Page 2637

Cricket Wireless Smartphone Plans Now Start at $30/Month

0
Cricket Wireless Logo

ATLANTA, Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cricket once again gives no-annual contract wireless customers something to smile about with smartphone plans now starting at $30/month. On September 9, 2016, Cricket will debut its $30 service plan that includes unlimited talk and text, plus 1GB of high-speed data plan.*

Cricket Wireless Logo

Cricket welcomes the back-to-school season with new offers that help just about anyone enjoy the benefits of a reliable 4G LTE wireless experience. Also beginning September 9, people who switch to Cricket can check out this season’s hot new trend: free select 4G LTE smartphones, with activation of a smartphone plan.** Choose from the Alcatel STREAK™, ZTE Sonata™ 3 or Kyocera Hydro VIEW.

“Today’s wireless customer is making smarter decisions.  They’re opting for what they need in a wireless experience – simple and predictable no-annual contract plans, amazing value, cool smartphones, on a strong network.  And they’re counting on friendly customer service environment,” says Tiffany Baehman, vice president and chief marketing officer, Cricket Wireless. “At Cricket, we are committed to giving that to our customers.  It’s what they deserve. We go the extra mile to win over and retain smart, happy customers.”

And there’s more for virtual reality, gaming and music enthusiasts.

Cricket is offering the Alcatel IDOL 4™ + VR Experience Pack for just $99.99 when you bring your number to Cricket and activate service.**  This is the first smartphone and virtual reality goggle bundle, and it normally retails for $199.99.

Our reliable nationwide 4G LTE network covers more than 99% of Americans. To find out more about Cricket and current promotions, or to find a Cricket store near you, visit www.cricketwireless.com.

About the new Cricket Wireless

Cricket is bringing consumers more value with a simple, friendly, and reliable nationwide wireless experience with no annual contract. The power of Cricket is our nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 318 million people;*** easy and affordable plans prices that include monthly taxes and fees; and a great selection of phones customers love. Cricket, Something to Smile About. To check out the new Cricket or find a store near you, visit cricketwireless.com. Learn more on the Cricket newsroom and blog. And connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2016 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC.

*Download speeds max of 8Mbps (LTE)/4Mbps (4G). First GB of data at high-speed; 128 Kbps thereafter.

**Requires porting number & svc activ. on qual. plan (min. $30/mo). Excludes ports from AT&T.

***Based on overall coverage in U.S. Compatible device required. Coverage not available everywhere. 4G LTE coverage is not equivalent to overall network coverage

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140604/94414

Live Nation Entertainment Announces Participation In Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference

0

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: LYV), the world’s leading live entertainment and ecommerce company, announced today that Michael Rapino, Live Nation Entertainment’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference, on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 4:35 p.m. ET. During his presentation, Mr. Rapino may make observations regarding the company’s financial performance and outlook.

A live audio webcast of the conference presentation, as well as any accompanying written materials, will be available on the Events & Webcasts section of the company’s investor website at www.investors.livenationentertainment.com along with replays of the webcast following the event.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: LYV), or Live Nation, is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.investors.livenationentertainment.com.

ColorComm Announces United Nations Foundation Social Good Summit Fellowship

0

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — ColorComm, the nation’s premier membership organization for women of color in communications, has announced a partnership with the United Nations Foundation in honor of ColorComm’s 5th Anniversary for the chance to award 5 ColorComm Fellows the opportunity to attend the UN Foundation’s Social Good Summit.

The Social Good Summit is a two-day conference examining the impact of technology and new media on social good initiatives around the world. The summit will be held September 18th-19th in New York City and will consist of Master Classes, a Digital Lounge, Fireside Chats, Receptions and more. The Social Good Summit unites a dynamic community of global leaders and activists to discuss solutions to the greatest challenges our world faces.

The five fellows will receive an exclusive preview of events, access and networking opportunities.  To be chosen for the fellowship, participants will engage in an Instagram media campaign where they are tasked to creatively answer the following question: “Where do you want to see the world in 2030?” with event hashtags #ColorComm5 and #2030Now. We encourage the ColorComm Community to participate.

