Qtum Foundation, Trusted IoT Alliance, and Chronicled, Inc. to Develop Secure IoT Use Cases

January 2, 2018

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Chronicled, Inc. and The Qtum Foundation have announced a collaboration to combine the Internet of Things (IoT) with Blockchain technology, developing real-world use cases integrating smart devices with a secure distributed ledger back end. This will take place in collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. Through this partnership, Qtum and Chronicled will work together to define and support a roadmap of fundamental research at UC Berkeley, developing post-quantum applied cryptography, zkSNARK-based privacy-preserving smart contracts, and zero knowledge proofs for large computations.

“The partnership with Chronicled and UC Berkeley represents the frontier of innovation in IoT, smart contracts, and privacy for enterprise applications. We are delighted to be partnering with some of the strongest researchers and innovators in the world who are leading enterprise implementations,” said Qtum Foundation founder Patrick Dai.

Qtum is developing a leading blockchain data network in Asia, using a hybrid model that combines the UTXO transaction model with a virtual machine layer for smart contracts. Meanwhile, Chronicled will pursue development of smart contracts to integrate IoT device registrations on the Qtum blockchain. Both Chronicled and Qtum are members of the Trusted IoT Alliance, a consortium of companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100 enterprises. The Alliance is focused on leveraging the power of the blockchain to secure high-value physical assets. Members of the Alliance, which is based in San Francisco, include Bosch, BNY Mellon, Cisco, and UBS.

“We have been collaborating with the team at Qtum for almost a year through the Trusted IoT Alliance, and we are excited to bring the latest IoT integration capabilities to Qtum,” said Chronicled CTO Maurizio Greco. “We see a future where trusted device provisioning, authentication, data logs, and payments are just around the corner.”

A team of researchers at UC Berkeley is currently focused on using applied cryptography to develop solutions for identity, ownership, and provenance validation as well as other use cases at the intersection of blockchain and IoT. Through collaboration with Chronicled and Qtum, they hope to devise real-world use cases and gain insight from two teams that have been developing and applying the technology for enterprise customers.

“It is great to work with strong commercialization partners who both value the need for fundamental research and who see a path to commercialization of the applied cryptographic methods that we have under development in the lab,” said Alessandro Chiesa, Assistant Professor at UC Berkeley.

For his part, Trusted IoT Alliance Executive Director Zaki Manian said, “We are excited to be in a position to administer development grants to integrate Trusted IoT devices with the Qtum Blockchain technology. We see a win-win for our members in the Alliance and the Qtum ecosystem.”

Software developers and researchers are encouraged to visit the Trusted IoT website to apply for grants, here: https://github.com/Trusted-IoT-Alliance/Quantum-Foundation-Proposals

About Chronicled
Based in the innovation hub of Silicon Valley, Chronicled is a technology company leveraging blockchain and IoT to power smart, secure supply chain solutions. Chronicled offers a Blockchain-based Smart Supply Chain Platform and secures IoT device identities, data, and event logs and automates IoT-dependent business logic using smart contracts. Chronicled is also a founding member of the Trusted IoT Alliance, with the mission of creating open source tools and standards to connect IoT and blockchain ecosystems to deliver business value.

About Qtum
Qtum is a blockchain application platform. At its core, Qtum combines the advantages of the Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) model, an Account Abstraction Layer allowing for multiple virtual machines, and a proof-of-stake consensus protocol aimed at tackling industry use cases. The Qtum Foundation, headquartered in Singapore, is a decision making body charged with accelerating the development of this open network and protocol. Learn more at qtum.org.

CONTACT:
Sam Radocchia, CMO, [email protected]
John Scianna, [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/509495/Chronicled_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Chronicled

If you own a Vitamix household blender with a blade assembly dated between January 1, 2007 and October 1, 2016 or a Vitamix commercial blender purchased after September 15, 2015 but before August 9, 2016, your rights may be affected by a class action settlement.

