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Orange County's #1 blog for news about safety, loss control and emergency services

Tag Archives: california

The DIR reports that 344 California workers died on the job in 2014

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, California, Department of Industrial Relations, News Leave a comment

Newsline No.: 2016-45 Date: April 21, 2016

Department of Industrial Relations Reports 2014 Fatal Occupational Injuries

Oakland—The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) reports the number of Californians who died on the job decreased in 2014. A review of the past ten years indicates that workplace fatalities remain below the average rate of fatalities prior to 2008, when the last recession began.

“Every work-related fatality is a tragic reminder that worker deaths are preventable,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). “Safe and healthy working conditions and dedication to preventing workplace injuries and illnesses can save workers’ lives.” Continue reading→

Cal/OSHA warns that condom use is required in adult films

Posted on by Posted in Cal/OSHA, California, Condoms, Disease, News Leave a comment

News Release No.: 2016-22

Date: February 19, 2016

Cal/OSHA Warns Condom Use Required in Adult Films

Standards Board Vote Does Not Change Current Requirements

Oakland—Following Thursday’s meeting of the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board where it did not adopt a proposed standard pertaining to the adult film industry, Cal/OSHA warns that barrier protection including condoms is still required to protect adult film workers from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The existing standard has been in effect since 1993 and is enforced by Cal/OSHA.

“Condoms are required to protect adult film workers from exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Cal/OSHA will continue to enforce the existing regulations and investigate complaints in the adult film industry.” Continue reading→

Governor Brown appoints two new Cal/OSHA Deputy Chiefs

Posted on by Posted in Cal/OSHA, California, Jerry Brown, News Leave a comment

OSHA Logo

Governor Brown Appoints Two New Cal/OSHA Deputy Chiefs

Oakland- The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is pleased to announce Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s appointment of Debra Lee and Eric Berg as the newest Cal/OSHA Deputy Chiefs. The appointments build on Lee and Berg’s combined 39 years of experience working with Cal/OSHA to strengthen workplace health and safety.

“Governor Brown appointed two of the most experienced and informed Cal/OSHA employees to help guide the division into the future,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. Cal/OSHA, officially known as the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, is a division of DIR. Continue reading→

Norovirus is on the rise in California

Posted on by Posted in California, Disease, Food Safety, News Leave a comment

Foodborne Outbreaks

Norovirus is on the Rise in California

Date: 12/23/2015

Contact: Anita Gore, Orville Thomas (916) 440 7259

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that California is experiencing an increase in norovirus cases, commonly referred to as stomach flu or winter vomiting disease. CDPH has confirmed 32 outbreaks of norovirus in California since Oct. 1, 2015 – likely resulting in hundreds of reported sicknesses in the state. These outbreaks far exceed the number reported at this time in 2014.

“One of the most important things you can do to avoid norovirus and other illnesses this holiday season is to wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds,” Dr. Smith said. “This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.” Continue reading→

Labor Enforcement Task Force takes action to prevent worker fatalities and serious injuries

Posted on by Posted in California, Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Enforcement Task Force, News Leave a comment

CA DIR

Date: August 31, 2015

Labor Enforcement Task Force Takes Action to Prevent Worker Fatalities and Serious Injuries

Oakland—California’s Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) has discovered safety violations during targeted inspections this month that put workers in immediate danger of serious injuries (including amputations, paralysis and fractures) and fatalities. The task force immediately issued orders stopping work at four sites, preventing injuries and requiring employers to correct the hazardous conditions.

LETF is a coalition of California State and local enforcement agencies that formed in 2012 to combat the underground economy. LETF teams conduct monthly inspections targeting employers in high-risk industries. On August 19 investigators discovered serious safety violations at a food processing plant in Yuba City, a roofing operation in San Diego, and a garment factory in Los Angeles. A fourth violation was discovered on August 25 at a plastering operation in San Diego. Continue reading→

Insurers offer advice as the Rocky Fire destroys homes in Northern California

Posted on by Posted in California, Fires, Insurance, News, Wildfire Leave a comment
Picture Courtesy of Caltrans

Picture Courtesy of Caltrans

As Rocky Fire in Northern California Destroys Homes and Continues to Expand, Insurers Offers Advice

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As the Rocky Fire continues to destroy homes and expand in Lake, Yolo, and Colusa counties, insurers are offering advice to assist residents. According to Cal Fire more than 60,000 acres have burned with only 12% containment, forcing hundreds to evacuate. So far the fire destroyed 24 homes, and fire officials warn there could be more damage. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages residents to listen to the warnings of local and state officials and seek safety if asked to evacuate.

