Author: Monica Bradley

Publication

How Natalie Wood’s Death Sparked Renewed Media Attention

Monica Bradley

The mysterious death of actress Natalie Wood in cold, dark water 30 years ago sparked a frenzy of media coverage and conspiracy theories. Among them: that her husband, Robert Wagner, killed her.

Natalie Wood

Now two sheriff’s detectives are diving into the mystery of what happened on the yacht Splendour. But they haven’t yet done anything to change the official view that Wood died of accidental drowning. Explore more about Natalie Wood Death in the sections below.

As a young woman, Natalie Wood seemed to inhabit glamour easily — she was a glamorous actress in films such as “West Side Story” and “Rebel Without a Cause.” But the death of the alluring actress in 1981 sparked mystery that never went away. Now, with the reopening of her case by the Los Angeles sheriff’s department and CBS’ “48 Hours Mystery,” Wood is once again front and center.

Police say the reopening is based on new information and a desire to examine bruises on Wood’s body that were not seen at the time of her autopsy. A source close to the investigation says police are also looking into a theory that she tangled with a shark in the cove where her body was found off Santa Catalina Island.

The cause of her death was ruled accidental drowning at the time, but investigators now think she may have slipped off the yacht while trying to tie its dinghy to shore. The dinghy, which had scratch marks on it, was found hours after her body was recovered from the water.

At the time of her death, Wagner and Walken told investigators that Wood fell off the yacht and into the water because she was afraid of dark, open water, but their accounts have changed over the years. In a 2009 book, Davern said that he had been trying to help Wagner and ended up in a heated argument with Wood over her movie career. The fight may have pushed her overboard, he claims.

Natasha Wagner, Wood’s daughter, has echoed those comments, saying that her mother had a strong fear of water. But a documentary about her mother’s life, “Natalie”, which premiered last year, paints a more nuanced picture of the actress. It recounts her struggle with mental illness, multiple suicide attempts and daily psychoanalysis and her deep-seated fear of being alone at night — a fear that stemmed from a Gypsy prophecy she had heard as a child.

It also documents Wood’s tireless activism and her determination to balance work with raising two children. And it shows a home video of the actress with her daughters, which reveals a woman who adored her family and was fiercely protective of her friends.

Why Was She Dead?

While Hollywood conspiracy theorists have embraced all sorts of reasons for Wood’s death, the truth is still unclear. Those who knew the actress best, including her younger sister Lana and Dennis Davern, the captain of the yacht on which she was found, have given conflicting accounts of what happened on the night of Nov. 29, 1981, when she went overboard. Fresh bruises and scrapes on her body suggested that she had been assaulted, but no charges were ever filed.

For decades, the most logical explanation was that she simply fell overboard. It was a cold night, she had been drinking, and she could not swim. But her family, friends and colleagues have questioned this explanation, pointing to her history of health problems, her alcoholism and the fact that she was not wearing a life vest at the time of her death.

The film’s main focus is on a conversation between Wood’s daughter and her mother, who argues that the police are to blame for the new homicide investigation. But it also interviews other family members and close friends, including actor Robert Wagner, whom she married, divorced and remarried, and her Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken. The interview with Wagner is especially telling, because he describes how, in the weeks leading up to her death, he had been urging her to focus more on her career and less on her domestic life, prompting her to blow up at him during their last weekend together aboard Splendour.

Other interviews point to the possibility that Wagner, who was on board at the time of her death, was responsible for her death. A few of the people interviewed by Trumbull — including Lana and Davern — have written books and articles that suggest they think that Wagner, or at least his actions that night, may have contributed to her death.

The investigation of Wood’s death has been reopened by LA County sheriff’s homicide detectives. They will address the media Friday and are seeking any information they can get on the case. The renewed look at the case was prompted by “new information” that detectives received, a sheriff’s spokesperson says.

What Happened to Her Body?

Hollywood legend Natalie Wood died in cold, dark water off Catalina Island 30 years ago. Even after the case was closed as an accidental drowning, rumors of suicide or foul play never died, and speculation about what really happened that night has reverberated through decades of tabloids and books.

The night of her death, Wood and husband Robert Wagner and co-star Christopher Walken had eaten dinner at Doug’s Harbor Reef restaurant in Two Harbors and then boarded the couple’s yacht, the Splendour. Hours later, she was found dead, having slipped overboard and drowned. She was 43.

