four feet 11 inches, of medium build with shoulder-length dark hair. She was last seen wearing a blue jacket and red sweatpants. Emmersen was the third man in his 50s to be found dead outside in Nova Scotia in a month. William Walsh was discovered outside a fishing tent in Windsor, N.S., on Nov. 26, 2024, and Bobby Hiltz died in a park called Miner's Marsh in Kentville, N.S., a week later. Encampment closed In a separate news release Wednesday, the Halifax Regional Municipality said it has officially closed the Geary Street encampment, where several individuals had been sheltering. According to the release, in recent months the site had the lowest usage of all designated locations in the municipality. The closure follows a May 28 notice giving occupants until June 22 to relocate. The release said municipal and provincial staff provided support and transportation to alternative indoor shelters or designated outdoor sites. The site has been vacated and fencing is being installed, the release said. The area is now being inspected and a plan will be developed for remediation.
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Does the UK heatwave make it too hot to work? Employer rules explained
With tempertaures across Scotland skyrocketing yesterday, is there a temperature that makes it too hot to work? Scotland was hit with its hottest day of the year yesterday, with temperatures soaring to 28.9 degrees at the shores of Loch Ness in Drumnadrochit. Many other places across the country weren't far behind this record high, with temperatures reaching 28.7 degrees in Aberdeenshire, 28.4 degrees in Edinburgh and 27.3 degrees in Glasgow. With these temperatures way above the average for this time of year, with June normally recording a high of 17 degrees, many of us tried to make the most of the weather by soaking up as much of the sun as possible. However, with these record highs falling on a Friday, many Scots still needed to go about their daily routine and go to work. While jobs can range from manual labour to office work, many of us may be wondering if there is a point the mercury needs to reach before Brits can be excused from work? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Currently there is no maximum temperature specified in law that can stop people from having to work, reports the Mirror. This is due to some jobs always having to work in hot conditions, such as those working in glass works. However, this doesn't mean that employers can force their staff to work in uncomfortable conditions, as they still have to make sure that the workplace is a safe environment. William Walsh, a partner in the employment team at law firm DMH Stallard, said: "The legal responsibilities in respect of health and safety in the workplace still apply and this means carrying out a risk assessment and ensuring that employees work in temperatures that are reasonable and do not place their health and safety at risk. "The nature of the work will be relevant, as will factors such as whether employees need to wear protective clothing as part of their job that may make it harder still for employees to keep cool." For those who work in an office space, this could mean altering specific dress codes. For example, taking away the requirement to wear a tie, long trousers and shirts while the temperature rises. Additionally, the same healthy and safety obligations apply for people who work from home. William said: "The risks should be much lower, as home workers are unlikely to be undertaking physical tasks and, even if they were told to stop working, those individuals would still be in their same home environment. "But the issue should not be discounted altogether. If, for example, it was known that an employee was working from their home office set up in a small box room up in a loft conversion, where it could get uncomfortably hot, they should be encouraged to move." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However, some people are wanting to make changes to the law. For example, the TUC worker's union wants to make it illegal to keep people at work indoors if the temperatures soar to over 30 degrees. They also want protection put in place for people who work outside or drive for a living. Additionally,the union also thinks workers should be allowed to take regular breaks to help keep them cool when the office is too warm. On the flip side, while there isn't a maximum working temperature, there is a recommended minimum temperature for a work place to stand by. However, it should be noted that this also isn't set in law. The minimum recommended temperature is said to be 16 degrees, with it slightly lower at 13 degrees for those who take part in physical labour. In Britain, the Health and Safety Executive provides the regulatory framework for workplace health and safety.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Is it too hot to work from home or the office? UK workers' rights explained
The UK is preparing for a heatwave, both mentally and physically, which could plunge the nation into sweltering 35C temperatures. Today (Friday, 20th June) is a normal workday for most, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have the weekend off. This has led some to question if it can ever be too hot to work from home or the office, what the rules are for employers and their duty of care to their employees? Read more: Millions of UK households told to spend £49 before end of Friday William Walsh, a partner in the employment team at law firm DMH Stallard, explain: "All employers have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace so far as reasonably practicable. "Failure to do so can not only result in sanctions against the organisation, but also criminal liabilities for directors and managers. "When it comes to working in hot conditions, there is no maximum working temperature specified in the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This would be impractical, as some work environments will always involve exposure to high heat, for example those working in glass works. "From a risk perspective, there will also be a difference between those undertaking very physical tasks in the heat, compared to those with more sedentary roles. "While there is no specified maximum temperature, this does not mean that heat can be ignored. "The legal responsibilities in respect of health and safety in the workplace still apply and this means carrying out a risk assessment and ensuring that employees work in temperatures that are reasonable and do not place their health and safety at risk. "The nature of the work will be relevant, as will factors such as whether employees need to wear protective clothing as part of their job that may make it harder still for employees to keep cool. "For office workers, employers should also consider dress codes, particularly if the normal requirement is that employees wear long trousers, shirts and ties. Employers need to be aware of the health risks and the warning signs of an employee suffering from heat exhaustion or other physical effects caused by the heat. "Employers need to remember that, if employees are working from home, the health and safety obligations still apply to that working environment. "The risks should be much lower, as home workers are unlikely to be undertaking physical tasks and, even if they were told to stop working, those individuals would still be in their same home environment. But the issue should not be discounted altogether. "If, for example, it was known that an employee was working from their home office set up in a small box room up in a loft conversion, where it could get uncomfortably hot, they should be encouraged to move and, if necessary, given flexibility around their tasks to allow them to do so."