“This fellowship will be truly significant and beneficial to the unique backgrounds and professions of our network and start the conversation on how the goals of ColorComm and United Nations Foundation can be intertwined to work together,” says Lauren Wesley Wilson, Founder and President of ColorComm.

ColorComm is focused on expanding its global reach and this fellowship opportunity will help raise awareness around important global issues to our members and community.

The Instagram campaign is open to the public and concludes Monday, September 12.  Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 13, 2016.

For more information on how to participate in the social media campaign, visit: http://www.instagram.com/colorcomm. 

About ColorComm Network

ColorComm is an essential professional membership organization for women of color in communications. The ColorComm mission is to personally connect women with other like-minded individuals to build a strong network of leaders by creating mentors/mentees, business relationships and friendships. The organization has chapters in Washington, DC, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more information: www.colorcommnetwork.com

British Army Needs Soldiers From the Commonwealth to Apply Now

0

LONDON, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Commonwealth nationals may now apply for a number of specialist roles in the British Army thanks to new rules introduced by the government.

The British Army has welcomed soldiers from Commonwealth countries for many years; however, under previous rules people could only join if they had lived in the UK for five years.

Commonwealth nationals will now be able to apply for positions including Medical Technician, Logistic Supply Specialist, Chef, Vehicle Mechanic, Metalsmith and Gunner Logistics Specialist.

General Chris Tickell, General Officer Commanding, Army Recruiting and Training Division, said: “We are delighted that key roles have been opened up to people from across the Commonwealth who are non-resident in the UK. The service given by soldiers from Commonwealth countries helps the Armed Forces to defend the UK at home and abroad, and we look forward to welcoming more Commonwealth recruits following the introduction of the new regulations.”

A specialist commonwealth recruiter spokesperson said: “We’re looking for candidates that are physically fit, can communicate well in both written and spoken English and can self-fund travel to the UK to attend one of the Army development and selection centres. Full details of the Army recruitment and selection process can be found on the Army website at http://www.army.mod.uk.”

For more information about how people from the Commonwealth can apply for the Army without UK residency, visit http://www.army.mod.uk/join/commonwealth_joiners.aspx.

Notes to editor 

Did you know, as an Army Soldier: 

  • You are offered over 500 different qualifications, from GCSE to degrees, including all kinds of professional and practical qualifications in areas such as chartered engineering and accountancy that will build up your CV
  • You will start on an annual salary of £18,305 after training, plus pension. In comparison, the UK’s national average apprentice earns £6,846 and may not have job security at the end of their apprentice.
  • You will be offered a clear career structure with annual pay rises and a clear promotion path
  • You receive six weeks paid leave, plus bank holidays
  • You have access to free gym, sports facilities and the chance to train with the very best coaches. You could play in overseas tournaments or on international stages like Twickenham.
  • You have opportunities to travel overseas for operations, sport and peacekeeping, from training in Kenya to supporting the UN in Cyprus.
  • You can take up adventurous training from mountaineering in the Himalayas, to sky-diving in Florida

Six Ways You Could be Killing Your Car

0

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Owning a car can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how well you take care of your vehicle, says the non-profit Car Care Council. The following are six things that many motorists do that can harm their car and their wallet.

  1. Ignoring the check engine light. Ignoring an illuminated check engine light can result in serious engine trouble and costly repairs. At the very least, this warning light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy.  
  2. Failing to change fluids and filters. Many fluids are required for the operation and protection of vehicle systems and components. Checking fluid levels regularly, along with the filters, helps ensure that your vehicle runs dependably and extends vehicle life.
  3. Neglecting your tires. Your vehicle’s tires should be checked frequently for inflation and tread depth. Underinflated tires can wear out more quickly, needing to be replaced sooner, and can negatively impact safety, gas mileage and performance.
  4. Not following a service schedule. Because many car parts and components wear out or become damaged over time, vehicles need to be routinely serviced in order to perform optimally. Routine inspections and timely repairs will help keep your car running efficiently and will help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road. 
  5. Keeping a dirty car. Allowing your car to go too long without a wash leads to buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, increases the potential for rust from road salt and interferes with proper visibility needed for safe driving.
  6. Being a severe driver. Whether it’s stop-and-go traffic, extreme weather, rough roads or heavy loads, it can sometimes be difficult to limit severe driving conditions. However, you can drive smart and improve fuel economy by observing the speed limit; avoiding aggressive driving, including quick starts and stops; not hauling unnecessary items; and keeping your vehicle properly tuned.

