MEC&F Expert Engineers : 06/13/16

Monday, June 13, 2016

The FBI reveals more about shooter

As the nation mourns, the FBI reveals more about shooter

Families in Orlando are waiting for answers after the weekend's horrific nightclub shooting.

Monday, June 13, 2016 05:32PM

ORLANDO, FL -- The gunman whose attack on a gay nightclub left 49 victims dead appears to have been a "homegrown extremist" who espoused support for a jumble of often-conflicting Islamic radical groups, the White House and the FBI said Monday.

As Orlando mourned its dead with flowers, candles and vigils, counterterrorism investigators dug into the background of 29-year-old Omar Mateen for clues to why the American-born Muslim carried out the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

"So far, we see no indication that this was a plot directed from outside the United States, and we see no indication that he was part of any kind of network," said FBI Director James Comey. But he said Mateen was clearly "radicalized," at least in part via the internet.

RELATED: 50 slain in club shooting

At the White House, President Barack Obama said there is no clear evidence so far that Mateen was directed by the group, calling the attack an apparent example of "homegrown extremism."

More details of the bloodbath emerged, with Orlando Police Chief John Mina saying Mateen was "cool and calm" during phone calls with police negotiators. But the chief said he decided to send the SWAT team in and bash through a wall after Mateen holed up with hostages in a bathroom and began to talk about bombs and an explosive vest.

"We knew there would be an imminent loss of life," Mina said.

Five of the wounded were reported in grave condition, meaning the death toll could rise. A call went out for blood donations.

In Orlando, mourners piled bouquets around a makeshift memorial, and people broke down in tears and held their hands to their faces while passing through the growing collection of flowers, candles and signs about a mile from the site of the massacre.

About 300 employees of the Red Lobster restaurant chain - some in business suits, some in chef's uniforms - emerged from the company's corporate headquarters and walked two-by-two across the street to the memorial, each carrying a red or white carnation.

"We will not be defined by the act of a cowardly hater," vowed Mayor Buddy Dyer, whose city of a quarter-million people is known around the globe as the home of Walt Disney World and other theme parks.

The tragedy hit the city's gay and Hispanic communities especially hard. It was Latino Night at the club when the attack occurred.

"As the names come out, they are overwhelmingly Latino and Hispanic names," said Christina Hernandez, a Hispanic activist. "These were not just victims of the LBGT community, but of the Hispanic community, as well. This was senseless bloodshed."

Despite Mateen's pledge of fealty to the Islamic State, a murky combination of other possible motives and explanations emerged, with his ex-wife saying he suffered from mental illness and his Afghan-immigrant father suggesting he may have acted out of anti-gay hatred. He said his son got angry recently about seeing two men kiss.

Mourners observe a moment of silence during a vigil for victims of a fatal shooting at an Orlando nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Atlanta. (David Goldman/AP Photo)

Mateen's grasp of the differences between Islamic extremist groups appeared to be shaky.

During three calls with 911 dispatchers, Mateen not only professed allegiance to ISIS but also expressed solidarity with a suicide bomber from the Syrian rebel group Nusra Front, and a few years ago he claimed connections to Hezbollah, too - both ISIS enemies, according to Comey.

The FBI became aware of Mateen in 2013 when co-workers told agents about his comments about connections to al-Qaida and Hezbollah, Comey said.

Angel Mendez, standing outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center, holds up a cell phone photo trying to get information about his brother Jean C. Mendez. (AP)

Mateen was added to a terror watch list in 2013 when he was investigated, but was taken off it soon after the matter was closed, according to Comey.

People who are in that database are not automatically barred from buying guns, and in any case Mateen purchased his weapons in June, long after he was removed from the list.

On Sunday, the bloodshed started after Mateen approached the club around 2 a.m., exchanged fire with an off-duty officer working security, and then went inside and started gunning people down, police said.

After two other officers arrived and exchanged gunfire with Mateen, the gunman holed up in a restroom with about five club-goers. An additional 15 to 20 were in another nearby bathroom, authorities said.

Hostage negotiators began talking to Mateen.

After Mateen began to talk about explosives, Mina made the decision around 5 a.m. to blow open a wall to the bathroom. The explosives didn't penetrate the wall completely, so an armored vehicle was used to punch a 2-foot-by-3-foot hole. Dozens of people escaped, and Mateen was gunned down, police said.

The Islamic State's radio hailed the attack and called Mateen "one of the soldiers of the caliphate in America." But it gave no indication the group planned or knew of the attack beforehand.

Counterterrorism experts have been warning in the past few years about the danger of so-called lone wolf attackers who act in sympathy with extremist groups like the Islamic State but are not directed by them.

Mateen's father, Seddique Mir Mateen, told reporters that the massacre was "the act of a terrorist," and added: "I apologize for what my son did. I am as sad and mad as you guys are."