January 2, 2018

SEATTLE, Jan. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit known as Vicki Linneman, et al. v. Vita-Mix Corp., et al., Case No. 1:15-cv-748, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, alleging that the top seal of blade assemblies in certain Vitamix containers may fleck, causing black flecks to enter food or drink during blending. These flecks are of a non-stick material (polytetrafluoroethylene or “PTFE”) that is common in cookware and many other products in the food industry. Plaintiffs’ Complaint does not allege any medical harm resulted from any consumption of PTFE. Vitamix produced information from an independent third-party lab reporting that the flecks are harmless when consumed and do not present a human health or safety risk. However, Plaintiffs allege that, as a result of the black flecks Vitamix blenders are worth less than what consumers and businesses paid to purchase them. Vitamix denies the allegations in the Lawsuit and has asserted numerous defenses. The Court has not ruled on the merits of Plaintiffs’ claims.

Who’s included? You are included in the settlement as a “Class Member” if you: (a) own a Vitamix household blender with a blade assembly dated on or after January 1, 2007 but before October 1, 2016; or (b) own a Vitamix commercial blender that was (i) purchased on or after September 15, 2015 but before August 9, 2016 or before April 7, 2017 in the case of a commercial blender from the XL product line, (ii) never used in connection with the Replacement Seal, and (iii) purchased through a third- party, such as a dealer, distributor, or restaurant supply store and not acquired directly from Vitamix.

What does the settlement provide? Class Members who timely submit a Valid Claim are eligible for certain benefits depending on whether they purchased a household or commercial Vitamix blender. Class Members who own a Vitamix household blender may choose between (1) a $70 gift card to purchase certain Vitamix products; or (2) a newly designed replacement blade assembly that does not produce flecks. Owners of one or more Vitamix commercial blenders submitting Valid Claims can receive a new replacement blade assembly from Vitamix, with a maximum of two blade assemblies. Vitamix has also agreed to pay (1) reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses to Class Counsel, as awarded by the Court; (2) court-approved Service Awards of $3,000 each to the two Named Plaintiffs; and (3) the costs and expenses of administering the Settlement.

How to get benefits? To receive any settlement benefits, you must submit a valid Claim Form on or before September 28, 2018. Details regarding how to submit a claim are available on the Settlement Website at www.BlenderSettlement.com.

What are your options? If you submit a claim or do nothing and the Court approves the Settlement, you will give up your right to sue Vitamix for any of the claims released in the Settlement. If you do not want to receive a Gift Card or Replacement Blade Assembly, but you want to keep your right to sue Vitamix separately for the same claims resolved by this settlement, you must exclude yourself by submitting an exclusion request postmarked no later than March 7, 2018. If you do not exclude yourself, you may object and notify the Court that you or your lawyer intend to appear at the Court’s Fairness Hearing. Objections and intentions to appear are due and must be filed with the Court no later than March 7, 2018.

The Court will hold a hearing on March 28, 2018 to determine whether to approve: the settlement agreement; Class Counsels’ request for fees and expenses; payments to the Named Plaintiffs; and settlement administration expenses. The payment of these amounts will not reduce the amount of the Class benefits. Class Counsel’s Fee Application (not to exceed $9 million) will be filed with the Court by January 31, 2018, and it will also be posted to the Settlement Website.

Want more information? THIS IS ONLY A SUMMARY. Details regarding the Settlement (including the Settlement Agreement), your rights, the Claim Form, and important dates can be found at www.BlenderSettlement.com. You may also call toll-free (855) 233-4747 or email [email protected] with any questions.

Questions? Call the Settlement Administrator at (855) 233-4747 or go to www.BlenderSettlement.com; PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT.

SOURCE JND Class Action Administration

Goya Gives 120,000-Pounds Of Food, $10,000 And Toys to Catholic Charities Of The Archdiocese Of Newark During The Christmas Season

December 28, 2017

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, Dec. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In celebration of the Christmas season, Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic owned food company in the United States, will make its annual donation of 120,000 pounds of Goya products, $10,000 for coats and blankets, and toys collected by Goya employees. The donation will go to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest social service agencies that helps over 76,000 individuals and families each year.