“Because auto care isn’t always a top priority for car owners, they might not realize they are doing things that adversely affect the performance, safety and value of their car,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Routine maintenance can go a long way toward saving money, avoiding headaches and protecting your vehicle investment.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org. 

Public Health Advocates Hopeful About ABC Changes

0

SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After an unprecedented meeting with the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Department (ABC), public health advocates are cautiously optimistic about a new level of cooperation and respect for community interests.

“We will be watching to see how actions improve, but we’re encouraged by what we’ve heard so far,” said Thania Balcorta, co-chair of the California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA). “We don’t know of another case in which ABC leaders have reached out to community representatives to solicit suggestions on how the agency can be more responsive.”

Representatives of public health and community organizations from across the state met with new Chief Deputy Director, Helena Williams, General Counsel, Matthew Botting, Chief Counsel, Jacob Rambo, and Information Officer, John Carr, to share their concerns and requests for how the department could be more responsive to alcohol-related public health and safety problems in communities across the state.

While the stated mission of the ABC is to, “administer the provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act in a manner that fosters and protects the health, safety, welfare, and economic well being of the people of the State,” public health and safety advocates and communities across California believe they have significantly strayed from this approach. Advocates cited regular granting of alcohol licenses against community protests, in areas of high crime and those well beyond the number of alcohol licenses allowed by state law.

“We believe this meeting is the first step in a new and positive working relationship between public health and safety advocates and the ABC,” said Eric Collins, chair of the San Diego Alcohol Policy Panel.

Members of CAPA and others at the meeting shared their appreciation for many of the things ABC has done over the years –including the coordination of minor decoy and shoulder tap operations at retail alcohol stores and support for responsible beverage service training.

They also raised serious concerns regarding how they’ve seen the department routinely ignore community interests in favor of industry interests by granting most alcohol applications and failing to address repeated violations of operating standards at current licensees.

To this end, the group shared the following requests with ABC:

  • Continue shoulder tap and decoy enforcement programs related to on-premise alcohol retailers (such as liquor stores and markets).
  • Reinstate ABC Responsible Beverage Service training certification process to verify that RBS courses follow a set of standards based on the latest expert scientific research.
  • Re-establish the RBS Advisory Board to again ensure that the training adhere to best practices and is conducted by qualified instructors.
  • Conduct more ABC undercover operations to deter the over-service of alcohol at restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Follow-up on repeated violations of operating standards at neighborhood markets, liquor and convenience stores.
  • Establish a more user-friendly website for alcohol prevention providers and community members.
  • Rein in the out-of-control morphing of restaurants of Type 47 licenses into de facto bars across the state. Including an overdue drastic increase in the numbers of investigators of these licensees to ascertain if they are violating the conditions of their licenses.
  • Increase transparency and convene local stakeholder meetings of the public health and safety community – independent of license holders.
  • Provide ready public access to find and monitor conditions (including any imposed by ABC or any local agencies) on licenses including posting at the license site.

California public health and safety advocates are committed to working with the ABC and being more actively engaged in their practices going forward. Ten thousand lives are lost annually in the state from alcohol-related causes with total costs estimated at $22 billion.

The number of places serving alcohol has gone up significantly over the last decades (outlets nearly quadrupled in last 40 years while population hasn’t even doubled). According to ABC annual reports, the number of licensees in CA has increased from 24,641 in 1974 (pop 21,170,000) to 87,112 in 2014 (population 38,800,000).