He wouldn't go into details about any religious or political views his son held, saying he didn't know. Asked whether he missed his son, he said: "I don't miss anything about him. What he did was against humanity."

Fire damages 12 cars at Harleysville, Pa. Walmart

A fire damaged 12 vehicles parked outside a Walmart store in Harleysville, Montgomery County. (WPVI)

Monday, June 13, 2016 05:33PM
HARLEYSVILLE, Pa. -- A fire damaged 12 vehicles parked outside a Walmart store in Harleysville, Montgomery County.

The fire happened shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday at the store just off Route 113.

Viewer video sent to Action News shows the flames and a huge plume of black smoke.

Investigators think the fire started when someone threw a cigarette into a dry area of brush.

Sunday's high winds did the rest.

Customers called 911 and firefighters quickly showed up and got the flames under control.

Fortunately no one was hurt.

As the nation mourns, the FBI reveals more about shooter

A good chunk of the roof of the True Faith Missionary Baptist Church in northeast Houston has collapsed.

Portion of NE Houston church roof collapses

Monday, June 13, 2016 04:56PM
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A good chunk of the roof of the True Faith Missionary Baptist Church in northeast Houston has collapsed.

It happened at the True Faith Missionary Baptist Church at 5806 Hirsch. Officials with the Houston Fire Department say they are no injuries or reports of people trapped.

At this point, it's not clear why the roof of the 6,100-square-foot building collapsed.
We're following this story on Eyewitness News. We'll have updates on air, online and on our mobile news app.

Sunday storms cause leak, flooded parking garage at Galleria in Houston

Fan were pulled out to dry the flooded floors at The Galleria after Sunday's storms. (KTRK)

By Pooja Lodhia
Monday, June 13, 2016 05:00PM
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The fans were out at the Galleria mall Monday. There are also holes in the ceiling where light fixtures were taken out.

That's because water poured through those fixtures during Sunday's heavy rains. Parts of the parking garage also flooded.

Galleria management,Greg Noble, General Manager of The Galleria. wouldn't answer any questions about shopper safety, and would only say the following:

"The Galleria is open today for business as usual."

Female driver to face DWI charge in head-on collision that killed Pearland officer

Pearland police say the woman who behind the wheel of a car that collided early Sunday morning with a patrol car, killing an officer, was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

Updated 38 mins ago
PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- Pearland police say the woman who behind the wheel of a car that collided early Sunday morning with a patrol car, killing an officer, was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

Police say 38-year-old Amber Willemsen is charged with intoxication manslaughter.

Endy Ekpanya, 30, was responding to a non-emergency call around 3:15am Sunday when his police cruiser crashed with a silver sedan near the intersection of Country Club and Broadway.

The driver side of the officer's car was crushed. Officer Ekpanya had to be extracted from his car and was unresponsive. He was taken by medical helicopter to the hospital, where he died.

The woman also had to be extracted; she taken to the hospital with minor injuries and is expected to survive.

Ekpanya leaves behind a 2-year-old son and a fiancee.

We'll have the latest information on this story on Eyewitness News beginning at 4pm.

EPA, BP reach agreement to resolve water and air violations at Whiting Refinery

EPA, BP reach agreement to resolve water and air violations at Whiting Refinery
06/13/2016
Contact Information:
Rachel Bassler (bassler.rachel@epa.gov)
312-886-7159

For Immediate Release: No. 16-OPA019

CHICAGO (June 13, 2016) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that BP Products North America Inc. has agreed to take steps to reduce an estimated 23,500 pounds of pollution annually from its petroleum refinery in Whiting, Indiana, and pay more than $275,000 in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, BP operates the nation’s sixth largest petroleum refinery, producing up to 430,000 barrels of oil a day.

“Ensuring BP’s compliance with the Clean Water Act is critical to protect Lake Michigan,” said acting Regional Administrator Robert Kaplan. “Identifying hazards and maintaining a safe facility will prevent accidental releases from occurring.”

In March 2014, the U.S. Coast Guard and EPA responded when BP discharged up to 39 barrels of oil into Lake Michigan. The Coast Guard previously assessed a penalty of $2,000 against BP for the spill.

Following the oil spill, EPA launched a thorough investigation of environmental compliance at BP’s Whiting refinery. EPA found that BP failed to implement its spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan, and failed to provide appropriate containment to prevent a discharge of oil. BP has agreed to update its plan and pay a $151,899 civil penalty to resolve these alleged violations.

EPA also found that BP exceeded the limits of its wastewater discharge permit in April and November of 2011. BP has agreed to install new monitoring equipment, implement an inspection and cleaning schedule for a wastewater treatment device, and enhance stormwater controls and inspections to prevent unauthorized discharges. BP has also agreed to pay a $74,212 civil penalty to resolve these alleged violations.

BP also agreed to implement enhanced procedures when installing equipment at the refinery and pay a $50,313 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act’s chemical accident prevention requirements.