“As an institution in the community, we strive to be a company of compassion and to do our part in helping others who need it the most, especially during the Christmas season,” said Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations of Goya Foods. “Through our Goya Gives initiative, we support over 250 organizations like Catholic Charities, who are committed to helping and improving the welfare of our communities.” The donation of $10,000 will cover the costs of winter coats and blankets that will be distributed to the homeless in New Jersey and the toys will go to children and families staying at the Hope House Homeless Shelter in Jersey City and St. Rocco’s Emergency Family Shelter in Newark.

“On behalf of our entire Catholic Charities family, and all those in need who we serve, we are most appreciative of Goya’s incredible generosity,” stated John Westervelt, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. “The support provided to our homeless population, via coats, blankets, and gifts to the children in our family shelters, will help to brighten the holidays for many. The ongoing and substantial donation of food helps us to provide assistance to those without enough to eat throughout the year.”

The donation is part of Goya Gives, a national initiative committed to promoting and supporting the overall well-being of our communities through social responsibility, environmental initiatives, and company values. Over the years, Goya has donated millions of pounds of food to organizations worldwide and continues to support over 250 organizations and cultural institutions. For more information about Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

For more information about Catholic Charities or naming opportunities, please contact Peter Ruccione at Catholic Charities at (973) 639-6531, or visit our website at www.ccannj.org for more information.

About GOYA: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; the combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings, and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com

About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark: Tracing its roots to 1903, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is a not-for-profit social service agency of the Roman Catholic Church within the Archdiocese of Newark. As one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest agencies, Catholic Charities serves approximately 76,000 individuals and families each year in over 87 programs. Catholic Charities as a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark participates in the Church’s social mission by recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all people and responding with sincere Christian compassion to the corporeal needs of the poor and marginalized. The service of Catholic Charities is inspired by faith in Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, and the continuing exposition of Catholic social teaching. Through these activities, Catholic Charities strives to assist individuals in need, strengthen families, and provide those it serves with an experience of God’s mercy. This mission is pursued through a network of caring, effective, and well-managed social service professionals within the four counties served by the Archdiocese: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union. The programs provide shelters for the homeless, food to the impoverished; care for the elderly and mentally ill, and education to children with developmental disabilities. Catholic Charities is a Ministry of the Church, a concrete illustration of the Church’s commitment to ease suffering and bring social justice and hope to all, without regard to religion, race or culture.

Media Contact:
Natalie Maniscalco
845.659.6506
[email protected]

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/623190/Goya_Foods_Charity_Check.jpg

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140904/143145

SOURCE Goya Foods

MoneyGram Names W. Alexander Holmes to Succeed Pamela H. Patsley As Chairman of the Board of Directors in February 2018

December 28, 2017

DALLAS, Dec. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram (NASDAQ: MGI), a leading global money transfer and payment services company, today announced that W. Alexander Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of MoneyGram, has been appointed to the additional role of Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective February 2, 2018. In this new role, Holmes will succeed Pamela H. Patsley, who will retire from the MoneyGram Board, completing a planned leadership transition that was first announced in July 2015. Following these changes, the MoneyGram Board will consist of nine directors, six of whom are independent.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/623185/MoneyGram_Alexander_Holmes.jpg

“Today’s announcement is the final step in our previously announced succession plan, resulting in a well-deserved additional role for CEO Alex Holmes and an equally well-deserved retirement for Pam Patsley,” said J. Coley Clark, Chair of the Human Resources and Nominating Committee of the MoneyGram Board. “MoneyGram has benefitted greatly from the outstanding and dedicated leadership of Alex and his team, and we believe that he is the ideal successor to Pam as Chairman of the Board. The other directors and I are grateful to Pam for her years of service and dedication to MoneyGram. Among many other accomplishments, she was the driving force of the strong culture and spirit that define MoneyGram today, and we wish her the very best going forward.”

“The contributions Pam has made throughout her tenure at MoneyGram are innumerable,” said Holmes. “On a personal note, Pam has served as an inspiring mentor and I am truly grateful for her support, guidance and friendship. As the incoming Chairman, I look forward to continuing her legacy and working closely with my fellow directors and our outstanding management team as we execute MoneyGram’s strategy for future growth and value creation.”