Nationally, nearly 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes each year, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In addition, alcohol is involved in approximately 40 percent of all violent crimes committed in the U.S. [https://ncadd.org/about-addiction/alcohol-drugs- and-crime] and problems related to the excessive use of alcohol cost the US $249 billion in 2010, according to the CDC. [http://www.cdc.gov/features/costsofdrinking/index.html]

Public health and safety participants in the meeting included:

San Diego County

Karen Lenyoun

North City Prevention Coalition; SAY San Diego

Eric Collins

Binge and Underage Drinking Initiative of San Diego County;

Alcohol Policy Panel of San Diego County; Institute for Public Strategies

SF Bay Area

Thania Balcorta

Eden Youth and Family; Co-Chair of CAPA

Bruce Lee Livingston

Alcohol Justice

Michael Scippa

Alcohol Justice

Central Valley

Jim Kooler

Friday Night Live

Lynne Goodwin

Friday Night Live

Los Angeles County

Sara Cooley

California Alcohol Policy Alliance; Alcohol Justice

Ruben Rodriguez

Pueblo y Salud; Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Policy Alliance

Sacramento

Rev. Jim Butler

California Council on Alcohol Problems

For more information, please contact:

Michael Scippa, Director of Public Affairs, Alcohol Justice, (415) 257-2490

Jeffrey Tufenkian, Senior Media Advocacy Strategist, Institute for Public Strategies (619) 476-9100 x105

Media Leader And Digital Expert Launch Innovative Digital, Content And Performance Company, The Story Room

0

MIAMI, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Antoinette Zel, a renowned multicultural media leader who has built and led iconic networks and advertising businesses, and Diego Prusky, an expert in digital strategy, software and platform development, have joined to create The Story Room (http://thestoryroom.com/), a new digital, content and performance marketing company specializing in the US Hispanic and Latin American markets.

Zel, former CEO of MTV Networks Latin America, ad agency La Comunidad and Robert Rodriguez‘ El Rey Network, is CEO and Co-Founder of The Story Room, and Prusky, founder of InPulse Digital Marketing, a digital and social media marketing company, is its Chief Strategist, Co-Founder. The Story Room will leverage Zel’s unique experience heading content-centric media businesses and Prusky’s digital expertise into a one-stop shop of digital services for brands targeting 700 million US Hispanic and Latin American online audiences.

“Every day and every minute there’s a robust digital conversation going on amongst US Hispanic and Latin American millennial audiences and it’s time for brands that have a story to tell to participate in the dialogue, with interesting and smart content strategies,” said Zel. “If television was how we built brands in yesteryear, today’s progressive brands know they are built in the digital space first with hyper-targeted creative narratives that deliver real audiences.”

Prusky added “I’ve been in the digital space for a long time and it is clear that today, compelling content alongside sharp audience targeting and paid media is the only route to real ROI in digital marketing. I am thrilled to partner with a well-known media pro like Antoinette, to expand our offering by leading our seasoned team of digital creatives to curate and amplify the online narratives of our clients; engaging content combined with optimized media will redefine what content marketing looks like for the US Hispanic and Latin American markets.”

The Story Room’s client roster includes BBC Worldwide Latin America, Scripps Interactive/Food Network Latin America, Mattel / Barbie & American Girl, Sony Music, NBC Universal, Syfy, E! Entertainment Latino, Anheuser-Busch Presidente, Los Tigres del Norte, Marc Anthony, Gente de Zona and Marco Antonio Solis.

Based in Miami, The Story Room has a staff of 50 employees across offices also in Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

Images:

https://app.box.com/s/ds0jtwxl47fgez6pdyre3z6mtmd9nhi7 
https://app.box.com/s/g1sweqnu43c5b0kaooshpv856x051mg8 
https://app.box.com/s/fhbsxe9em6vvk66tnz3dgxvj4uocani1

Young Living Essential Oils Expands Executive Team

0
Young Living Essential Oils, LC is the world leader in essential oils and has been providing the highest quality plant based products to customers for over twenty years. Its proprietary Seed to Seal(R) process ensures exacting standards are met every step of the way, from seed to seal. This commitment stems from the company's stewardship towards the earth and its people all over the world. For more information, visit: www.youngliving.com.