The proposed Clean Water Act Consent Agreement and Final Order resolving civil penalties for alleged violations of the spill prevention, control and countermeasure regulations is subject to a 40-day public comment period: https://www.epa.gov/publicnotices/public-notice-cwa-05-2016-0015-bp-products-north-america-inc

The proposed Clean Water Act Consent Agreement and Final Order resolving civil penalties for alleged violations of the national pollutant discharge elimination system permit is subject to a 40-day comment period: https://www.epa.gov/publicnotices/public-notice-cwa-05-2016-0014-bp-products-north-america-inc

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OSHA finds multiple hazards after worker suffers amputation injury at Soundwich Inc., a Cleveland manufacturer

OSHA finds multiple hazards after worker suffers amputation injury at Soundwich Inc., a Cleveland manufacturer

Employer name: Soundwich Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio

Citations issued: June 10, 2016

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued one repeated, 15 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation to Soundwich Inc. after conducting inspections at the aerodynamic and emission control product manufacturer’s Cleveland facility in January and April 2016.

OSHA initiated an inspection in January after the company reported a 55-year-old worker had caught his hand in the moving parts of a machine and suffered severe injury to his right ring finger. Inspectors determined the employee was operating a coil tilter without proper safety guards when a steel coil rolled to the side off of the radius pad and caught and crushed the employee’s right hand. His finger had to be surgically amputated.

The April inspection was opened after OSHA received a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions.

The agency’s Cleveland area office found the company:
Failed to install machine guarding on a spot welder, drill press, stamping press and other operating machines.
Exposed workers to fall hazards because platforms lacked a properly designed guard system.
Did not establish a permit confined space program.
Failed to locate, mount and inspect portable fire extinguishers.
Did not ensure compressed air for cleaning be reduced to 30 psi.
Exposed workers to numerous electrical safety hazards such as junction boxes without cover plates.
Failed to keep floors clean of oil and other materials creating slippery working surfaces.

Quote: “Each year hundreds of workers suffer preventable and life altering amputation injuries because employers like Soundwich fail to install required safety guards and mandate their use,” said Howard Eberts, OSHA’s area director in Cleveland.

Proposed Penalties: $89,000

View Citations here.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Cleveland Area Office at 216-447-4194.

OSHA cites Nebraska construction companiesm Clau Chin Construction LLC, and Larry Kessler Construction LCC, after 61-year-old plumber dies, co-worker injured in Alliance trench collapse

OSHA cites Nebraska construction companiesm Clau Chin Construction LLC, and Larry Kessler Construction LCC, after 61-year-old plumber dies, co-worker injured in Alliance trench collapse
Employer, contractor ignored deadly hazards in excavation tragedy

ALLIANCE, Neb. – A mere 20 minutes after an 8-foot deep trench collapsed, burying a 61-year-old plumber under thousands of pounds of soil, emergency responders pronounced the man dead. Partially buried, his co-worker escaped the trench and frantically tried to rescue the man until help arrived.

An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found neither the men’s employer, nor project’s contractor provided trench cave-in protection for the workers as they installed sewer lines at a residential home project in the 2800 block of Toluca Street in Alliance on March 21, 2016.

Federal inspectors have cited both Clau Chin Construction LLC, the men’s employer, and Larry Kessler Construction LCC, the project’s contractor, with three serious violations following their investigation.

“This tragic death is a reminder of just how quickly an unprotected trench can become a death trap as a worker is buried under thousands of pounds of soil,” said Jeff Funke, OSHA’s area director in Omaha. “Soil dynamics are an unpredictable aspect of all trenching and excavations. Soil gives no warning prior to giving away, burying workers in just seconds. Inspection, protective systems and training are the difference between life and death in cases like these.”

Research shows that a cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as 3,000 lbs., the weight of a small automobile. Trenching and excavation are among the most dangerous construction activities, and cave-ins are often lethal to workers crushed or suffocated by thousands of pounds of soil and rock.

In addition to citing the companies for failing to provide trench protection, inspectors said the employers did not have a competent person inspect the trench before allowing workers to enter. The companies also permitted soil piles within two feet of the excavation site, also a violation.

OSHA has issued citations as follows:
Clau Chin Construction of Alliance, the homebuilder, faces $31,000 in fines for five serious safety violations. View citations here.
Larry Kessler Construction of Scottsbluff, the excavating contractor, faces fines of $21,000 for three serious violations. View citations here.

OSHA’s trenching standards require protective systems on trenches deeper than 5 feet and that soil and other materials are kept at least two feet from the edge of trench.

Both companies have 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Omaha area office at (402) 553-0171.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Foothill Packing, Inc. , a Salinas agricultural company pays $180,000 to U.S. workers terminated wrongfully

Foothill Packing, Inc. , a Salinas agricultural company pays $180,000 to U.S. workers terminated wrongfully
Foreign workers under H-2A program kept jobs despite being outperformed

Employer: Foothill Packing, Inc.