“We have developed an incredibly talented team at MoneyGram, and I have been honored to work alongside them for the past nine years,” said Patsley. “Today, MoneyGram is well-positioned as a leader in global payment transfers, and continues to execute its strategy to accelerate digital revenue growth, strengthen its capital structure, and improve profitability. I am confident in the future of the Company under Alex’s dedicated leadership.”

About MoneyGram
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com.

MoneyGram Contact
MoneyGram International, Inc.
Suzanne Rosenberg
214-979-1400
[email protected]

Media Relations:
Michelle Buckalew
214-979-1418
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600838/MoneyGram_International_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MoneyGram

Nexus Services, Inc. Announces 5% Raises and 200 New Jobs

December 21, 2017

Tax Reform and Improved Outlook Spurs Generous Move by One of Virginia’s Fastest Growing Employers

VERONA, Virginia, Dec. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — All Nexus Services, Inc. employees will receive a 5% raise, starting in January 2018, CEO Mike Donovan announced today. Also, Nexus unveiled plans to hire another 200 workers over the course of 2018 – doubling the size of Nexus Services, Inc. workforce nationwide. Many of the new jobs will be created in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and other jobs will be in San Juan (Puerto Rico), Hackensack (NJ), Ontario (CA) and other sites nationwide.

Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/622369/Nexus_Services_Mike_Donovan.jpg

“Nexus is reinvesting in the job-starved regions of Virginia, Puerto Rico, California, New Jersey and elsewhere. And we are creating new jobs in the very places where jobs are the hardest to find, not simply adding more jobs to a handful of wealthy counties like Fairfax (Virginia) and San Jose (California). That’s what we call corporate social responsibility,” Donovan said.

The 5% boost in pay will come on top of the increased take home pay that workers will enjoy due to lower Federal income tax rates for individuals.

The more than 200 new jobs Nexus plans to create over the next 12 months will each have a “living wage” and provide full benefits including, health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

A combination of an improved business outlook for 2018 and tax reform by Congress has enabled Nexus Services, Inc. to make these generous changes.

“While the tax reduction for individuals are not that substantial, we at Nexus thought that we could share the gains from the deep corporate tax cuts with both current employees and our new hires,” Donovan said.

About Nexus Services Inc.
Nexus Services, Inc. is a privately held company, based in Verona, Virginia. Nexus Services, Inc. is the parent company of a unique family of companies, both for-profit and charitable, that deliver cutting-edge products and services to meet the needs of migrants and their families, including free legal advocacy and making financial commitments to free the undocumented from immigration detention.

CONTACT:
Nexus Services Inc.
Jen Little, Director of Public Relations
(540) 255-9492 / [email protected]

Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/545903/Nexus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Nexus Services, Inc.

The Home Depot Acquires The Company Store, Broadening Capabilities in Home Textile Categories

December 21, 2017

ATLANTA, Dec. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot® announced today that it has acquired The Company Store, a leading online retailer of textiles and home décor products, from Hanover Direct. The deal closed on December 19 and terms were not disclosed.

In addition to its success as an online retailer, The Company Store has strong relationships and industry leading capabilities in the development and sourcing of high quality textiles across bedding, bath, and related categories. Founded in 1911, The Company Store has a rich history of providing products that are highly sought after by customers as they put the finishing touches on a room.

“The acquisition of The Company Store provides product development and sourcing capabilities to help us expand our online décor business into broader categories across the entire home,” said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president of The Home Depot. “On behalf of our 400,000-plus associates, I want to welcome The Company Store’s talented associates into The Home Depot family.”

The acquisition does not include The Company Store’s five retail locations.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,284 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2016, The Home Depot had sales of $94.6 billion and earnings of $8.0 billion. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the demand for our products and services; effects of competition; state of the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets; capital allocation and expenditures; financial outlook; and integration of The Company Store into our organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated synergies and benefits of the acquisition. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control or are currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 29, 2017 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/the_home_depot_logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot

All-new Acura RDX Prototype Teased Ahead of Detroit World Debut

December 21, 2017

Making its global debut at the North American International Auto Show January 15, the 2019 RDX Prototype is the first in a new generation of Acura models developed fully from the Precision Crafted Performance concept.