LEHI, Utah, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Young Living Essential Oils, the world leader in essential oils, announced that Lauren Walker joined the team as Senior Vice President of Global Operations. Walker oversees Young Living’s global supply chain, which includes forecasting, planning, procurement, manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160901/403690

“We are honored to have a seasoned professional of Lauren’s caliber join our executive team,” said Jared Turner, Young Living Chief Operating Officer. “Her extensive experience in project management, manufacturing, and supply chain makes her an invaluable asset to Young Living.”

Throughout her 25-year career with high-profile international companies, Walker has established herself as a leader and an innovator in streamlining global systems. After completing her engineering degree, she worked for Xerox as an engineer, followed by 10 years with Procter & Gamble in supply chain, manufacturing/technical operations, and quality. She also worked for seven years with Johnson & Johnson as a plant manager and as Program Manager of their Oral Care franchise. Most recently, she was Vice President of Manufacturing at Amway, where she was responsible for manufacturing across all product lines: nutrition, home care, personal care, beauty care, durable goods, and paper products.

“Lauren’s vast experience in operations brings a unique perspective to the global Young Living business,” said Turner. “Coupled with her passion for building strong teams and desire to empower individuals for success, we are honored to have her as a part of our executive leadership.”

In addition to her extensive experience, Walker has been a keynote speaker for American Manufacturing Strategies Summit and Front End Innovations Conference, is a Lean Six Sigma Project Champion in Manufacturing, and is Green Belt Certified. She holds a degree in engineering from Union College in New York.

About Young Living Essential Oils
Young Living Essential Oils, LC, is the world leader in essential oils, with a strict Seed to Seal® process to produce pure essential oil products for every individual, family, and lifestyle. This process ensures that all products are genuine, free of synthetic chemicals, and pure. This commitment stems from the company’s 20 years of stewardship toward the earth and its people. For more information, visit YoungLiving.com.

Media Contact:
Jamie Kaneko
Sr. Public Relations Manager
801.221.7128
[email protected]

Young Living Essential Oils, LC is the world leader in essential oils and has been providing the highest quality plant based products to customers for over twenty years. Its proprietary Seed to Seal(R) process ensures exacting standards are met every step of the way, from seed to seal. This commitment stems from the company's stewardship towards the earth and its people all over the world. For more information, visit: www.youngliving.com.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160118/323110LOGO

Watch It Anywhere With AT&T DIRECTV

0
AT&T Inc.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Away from home but itching to catch a live episode of the latest hit TV show, watch your favorite recorded movie or binge watch that series everyone has been talking about? Today, with the latest update to the DIRECTV App, you can do that for almost any show anywhere.

The updated DIRECTV App gives you access to your live and recorded programming1 whether away from the living room in your home or on the go. That’s right: virtually anything you typically watch on your DIRECTV service at home will now be available anywhere you have either a mobile or Wi-Fi internet connection. That includes shows on live channels – even locals – as well as just about all of your DVR recorded programs. You can also download most of your DVR recordings to your device to watch offline – perfect for long plane flights.

Even better, you can stream video via your DIRECTV or U-verse App without using your mobile data when you’re on the go with Data Free TV on the AT&T mobile wireless network.2 It’s easy and automatic after registering and it doesn’t count against your AT&T mobile data allotment.

“Our customers want to take their TVs with them, and our new DIRECTV App allows just that,” said David Christopher, CMO, AT&T Entertainment Group. “You can get the content you want, when you want it…. your living room channels and your recorded content with you, anywhere you go.”

Here’s what DIRECTV customers get with the DIRECTV App update:

  1. Stream Live Channels. Access to live programming that you subscribe to on DIRECTV (up to 315 different channels), almost anywhere you have internet access, whether it’s via Wi-Fi or mobile network. You can restart shows in progress or watch shows that aired in the last 72 hours – even if you forgot to record them! 
  2. Stream Recorded Programs. Access to content recorded on your home DVR via your mobile device, wherever you have internet access, whether it’s via Wi-Fi or mobile network.
  3. View Recorded Programs Offline. Ability to download almost all recorded content from your home DVR to your mobile device via your home Wi-Fi network. Once downloaded, you can watch that program anywhere, even if you’re on a plane – no internet required.