Location: 1582 G-Moffet St., Salinas, California

Investigation findings: An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division determined that the termination of 18 American workers by Foothill Packing, a packing and labeling company, violated the labor provisions of the H-2A guest worker program. The employer claimed the workers – who were U.S. citizens – had failed to meet production standards. Investigators found that many of them had consistently exceeded the production of many of the foreign workers doing the same jobs, yet Foothill did not terminate these foreign workers.

Resolution: Foothill Packing paid $180,000 in back wages to the 18 terminated workers and also paid $55,000 in penalties for the violations of H-2A provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and provisions of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. Foothill agreed to future compliance and signed an agreement with the department requiring the company to:
Designate a staff member whose primary job duties consist of monitoring and reporting the firm’s compliance with all H-2A regulatory requirements.
Provide annual training to all frontline supervisors involved with the H-2A program.
Provide detailed reasons for any future terminations to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Quote: “The H-2A visa program is explicit in stating that all jobs in this country must be offered to U.S. citizens before an employer may receive authorization to hire foreign workers. That same tenet also pertains to keeping workers on the payroll who are meeting performance standards,” said Susana Blanco, director of the Wage and Hour Division office in San Francisco. “We appreciate Foothill Packing’s cooperating with us to compensate the laid-off workers while also stepping up to the plate to ensure future compliance with federal labor laws.”

Information: The H-2A visa program allows companies and farm labor contractors to bring in foreign agricultural workers on a temporary basis when an adequate amount of qualified U.S. workers cannot be found to perform the work. Employers must comply with a number of provisions, including providing housing, potential costs of inbound and outbound transportation from their home country to the U.S., in some cases meals, and must pay the adverse effect wage rate set by the department. In addition, the employer must demonstrate that they made required efforts to hire U.S. workers prior to having their visas approved. Employers must not give H-2A workers preferential treatment or wrongfully discharge U.S. workers.

For more information about federal wage laws administered by the Wage and Hour Division, or to file a complaint, call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). All services are free and confidential. Information also is available at http://www.dol.gov/whd/.

Job training assistance helps workers displaced by foreign trade

Job training assistance helps workers displaced by foreign trade
74 percent of program participants employed within three months of completing program

WASHINGTON – A new report from the U.S. Department of Labor shows 74 percent of workers displaced by foreign trade return to work three months after receiving benefits and services provided through the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers program. At the six-month mark, more than 92 percent remain employed.

These findings are included in the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program’s Annual Report, the department announced today.

“Workers who lose their job through no fault of their own deserve the support they need to prepare for their next job,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Trade Adjustment Assistance is a critical component of our modern workforce training system, and the results included in this report show the positive impact this program has for workers and communities around the country.”

The report addresses TAA operations before and after passage of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2015, which President Obama signed into law on June 29, 2015. The legislation ensured the continuation of the TAA program for six years and changed group eligibility requirements and individual benefits and services for TAA participants.

From Oct. 1, 2014, to Sept. 30, 2015, the report shows the following:
An estimated 57,631 workers became eligible for TAA benefits and services.
The program served 47,335 participants and 54 percent of those participants received training also.
Nearly 90 percent of those who completed training received an industry-recognized credential or a secondary school diploma or equivalent.

Data shows that TAA participants who received training were more likely to be re-employed than those who did not; and training participants who received a degree or industry-recognized credential were more likely to be re-employed than those who did not. Those who receive a credential or completed training also are more likely to retain their employment.

State fact sheets and an interactive data map are available in addition to the full TAA report.

Dove Die & Stamping Company, an Ohio metal stamping facility, faces more than $45K in federal fines for exposing workers to noise hazards

Dove Die & Stamping Company, an Ohio metal stamping facility, faces more than $45K in federal fines for exposing workers to noise hazards

Employer name: Dove Die & Stamping Company, Brook Park, Ohio

Citations issued: June 7, 2016

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Cleveland Area Office cited Dove Die & Stamping Company for two willful and two serious safety and health violations.

The agency opened an investigation at the Brook Park metal stamping facility in March 2016 after receiving a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions.

Investigators found the company failed to:
Protect workers from excessive noise exposure.
Train workers about noise hazards.
Establish a hearing conservation program including baseline and annual audiograms.

Quote: “Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from exposure to noise hazards that can lead to debilitating health conditions,” said Howard Eberts, OSHA’s area director in Cleveland. “Training workers, providing and requiring the use of hearing protection and annual audiograms are required to protect worker’s long-term health.”

Proposed Penalties: $45,500

Citations: View here.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Cleveland Area Office at (216) 447-4194.

OSHA finds flammable chemicals caused fire hazards, unguarded machine amputated worker’s fingertip at PhytogenX

OSHA finds flammable chemicals caused fire hazards, unguarded machine amputated worker’s fingertip at PhytogenX
Cosmetics manufacturer fined $285,300 for hazards at Morgantown facility

Employer name: PhytogenX Inc.

