June 12, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Menzies Aviation Fined $77,250 For LAX Worker Fatality:

Cal/OSHA fined LAX contractor Menzies Aviation $77,250 on Wednesday for three accident-related workplace safety violations found during an investigation prompted by the Feb. 21 death of a 51-year-old baggage cart tug driver who fell off the vehicle.

According to a coroner’s report, Cesar Valenzuela died of blunt trauma.

Hypertrophic heart disease was listed a contributing factor, but the report said it was not directly related to his death.

The tug had a non-functioning seatbelt.

Cal/OSHA investigators determined Menzies’ safety policy did not require seat belts and discouraged the use of safety belts in parts areas of the airport.

“This fatality could have been prevented with a well thought-out and implemented safety plan, as is required for all worksites in California,” said Christine Baker, director of the Department of Industrial Relations, which includes the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Valenzuela was found with his head pinned underneath one of the tires.

Cal/OSHA investigators determined part of the seat belt was missing.

California safety regulations require a restraint system on tow tractors and industrial trucks. Menzies’  vehicle inspection procedures also were found to be inadequate.

Cal/OSHA investigators said numerous employees were seen driving tugs or tow tractors without seat belts or other restraints. The contractor, based in Scotland, had a written policy that required workers to use seatbelts only when traveling on marked roadways — not airport services roads.

Menzies Aviation inaccurately reported the fatal accident to Cal/OSHA as a heart attack, which resulted in a citation for a regulatory violation, according to the agency.

in News
<>Related Posts

World-Class Chefs and Local Farms Bring Culinary Magic to Santa Monica This June

June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

3 Nights, 3 Unforgettable Dinners: Santa Monica’s Michelin + Farm Feast Series A trio of exclusive culinary events is set...

Third Annual Rosé on Rose Wine Fest Comes to Venice Beach This Weekend

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Rosé offerings priced between $8 and $10 per glass at various Rose Avenue establishments The third annual Rosé on Rose...

Mastro’s Malibu Reopens With Ocean Views, Signature Steaks, and Nearly Entire Staff Intact

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Iconic Oceanfront Steakhouse Returns With Its Beloved Butter Cake, Nightly Live Music, and Sunset Glamour After a five-month closure due...

Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken Serve Up Pride Month Specials That Give Back

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Limited-Time Food, Cocktail Offerings at Socalo and Alice B. Support LGBTQ+ Centers In honor of Pride Month, acclaimed chefs Susan...

New Gourmet Store O&V CA Opens on Montana Avenue

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The store, which celebrated its grand opening recently, specializes in a carefully curated selection of fresh, extra-virgin olive oils  A...

Santa Monica Secures Nearly $1M to Expand Neighborhood Greenway Projects

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The 36-month project, set to begin this summer, includes community engagement through pop-ups, walk audits, and a citywide survey Santa...

Congregation and Family Fight to Stop Sale of Historic Venice Church

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Descendants and supporters rally against alleged unlawful sale, seeking historic status and legal action Members of Friendship Baptist Church and...

Rodeo Realty’s Palisades Office Becomes First Rebuild Post-Fire

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

The structure, now fully framed, is set to reopen this year Rodeo Realty announced that the reconstruction of its Pacific...

ICE Detentions Confirmed in Culver City and Westchester Car Washes Amid Federal Raids

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

Families Say Loved Ones Taken Without Warning; Viral Video Shows Teen Screaming  While the focus has been on cities such...

Santa Monica ‘Pier 360’ Beach Festival Returns June 28–29 with Two Days of Surf, Sports, and SoCal Vibes

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Free All-Ages Event Features Ocean Races, Skate Competitions, Roller Rink, Beer Garden, Live Music, Kids Activities, And More The Santa...

Opinion: The Great Park of Santa Monica—And How We Can Afford It

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

By Alan Levenson In 2014, Santa Monica voters overwhelmingly passed Measure LC to close the airport and build a park....

LGBTQ Icon Mariah Hanson Says Goodbye to The Dinah After 34 Legendary Years

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The Dinah’s Founder Mariah Hanson Takes Final Bow This Fall Mariah Hanson, the pioneering force behind The Dinah, the world’s...

Santa Monica Considers Sweeping Cannabis Zoning Overhaul

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The proposed amendments, officials say, will boost the local cannabis industry while addressing social equity concerns The Santa Monica Planning...

Parents Protest Removal of Beloved Principal at Broadway Elementary School

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

The decision, announced less than two weeks before the end of the school year, has sparked protests, and a petition...

Jason Momoa to Perform and Bartend at The Bungalow Santa Monica’s Night Market

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Minecraft Star Returns to the Bungalow With Live Music, and Top L.A. Food Vendors Actor Jason Momoa will make his...