“Once residents are in a safe location, they should contact their insurance companies through their toll free claims telephone number as soon as possible to begin receiving assistance,” said Mark Sektnan, PCI vice president.

“In emergency situations such as this, insurers want to make getting in contact with policyholders as easy as possible and are committed to getting the claims and recovery process started as soon as possible,” added Sektnan. Continue reading→

Gritters appointed as sole G.C. representative to CA Hospital Buiding Safety Board

Posted on by Posted in Building Safety, California, Health, News, Orange County Leave a comment

Mike Gritters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michael Gritters Appointed as Sole General Contractor Representative to California OSHPD Hospital Building Safety Board

Newport Beach, Calif. (May 27, 2015) — Michael Gritters, executive vice president in charge of healthcare for McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., has been appointed to the Hospital Building Safety Board for the State of California Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development (OSHPD). Gritters will serve a four-year term, holding the sole general contractor member seat on the board. In addition, he has been appointed to three committees that oversee administrative process and code changes, education and outreach, and standard details. Continue reading→

The Great California ShakeOut is coming – October 17 at 10:17 a.m.

Posted on by Posted in California, Earthquakes Leave a comment

shakeout

Orange County Sheriff’s Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, (714) 904-7042/Gail Krause, (714) 647-1840

The Great California ShakeOut is coming – October 17 at 10:17 a.m.

Everyone, everywhere, should know how to protect themselves during earthquakes

SANTA ANA, CA – (October 16, 2013) – On Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 a.m., Orange County residents, students and businesses will practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” position as part of the world’s largest earthquake drill – the Great California ShakeOut. Continue reading→

Refinery ‘safety’ bill could reduce safety

Posted on by Posted in California, Labor, News, Refinery Safety Leave a comment

Refinery ‘Safety’ Bill Could Reduce Safety

By Dave Roberts, California Political Review

Never let a refinery disaster go to waste. That’s what Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, is doing with Senate Bill 54, according to critics of her bill.

Hancock and fellow Democrats say SB54, which passed the Legislature last week, will improve refinery safety by increasing the number of trained contract workers at refineries. But critics say the bill actually will make refineries less safe, while providing a sweetheart deal for labor unions that will also benefit Democrats’ political campaigns. Continue reading→

FEMA to help fund the fight against the Power House fire in Los Angeles County

Posted on by Posted in California, FEMA, Fire Safety, Los Angeles, News, Wildfire Leave a comment

Powehouse Fire

Release date: JUNE 3, 2013

Release Number:NR-018

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this weekend authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California combat the Power House Fire in Los Angeles County.
The state of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration on June 1st for the Power House Fire burning in Los Angeles County.  At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,200 homes in and around the communities of Green Valley, Lake Elizabeth, and Lake Hughes.  Continue reading→

State Senator Bob Huff authors Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Posted on by Posted in Bob Huff, California, Motorcycle Safety, News Leave a comment

State Senator Bob Huff rides a motorcycle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2013
CONTACT: Bill Bird, (916) 651-4029

May Means Safety for California Motorcyclists
Riding Enthusiast Bob Huff Authors Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

SACRAMENTO: Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) will serve as the author of SCR 41 which proclaims May 2013 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in California. Huff, who spoke at an ABATE rally held on the steps of the State Capitol earlier today, is partnering with ABATE and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to promote this month as Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. Continue reading→

The 2013 Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill set for 10/17/13

Posted on by Posted in California, Earthquakes, Events, News Leave a comment

Join Us for the Largest Earthquake Drill in U.S. History

The 2013 Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill will be held this year on October 17th at 10:17 a.m. (mark your calendars- ShakeOut is always on the third Thursday of October).  In 2012 more than 9 million Californians participated, and already more than 1.1 million people have been registered in 2013.

Please take a moment now to log in and renew your registration for the  2013 Great California ShakeOut

Registered participants will: Continue reading→