Inspection site: 35 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Morgantown, Pennsylvania

Citations issued: On June 8, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to PhytogenX for four willful and six serious violations.

Inspection findings: On Dec. 10, 2015, OSHA initiated an inspection after the employer notified the agency that a worker had a finger amputated by a machine. The inspection was also in response to a separate complaint alleging hazards related to the storage and handling of flammable liquids at the cosmetic manufacturer.

The willful violations involved improper storage and handling of flammable liquids.

The agency found serious violations when PhytogenX:

Improperly stored, transferred and processed flammable liquids.
Exposed employees to fall and forklift hazards.
Failed to properly guard a filling machine, which caused the amputation.
Failed to provide fire extinguisher and hazards of flammable liquid training.
Failed to develop and implement a written hazard communication program.

Quote: “PhytogenX did not uphold its legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace by exposing employees to serious fire hazards, and not training them to recognize warning signs or special precautions required when working with flammable liquids,” said Kevin Kilp, area director of OSHA’s Harrisburg office. “An employee needlessly suffered the loss of a fingertip, which is something that could have been prevented through basic machine safeguards. This company must immediately address the cited hazards to avoid further incidents from occurring.”

Proposed penalties: $285,300

The citations can be viewed at:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/newsroom/newsreleases/OSHA20161188a.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/newsroom/newsreleases/OSHA20161188b.pdf

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint; or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Harrisburg Area Office at 717-782-3902.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Worker suffers serious injury after arm caught in machine at Bellefontaine, Ohio, rubber-hose manufacturing plant

Worker suffers serious injury after arm caught in machine at Bellefontaine, Ohio, rubber-hose manufacturing plant
HBD/Thermoid cited in May 2015 for similar hazards, faces $70K in OSHA fines

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio – Less than a year after federal inspectors cited an Ohio rubber-hose manufacturer for 11 machine safety violations, the company now faces an additional $70,000 in fines after safety lapses led a 27-year-old male worker to suffer severe injuries at its Bellefontaine plant.

Inspectors from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigating the Feb. 16, 2016, injury at HBD/Thermoid Inc. found an improperly guarded drive belt caught the worker’s left arm and caused lacerations and fractures. The agency issued one willful citation to the company on June 9.

“HBD/Thermoid is a repeat violator that continues to put workers at risk of amputations and serious injuries by ignoring safety rules for industrial machines used by workers who manufacturer rubber hoses at the company’s six facilities across the country,” said Kim Nelson, area director of OSHA’s Toledo office. “The company needs to take immediate action and fix these safety issues at its facilities. Employees and their families pay the painful price when companies don’t follow standards to reduce injuries.”

In May 2015, OSHA cited the Bellefontaine facility, for one willful and 10 serious safety violations and levied penalties of $134,000. The agency initiated the 2015 inspection after receiving a referral from the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Division after an employee died after being caught in an industrial machine at the company’s Salisbury facility.

View the current citations here.

HBD/Thermoid employs about 1,000 workers corporatewide and manufactures hoses used in a variety of industries, such as transportation, food processing and agriculture. The company also has facilities in Bell Gardens, California; Chanute, Kansas; Salisbury, North Carolina; Oneida, Tennessee; and Eglin, South Carolina.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the Toledo Area Office at 419-259-7542.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

A Metro Police Department officer was injured during a funeral procession this morning on Houston's south side

SB lanes of Highway 288 reopen hours after wreck involving officer

(KTRK)

Updated 5 mins ago
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Metro Police Department officer was injured during a funeral procession this morning on Houston's south side.

The accident happened on the southbound lanes of Highway 288 before Reed.

According to police, the officer was on his personal motorcycle when he was involved in a wreck with another vehicle. That vehicle turned around after the accident and was speaking with officers.

The injured officer was sent to Memorial Hermann Hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

The highway was shut down for several hours but opened just in time for rush-hour traffic.

The high cost of hail. Total payouts for vehicle damage top $7 billion for 2008-2014

June 10, 2016

ARLINGTON, Va. — The spring and summertime forecast is a familiar one — severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail are on the way. Already in 2016, Texas in particular has been walloped by bigger-than-baseball-size hail that shattered windows, busted roofs and dinged vehicles in March and April. An updated analysis by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) of insurance losses to vehicles shows that 2011 and 2014 were the costliest years for hail-related claims in the U.S. during the 2008-14 study period, and losses were concentrated in the country's midsection.

When hail damages vehicles, any insurance claim owners file would fall under the comprehensive coverage provision of their auto insurance policies. This type of coverage insures against theft or physical damage to insured people's own vehicles that occurs for reasons other than crashes.