Irish Examiner
30-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
€19bn bonanza in Ireland's sustainable energy transition
Fulfilling Ireland's energy transition could result in up to €19 billion of capital expenditure annually by 2030. A report by SEAI identified the significant economic opportunity presented by the sustainable energy transition and outlined a number of key recommendations for how policymakers and industry can support Irish businesses to take advantage of this opportunity. 'Ireland can reap the economic benefits of a fossil fuel-free economy and society,' said William Walsh, CEO of SEAI. 'This report identifies the growth potential of 13 key technologies for the sustainable energy transition, and the supply chain areas where Irish businesses have potential opportunities to benefit from this growth.' He highlighted that there are potential opportunities for many businesses, similar to those exhibiting at the yearly SEAI Energy Show, to benefit from Ireland's energy transition. 'At SEAI, we are committed to supporting businesses across the Irish energy supply chain to deliver both a sustainable energy future and a healthy, future-proof economy for Ireland. Sustainable energy is good for business and good for climate.' The report identifies the importance of collaboration between the public and private sector in meeting our energy transition goals and sets out six key recommendations. These include: Developing skills and certifications — establish targeted training programs and accreditation frameworks to develop the necessary skills and certifications for installers and energy experts. Leveraging R&D capabilities — utilise Ireland's strong R&D capabilities to advance emerging renewable technologies. Promote sustainable practices — encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices such as green procurement and comply with EU directives and legislation for sustainable and responsible business. Focus on high-value markets — effectively harness the opportunities available by prioritising high-value markets such as energy-efficient construction, sustainable biomass heating, electric vehicles, and smart grids. In addition, the report highlights the potential market size for a selection of key sustainable energy technologies in Ireland, the EU and globally, in addition to areas of the supply chain where Irish businesses in the manufacturing, construction and services sectors could capture a share of the market. Ultimately, the purpose of the report is to initiate discussions between government agencies and departments, industry and other stakeholders on how to harness the sustainable energy supply transition to both reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and stimulate economic growth, exports, foreign direct investment and jobs. Structured around five technology areas that will be critical to meeting Ireland's greenhouse gas mitigation targets — it underscores renewable electricity generation, energy storage and grid balancing, low-carbon transport, energy in buildings and energy in industry. 'What this report highlights is that this energy transition will deliver for both our planet, and our economy, creating significant opportunities for Irish businesses in the supply chain where Ireland is well positioned to capitalise,' said Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy . 'The Programme for Government is committed to Ireland's climate targets and to the energy transition which will lead to a more secure, sustainable and affordable energy future for our citizens and businesses.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From the Statesman archives: Walsh family keeps popping up in compelling Austin history
Some family names pop up with regularity in the American-Statesman archives. Walsh is one of them. In this column on April 20, members of the Walsh family were recorded as selling their land in what became Davenport Ranch in the Westlake area to Osceola Heard Davenport, a wealthy Rio Grande Valley widow of an oilman. That 1947 sale was part of the background for a story about the devastating 1961 Davenport Ranch brush fire, which still haunts some residents of that rugged country. More on Austin history: From the Statesman archives: April 1961 wildfire devastated Davenport Ranch Before that, on Feb. 24, this column covered the disastrous collapse of the Austin Dam during a Colorado River flood in 1900. Much of the land on either side of the dam, in what is now Tarrytown, Westlake and Davenport Ranch, belonged to the Walsh family, who manufactured lime from the limestone over fires fueled by the abundant mountain junipers in the area. And on March 23, the city of Austin honored the family patriarch, William Walsh (1837-1908) with an interpretive marker at Walsh Boat Landing. This scenic spot on Lake Austin that is known for its fishing, boating and picnicking was originally dedicated in William's honor in 1957. "William Walsh grew up in Limerick and County Kerry, Ireland, but left his home country during the Great Famine," the new historical marker reads. "Following several years of service in the British Navy, young William came to the U.S. just before the Civil War and joined the Union Navy. Afterward, he assisted in building federal forts in Texas, including Fort McKavett and Fort Clark, among others." Walsh and his descendants produced lime for structures throughout Texas at lime kilns located in Austin, Round Rock and McNeil. Many readers will remember signs for the Round Rock White Lime Company. It was one of the largest lime manufacturers in Texas during its peak operations. In addition, Walsh lent his name to a settlement near McNeil which has not appeared on regular highway maps more than 80 years, according to the Handbook of Texas Online. "In the late 1800s, his company supplied stone and lime to buildings, including the Texas State Capitol, St. Edward's University and St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin," the marker reads. "Known for its purity, Walsh's lime won the Gold Medal at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair." Were those news narratives — fire, flood and a new historical marker — not enough, several members of the Walsh family contacted me with some more amazing stories, some of them quite sad. "William Walsh had lived and processed lime at his place above the dam since 1874, before that at Mt. Bonnell," writes Chris Walsh. "Family stories say he testified in front of the City Council about the unsound nature of the dam. He suggested relieving pressure by irrigating downstream." While no family members were among the reported dead or missing, the conditions after the flood prompted the Walshes to move. "Sure enough the dam broke and the family stories abound about the unhealthy conditions along the river after the break," Chris Walsh continues. "One child died of typhoid, another died of tuberculosis, and with the death of the third child, they moved up to their quarries to around Round Rock. Much of the family remained in Austin." Walsh Boat Landing was the site of the family's homestead both before and after the dam collapse in 1900. "William Walsh continued conducting business and attending church in Austin until his death in 1908," writes Chuck Munson, another history-minded family member. "Much of the Tarrytown property stayed in the family but the Depression and subdivisions eroded most of the holdings until my grandfather, Edward Walsh, worked with then Mayor Tom Miller to deed about four and one half acres to the city in 1957. "The city determined the property would be ideal for boat operations on the lake." Send your tips or questions about Austin history to mbarnes@ This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Walsh family of Austin and Round Rock left deep imprint on the area