Additionally, the DIRECTV App gives you access to more than 20,000 of the latest movies and hit shows On Demand from the most popular networks to stream virtually anywhere.3

Once you’re at home, the DIRECTV App gives you even more ways to watch than before. You can instantly move the show that you were watching on your mobile device to your TV and continue watching seamlessly.

To experience these exciting ways to watch your DIRECTV, here’s what you need:

  1. A DIRECTV subscription (SELECT® or above)
  2. The DIRECTV App (available on iOS today and Android soon)
  3. Genie HD DVR 44 and above with a home internet connection
  4. The understanding that once you start streaming on your mobile device, you’re going to have little excuse to stay home

1 Not all channels available. Channels available for live streaming correspond to your package selection and may vary by location. To download, must be in-home on same Wi-Fi network connected to DVR. Certain programming cannot be downloaded. All functions and programming subject to change.

2 DATA FREE TV: Must stream through DIRECTV or U-verse App. Requires eligibility. DIRECTV & AT&T wireless services. Exclusions & restrictions apply.

3 Access to content varies by package.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, mobile, high speed internet and voice services. We’re the world’s largest provider of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. We offer the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider.* And we help businesses worldwide serve their customers better with our mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.

Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at http://about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

© 2016 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

*Global coverage claim based on offering discounted voice and data roaming; LTE roaming; voice roaming; and world-capable smartphone and tablets in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier. International service required. Coverage not available in all areas. Coverage may vary per country and be limited/restricted in some countries.

AT&T Inc.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140408/CG99935LOGO

Cal/OSHA Cites Metal Processing Company after Preventable Accident Asphyxiates Worker

0

SANTA ANA, California, Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cal/OSHA has cited Kittyhawk Inc. $73,105 for serious safety violations following a March 13, 2016 confined space accident in which a worker was asphyxiated. Cal/OSHA investigators found the Garden Grove-based metal processing company failed to comply with confined space regulations that resulted in the serious illness.

On March 13, a Kittyhawk supervisor sent an untrained production assistant into a pressure vessel furnace to perform maintenance on it. The assistant did not have an oxygen sensor with him when he descended into the unit, which is only 49 inches wide and 98 inches tall, and was filled with argon gas. Argon is a noble gas that is chemically inert under most conditions and is colorless, odorless, and much heavier than air.

When the worker was overcome by the argon gas and collapsed inside the unit, a second worker went in after him and became dizzy and lost consciousness. A third employee then took a nearby fan and blew fresh air into the confined space, which provided air to breathe. The first worker spent four days in a hospital receiving treatment for his illness, and the second employee was transported to the hospital and was treated and released.

“Confined spaces can be deceptively dangerous,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Employers must take special precautions to evaluate and monitor the hazards and prepare for emergency rescues.”

Cal/OSHA cited Kittyhawk Inc. for nine safety violations including three serious, three serious accident-related and three general in nature. These violations involved Kittyhawk’s failure to identify permit-required confined spaces, train the employees to safely perform their work in these confined spaces, failure to monitor the atmospheric conditions in a confined space during maintenance, and failure to develop effective rescue and emergency procedures for rescuing endangered employees from confined spaces.

Cal/OSHA first adopted confined space regulations in 1978 in order to prevent fatalities and serious injuries. California defines a permit-required confined space as one that has limited entry and exit openings, is not designed for continuous worker occupancy and has one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Has a hazardous or potentially hazardous atmosphere including too little or too much oxygen, and/or presence of toxic gases.
  • Has a material that can engulf an employee, such as grain, sand or sugar.
  • Has an internal layout (such as floors that slope downwards) that can trap or asphyxiate a worker.
  • Has any other serious safety or health hazard, such as machinery with moving parts, sources of electrical shocks, burning or drowning hazards.

More information on confined spaces is available on the Cal/OSHA website, including information for employers who would like free assistance developing a plan to minimize the occurrence of confined-space accidents.

A serious violation is cited when there is a realistic possibility that death or serious harm could result from the actual hazardous condition. More information about the types of citations and penalties that they carry can be found in the User’s Guide to Cal/OSHA.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California.  Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.  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.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR 
http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR 
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

1...2,6362,6372,638...3,081Page 2,637 of 3,081
Copyright © 2016 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.