HLDI has been studying the frequency, severity and cost of these claims for several years. Using information from insurers about weather-related losses under comprehensive coverage, HLDI analysts matched the dates of those claims to hail events recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine which vehicle claims were for hail damage. The analysis excluded any hail storms that accompanied tornadoes, since it isn't possible using HLDI's data to determine which weather event caused the damage that led to the claim. Motorcycle claims also were excluded.

Hail claims data are from the 31 companies that specify weather as a cause of loss when supplying information to HLDI. These companies' exposure represents 87 percent of the comprehensive coverage exposure in HLDI's database. Results for the latest analysis were based on more than 491 million insured vehicle years and more than 1.5 million claims.

Insurers in HLDI's database paid $5.37 billion in total hail claims for 2008-14. The biggest payouts were in 2014 ($968.9 million) and 2011 ($948.3 million). The actual payout by all insurers is likely higher and estimated to be $7.26 billion ($1.33 billion in 2014 and $1.28 billion in 2011). This takes into account that not all companies are represented in HLDI's database and not all data suppliers submit weather information.

The results showed a frequency of 3.2 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years during 2008-14, a claim severity of $3,428 and overall losses of $11 per insured vehicle year. Across the study period, 2011 had the highest claim frequency of 4.3, while 2014 had the highest claim severity at $4,169 and overall loss at $15 per insured vehicle year.

The states with the highest claim frequencies during 2008-14 are South Dakota (26.5), Nebraska (19.1), Oklahoma (18.4) and Kansas (16.5). Other states in the top 10, by order, are Wyoming (15.2), Montana (11.8), Colorado (10), Missouri (9.3), Iowa (7.6) and Texas (6.7).

"HLDI periodically does studies to document the effects of weather on insurance losses," says Matt Moore, HLDI vice president. "Hail storms can be devastating events for vehicle owners. Given the recent news from Texas, as soon as the final numbers are available, we will be updating this study." Moore adds that "2011 and 2014 were bad years for hail storms, but it looks like 2016 may be worse."

So far in 2016, severe thunderstorms have pummeled Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma with large hailstones. Vehicle damage estimates for three springtime Texas storms alone top $1 billion, according to the Insurance Council of Texas. Some of these losses may be due to other weather factors, such as high winds.

Although Great Plains and Midwestern states predominate HLDI's hail claims' list, the most extreme hail events often occur in other regions, and this was the case in 5 of the 7 years examined. While it is true that spring is prime time for destructive hail events, HLDI analysts uncovered another outlier.

The worst hailstorm in terms of insurance losses to vehicles occurred in the fall in the Southwest during the study period. Vehicle damage from the Oct. 5, 2010, Arizona storm was concentrated in three counties: Gila, Maricopa and Yavapai. Of the three counties, Maricopa had the highest hail-loss tally for the day, with nearly 39,000 claims and more than $157 million in payments.

Top 10 states with the highest hail-claim frequencies, 2008-14
South Dakota (26.5)
Nebraska (19.1)
Oklahoma (18.4)
Kansas (16.5)
Wyoming (15.2)
Montana (11.8)
Colorado (10)
Missouri (9.3)
Iowa (7.6)
Texas (6.7)

Total frequencies for hail-related vehicle claims during 2008-14 for 10 most current model years

Man killed after being hit while on back of garbage truck in Alabama

Thursday, June 9th 2016, 9:52 pm EDT
By Amber Eady, Digital Content Producer

(Source: Steven Speegle)

A pick-up truck ran into the back of garbage truck killing the man who was riding on the back of it Thursday morning on Highway 231. (Source: WAFF) ARAB, AL (WAFF) -

One man was killed when the garbage truck he was riding on the back of was hit by another vehicle Thursday morning.

Alabama State Troopers say, Harold James Dickey, 34, was killed when the garbage truck was hit be a 2013 Ford F350 driven by Kernie M. Risner, 33 of Blountsville.

The wreck happened close to the Arab Stockyard on U.S. 231, one mile south of Arab.

Dickey was transported to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Risner was not injured in the crash.

"Our employees are dedicated to public service, and Jamie was no exception," said Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker. "Jamie was a valuable part of our County workforce, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jamie's family, his wife and children."

Troopers are not releasing any more information as they continue to investigate.

2 arrested on arson, fraud charges in Buchanan Co., Iowa

Updated Jun 12, 2016

INDEPENDENCE, IOWA — An Independence couple have been arrested on arson and fraud charges after a lengthy investigation into a house fire in 2014.

Brandon W. Dorsey, 31, and Jessi K. Dorsey, 27, were charged Friday and arrested Saturday for second-degree arson (Class C felony) and insurance fraud-presenting false information (Class D felony).

They charges stem from a fire Sept. 22, 2014, at 302 Eighth Ave. N.E., in Independence. The fire was reported about 8:20 p.m. and fought by the Independence Fire Department.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office, Independence Police, Independence Fire Department and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation assisted with the investigation, and after months of probing it was determined the fire to be incendiary in nature, intentionally set by the two.

The two are accused of filing an insurance claim after that fire.