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The third-generation Acura RDX Prototype will make its world debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 15 at 11:05 a.m. EST. Representing the most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade, the new RDX is the first in a new generation of Acura products inspired by “Precision Crafted Performance” and signals the beginning of a new era for the luxury automaker.

Designed and developed for the first time in America, the new RDX will be built on a new, Acura-exclusive platform and incorporates key design elements of two recent concepts – the Acura Precision Concept and Acura Precision Cockpit. The exterior styling adapts the low, wide and sleek presence of the Precision Concept to an SUV, and features strong character lines that run along the entire profile of the vehicle. From the Precision Cockpit, the third-generation RDX features an all-new interior design, user interface and operating system designed from a clean sheet.

The Acura RDX is a perennial best-seller in the premium-entry SUV segment, which is on pace to unseat entry-premium sedans as the highest volume segment of the luxury market. The RDX has recorded five consecutive years of record sales and seven straight years of year-over-year sales growth¹.

For More Information
Consumer information is available at http://www.acura.com. To join the Acura community on Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/acura. Additional media information including high-resolution photography is available at acuranews.com/channels/acura-automobiles.

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, representing the original values of the Acura brand – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability.

The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium, luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.

¹ Based on Autodata total sales data for calendar years 2009 to 2016CY.

Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mikj1Qkyzvk
Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621761/Acura_2019_RDX_Prototype.jpg
Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/592658/Acura_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura

(Español) El equipo Miami Flamingos Esports es reconocido por el Alcalde Carlos Bermudez de Ciudad de Doral de la Florida y como “Equipo Revelación Esports US 2017”

December 20, 2017

Alcalde de la Ciudad del Doral Carlos Bermudez, la Vice Alcaldesa Cristi Fraga, y los Concejales Pete Cabrera, Crsiti Fraga, Claudia Mariaca, el Manager Lucas Noya, el Coach Hugo “Rew4z” Cáceres, el Analista Damián Hapke junto a los jugadores Javier “FiReMaNN” Collado, Hugo “Rew4z” Cáceres, Alejandro “Otto” Mendive, Gabriel “1962” Sinopoli y Roberto “Reversive” Thentham

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Department of Industrial Relations Reports 2016 Fatal Occupational Injuries

December 20, 2017

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) reports that 376 Californians died on the job in 2016, down slightly from the 388 deaths in 2015.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621604/California_Department_of_Industrial_Relations_Occupational_Fatality_Rate_Chart.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621605/California_Department_of_Industrial_Relations_CFOI_Fatalities.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621603/California_Department_of_Industrial_Relations_2016_Fatal_Occupational_Injuries.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621606/California_Department_of_Industrial_Relations_Latino_Workplace_Fatalities.jpg

“Even one workplace fatality is too many, and our thoughts are with the families of those that died on the job last year,” said Christine Baker, DIR Director. “The fatality data released today is a reminder that we must all continue our efforts to reduce workplace safety and health hazards in order to prevent worker deaths.”

A review of the past twelve years indicates that workplace fatalities in California remain below the average rate of fatalities prior to 2008, when the last recession began, and remained flat over the past two years at 2.2 deaths per 100,000 workers. On the national level, the rate of fatalities jumped from 3.4 to 3.6 per 100,000 workers.

There were 376 fatal injuries on the job in California in 2016, compared to 388 in 2015, 344 in 2014, and 396 in 2013. Data comes from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), which is conducted annually in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures for 2016 are the latest numbers available.

Key findings from the latest census in California include:

One in five (20%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2016 were attributed to violence and other injuries by persons or animals. The incidence of workplace homicides in 2016 accounts for 12% of all workplace deaths in the state.
Nearly two of every five (38%) California workplace deaths identified in 2016 occurred in transportation incidents.
One in six (17%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2016 were attributed to trips, slips and falls; with 90% of those deaths involving falls to a lower level.
Nearly two of every five (39%) California workplace deaths in 2016 were Latinos. This fatality rate has fluctuated over the past ten years from 37% to 49%.