The two were in the Buchanan County Jail Saturday evening on $25,000 cash-only bonds.

Hot air balloon worker falls 100 feet to his death in New York state

Sat Jun 11, 2016 9:30pm EDT

A worker for a hot air balloon company was carried aloft holding onto the aircraft's basket and fell to his death in New York state, police said on Saturday.

Ryan Almeter, 34, of Bliss, New York, was helping passengers in the town of Nunda to climb out of the hot air balloon's basket by holding it down on Friday when a gust of wind caught the craft, sending it and Almeter into the air, state trooper Mark O'Donnell said in a phone interview.

It was not immediately clear why Almeter did not let go soon after the balloon started ascending, but he may have been trying to climb into the basket, O'Donnell said.

He let go when the balloon was about 100 feet high and fell to the ground, New York State Police said in a statement.

Almeter, a worker for a local hot air balloon company, was pronounced dead at the scene in Nunda, which is about 50 miles southeast of Buffalo, O'Donnell said.

An investigation into the death continues and police said they have contacted the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board about the incident.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)

You Probably Just Shouldn’t Eat Anything With Sunflower Seeds In It For A While

June 10, 2016 By Laura Northrup

Sunflower seeds are a satisfying snack, and especially good to eat during a long drive. They’re also a common ingredient in cereals, granola, granola bars, protein bars, cookies, and you can even buy sunflower seed butter. We didn’t realize quite how popular they are until a company called SunOpta found Listeria monocytogenes contamination after routine testing of their bulk sunflower seeds. Since then, companies from supermarkets to sporting goods stores have been recalling their products that contain sunflower seeds, and those little seeds are everywhere.

With that, maybe it’s a good idea to just…skip eating anything with sunflower seeds in it for a while. The recall includes hundreds of items under dozens of brands. Food Safety News notes that some of the recall notices aren’t even being sent to the Food and Drug Administration, so consider checking the labels on any snacks that you eat for sunflower seeds, then checking the company website or even calling them to find out if the product has been recalled.

Avoiding Listeria illness is especially important for children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, since they’re more likely to develop serious complications, which include septicemia, meningitis, stillbirth, and miscarriage.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems. Other symptoms can include fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures if the illness worsens. People who are healthy may not have any symptoms at all.

Recalls like this give you insight into how sprawling and complicated our food system is. One single recall announcement from a food packaging company near Buffalo, NY includes 15-pound bulk containers of snack mixes for re-packaging and re-sale, and then those items packaged for retail sale under the brand names Alpine Valley, Earth Fare, Flave Beach, Gonzo 2 Go, Foodhold USA, SSP, Stewarts, Tops, and Wegmans.

A company called Rucker’s Wholesale packages its snack products under the labels of a variety of farm and sporting goods stores, so it recalled bags of sunflower seeds as well as Cajun Hot Mix and Sweet ‘n’ Salty snack mixes. The stores these products sold in include Atwood’s Ranch and Home, Bass Pro Shops, Big R, Bomgaar’s, Cabela’s, C-A-L Ranch Stores, Coastal, F & S Trading, Family Choice, Farm & Home Supply, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, Gebo’s, Jay’s Sporting Goods, Murdochs (Moo’d Food), Rural King, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Theisen’s and Uncle Buck’s.

That’s just two announcements from manufacturers, and there are dozens more of those covering hundreds more brands and retailers. You wouldn’t skim that entire list even if we printed it. Check your snacks for sunflower seeds and contact the manufacturer accordingly.

Bellevue, WA man arrested for boating while under the influence on Elliot Bay, Wash.

Jun 13th, 2016

SEATTLE – A Coast Guard Station Seattle boatcrew assisted Bainbridge Island Police officers in the arrest of a Bellevue man for boating while under the influence in Elliot Bay Sunday night.

The Station Seattle crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat Medium was able to make contact with the impaired boat driver and tow his vessel to Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island where he failed a field sobriety test conducted by Bainbridge Island Police officers and was subsequently taken into custody.

“Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol and drugs creates a danger for both the boater and others on the water,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron McNeal, Sector Puget Sound operations specialist and search and rescue coordinator. “As the passenger in this case called for help, we encourage everyone to report anyone suspected of operating under the influence. Just like operating a car, it is illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated or otherwise impaired.”

Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound watchstanders received a call for help at 7:30 p.m. from a female passenger aboard the 30-foot pleasure craft stating that the male operator was intoxicated and the boat was drifting in Elliott Bay.

The Station Seattle RBM crew was launched to investigate. Directed to the boat by observations from the crew of the Washington State Ferry Tacoma, the boatcrew was able to locate the vessel after it had regained propulsion and was reportedly driven erratically towards Eagle Harbor.

In addition to being arrested for operating under the influence, several safety violations were found aboard the boat, including no fire extinguisher and the absence of a type IV throw able floatation device.

The female passenger, who had reported the impaired boat operator, was provided transportation to the ferry terminal where she returned to Seattle.

For information about federal and state laws regarding boating under the influence please visit the following links:

USCG – http://ift.tt/1F82z47
Washington State – http://ift.tt/1S2Fl5u

Coast Guard, local agencies suspend search for paddleboarder near Orient Point, N.Y.

Jun 13th, 2016

NEW YORK – Coast Guard and local agencies suspended their search for a missing paddleboarder in the vicinity between Orient Point, New York, and Milford, Connecticut, Monday.
At approximately 12:00 p.m., the Clinton Fire Department located the body of the paddleboarder five miles south of the Connecticut River.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound command center received a report from the Southold Police Department at approximately 4:15 a.m., Monday stating a two-person kayak was found washed ashore with a woman and her daughter.
The woman reported she had left from the Connecticut coastline in a kayak with an adult male and her daughter aboard.
She also stated another adult male accompanied them alongside on a paddleboard.
The woman reportedly lost sight of both the men after they entered the water.
The man who was reported to be in the kayak was found deceased approximately one mile from the location of the found kayak.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound coordinated a Search and Rescue response with the following assets:

A Coast Guard Station New London 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew
A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew
Clinton Fire Department
East Hampton Police Department
Guilford Fire and Police Department
Madison Fire and Police Department
Mattituck Fire Department
Old Saybrook Fire Department
Plum Island security
Southold Police Department
Westbrook Fire Department

Both the mother and daughter have been transported to a local hospital by emergency medical services.
“Our Deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the two men who lost their lives,” said Chief Petty Officer Frank St. Pierre, the command duty officer. “This is a great example of how being prepared with the proper safety gear and filing a float can help kayakers in distress on the water. As the weather gets nicer, people need to understand that the water is still cold. Warm air temperatures can create a false sense of security for anyone who decides to go out on the water. Cool water drains body heat up to 25 times faster than cool air, which is why we encourage boaters to always dress for the water temperature and not the air temperature.”
The Coast Guard is reminding all mariners to always wear a personal floatation device, carry a hand held VHF radio, have access to flares, mark gear with reflective tape and notify someone where you are going and when you plan to return. It is also important to stay mindful of prevailing and forecasted winds, tides and currents, and the potential impacts they have on returning safely to shore.

Connecticut kayak trip turns fatal as kayakers blown across Long Island Sound by strong winds

By PAT EATON-ROBB
Monday, June 13, 2016 01:36PM
HARTFORD, Connecticut -- A group of boaters on an evening trip got blown far off the Connecticut coast by strong winds, leading to the death of a kayaker, injuring two others in the vessel and leaving the Coast Guard searching for a man on a paddleboard.

The boaters left Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison at about 6 p.m. Sunday. A woman and her young daughter who were in the kayak were found Monday morning on a beach across Long Island Sound in New York. Her boyfriend's body was found nearby.

The Coast Guard was searching Monday for a 44-year-old Manchester, Connecticut, man who had been traveling with them on the paddleboard.

Coast Guard Lt. Matthew Richards said winds gusting at about 40 mph blew their kayak about 14 miles across the sound.

"They were just doing a day trip around Hammonasset," said Richards. "But they were overcome by the gale-force winds. At one point it capsized the kayak."

Authorities say they were found on a beach in Southold, New York, at about 4 a.m. Monday by people who heard their cries for help. The woman's 31-year-old boyfriend was found a short distance away and had succumbed to hypothermia, Richards said.

The woman and child were being treated for hypothermia at Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Authorities had not released the victims' names Monday.

Richards said the missing 44-year-old man was wearing a personal floatation device and theoretically could survive for up to 13 hours in the water, which was just above 60 degrees. The search for him involved a helicopter, several Coast Guard vessels along with boats from several local police departments.

Richards said it was one of two boating accidents Sunday on Long Island Sound.

One person swam to shore and another was missing after an inflatable raft overturned in Bridgeport Harbor earlier in the day, he said. That missing boater was not wearing a life jacket, he said.

There was a small craft advisory posted for the area Sunday because of the wind conditions, he said.

"On sunny days it feels like it's a nice time to go out there," he said. "But conditions can change very fast and the water is still very cold. It's very dangerous."

2 dead after speeding BMW runs off road in East Elmhurst, Queens

Eyewitness News
Monday, June 13, 2016 12:33PM
EAST ELMHURST, Queens (WABC) -- Two men are confirmed dead after a car careened off a roadway in Queens.

The crash happened at about 9:30 Monday morning on the Grand Central Parkway in the vicinity of Astoria Boulevard and Ditmars Boulevard in East Elmhurst.

Police say the BMW flipped over a guardrail and landed about 50 feet into a wooded area.

The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are investigating what caused the vehicle to run off the roadway. It appears that at least speeding is one factors that caused the crash.

The identities of the two victims have not yet been released.