The percentage of Latino deaths in the workplace continues to be an area the department is tracking closely. DIR over the past eight years has increased workplace safety outreach and education to Spanish-speaking workers, with a focus on high-hazard work.

Tables reflecting final data for 2016 (and prior years’ final data) for California are posted online, as well as a report reflecting four years’ of fatal occupational injuries in California.

DIR conducts the California Census annually in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CFOI produces comprehensive, accurate and timely counts of fatal work injuries. This Federal-State cooperative program was implemented in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 1992.

DIR protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. Its Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA does not have authority when injuries occur on public roadways where other state or federal agencies have jurisdiction, such as the California Highway Patrol.

Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services. Cal/OSHA has also published a wealth of helpful guides for employers and workers.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

Sources:
Graph 1 – Current Population Survey, BLS Labor Force Data (Employment as of July of calendar year), and Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year).
Graph 2 – Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year).
Graph 3 – 2016 Fatal Occupational Injuries in California by Major Event, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries 2016.
Graph 4 – Percentage of Latino Workplace Fatalities in California, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year, table A-7: percentage of Hispanic or Latino fatalities as compared to all fatalities).
For further detail on CFOI methods and calculations see Part III: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA

Meruelo Group Makes Lasting Impact through Music for Patients at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

December 20, 2017

LONG BEACH, California, Dec. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — There was something different about the pediatric playroom at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 12. It was the sound of POWER 106 and KDAY 93.5 DJ’s playing the latest hits and holiday favorites.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621892/MemorialCare_Miller_Childrens_Bear_Hugs_Toy_Drive_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621891/MemorialCare_Miller_Childrens_Bear_Hugs_Toy_Drive_2.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/621893/MemorialCare_Miller_Childrens_Bear_Hugs_Toy_Drive_3.jpg

The unique music party was part of the Bear Hugs Toy Drive donation, an event launched by Liset Meruelo, wife of prominent Cuban-American businessman Alex Meruelo, of the Meruelo Group. Now in its 20^th year, Bear Hugs Toy Drive delivers hundreds of bears and stuffed animals to patients at Miller Children’s & Women’s.

This year, Liset was joined by prominent Los Angeles radio personalities J Cruz, Jeff Garcia, DJ E-Man and Cece The Mamacita, as well as Star Wars and Frozen characters, like Elsa and Anna whose voices filled the halls with holiday cheer.

Throughout the holiday season, Meruelo Group employees, families and friends, including Meruelo Group companies POWER 106 and KDAY 93.5, gather donations.

“The small donation of a plush toy provides these children and their families with a moment of happiness and smiles,” says Liset Meruelo. “As a parent, you’d want to look forward to anything that can get your child’s mind off their illness and treatments and just be a kid during the holidays.”

Liset and Alex Meruelo are longtime supporters of Miller Children’s & Women’s. In addition to bringing a day of holiday fun and music to patients, the Meruelo’s donated $20,000 to support the Music Therapy Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s.

This is their third donation to the Music Therapy Program. Their donation in 2016 helped expand the Music Therapy Program, including the addition of recording software, which has allowed patients the opportunity to record their own music.

“Music is often the only way that our patients feel comfortable expressing themselves,” says Andrea Chattler, music therapist, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “Being able to have them go through the process of writing down their feelings, recording, mixing and editing their own songs is therapeutic. It gives many of our patients an outlet to address feelings about their illness.”

The Music Therapy Program is part of the Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s, which was developed to help make the hospital experience more positive for children.

“The Bear Hugs Toy Drive is a great way to bring our patients comfort and the opportunity to forget their illness for one day, but through their generous donation, we will be able to provide support to our patients well beyond the event,” says Rita Goshert, manager, Child Life Program.

The Meruelo family, and its companies, are continuing to raise funds for the Music Therapy Program throughout the remainder of the year. Donations can be made by visiting: https://www.youcaring.com/millerchildrenswomenshospitallongbeach-1029711

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SOURCE MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

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