Authorities initially ruled the death an accident, but in 2011 they changed their minds, reopening the investigation. The change was prompted by revelations from Dennis Davern, the captain of the yacht. He told NBC’s David Gregory that the evening before she died, Wood and Wagner had been having an argument about whether or not their personal lives should come before their careers.

As a result, it’s likely that the fight had a definite impact on Wood’s actions that led up to her death. That’s why she wasn’t wearing a life jacket, hadn’t left a note and had fresh bruises on her arms and knee. There were also scratch marks on the dinghy she had climbed into and scrapes on her forehead.

Davern has made the TV news circuit over the past few days, claiming that Wagner killed Wood. But he has refused to give specifics about what happened. He also said that he was “shocked” when he learned that investigators had changed their conclusions about what happened to Wood.

In a 2009 book, Davern claims he never told detectives his real account of what happened that night because he was trying to help Wagner, whom he considered a friend. He also says he was pushed into writing the book by friends who thought it would boost his business.

Sheriff’s officials have yet to comment on the latest developments in the case, but they are urging the public to call with any new information they might have. A spokesman for the sheriff’s department also denied that Wood’s widower, actor Robert Wagner, is a suspect and said he had no reason to believe she had killed herself.

Was She Killed?

Two generations of people have been born since Natalie Wood’s death in a mysterious drowning off the coast of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. Even if those newcomers aren’t fans of her classic movies (Rebel Without a Cause, Splendor in the Grass) they probably know of the actress and have heard of her sordid end.

The mystery surrounding Wood’s death has never really been solved, even though she was found dead a few days after she disappeared. The Los Angeles County coroner said she drowned and a slip in trying to board a dinghy may have been the cause. However, in 2011, sheriff’s officials reopened the investigation after new evidence was discovered. Bruises on her arms and face and a scrape on her head that could have been caused by an assault were found on her body.

After the reopening of the case, Dennis Davern, the captain of the yacht she was aboard, spoke out in a book and on TV. He claimed that he didn’t tell the authorities everything that happened and said that Wood was definitely flirting with Walken. He also said he saw a fight between the pair.

Wood’s sister Lana also commented on the incident and was very critical of Wagner. She has also spoken out about her own mental health issues and drug addiction, which she claims were a result of her mother’s superstitious Russian faith and a fear of dying in dark water that originated with a Gypsy prophecy.

As a result of all the different accounts from boat captains, sisters, and police, plus endless sensational tabloid articles and celebrity-focused shows, many conspiracy theories have arisen. For example, some believe that Wood was murdered or a cover up was involved and others think she fell from the boat by accident.

While a lot of the information that has come out in the years since her death is conflicting, a criminal law expert recently hand delivered a petition to the sheriff’s office asking for a new coroner’s investigation. The attorney’s petition cites significant new evidence that he says should have been examined years ago.

Home Services

Grease Trap – The Unsung Hero of Commercial Kitchens

Monica Bradley

Grease Trap Perth reduces fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system by intercepting them before they reach drain pipes. Without regular cleaning, the trapped waste builds up and can cause clogs and overflows.

Businesses that produce high volumes of FOG must install a grease trap or interceptor. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to comply with regulations and protect staff and customers from environmental contamination.

A grease trap is a plumbing device that filters fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the main sewer system. Located outside or in the basement of commercial kitchens, these devices prevent FOG from traveling into sewer pipes and creating clogs. Local governments often mandate their use and inspect them regularly to ensure businesses are maintaining them properly.

Several types of grease traps are available, including traditional passive systems, hydro-mechanical units and interceptors. Each type works slightly differently, but all serve the same basic purpose.

The traditional grease trap is a large metal container that can be placed beneath sinks or in the basement of a restaurant. It has an inlet pipe that connects to the sink drain and an outlet pipe that vents to the outside. The wastewater that drains from the sink into the trap is cooled by baffles inside the trap, which allows the grease to separate from the water. The grease and oil float to the top, while the solid food particles sink to the bottom of the trap. The clear wastewater exits through an outlet pipe.

As the solids accumulate in the trap, they can block the inlet and outlet pipes, causing wastewater to back up into restaurants and kitchens. The trap must be cleaned / pumped out on a regular basis to remove the build-up.

Another type of grease trap is the hydro-mechanical grease interceptor, which uses a different system to filter wastewater. It has a series of pumps, motors and other components to process wastewater. These devices are more expensive than traditional grease traps, but they require less maintenance and can last up to 20 years.

Grease interceptors are also made of durable materials like steel, fiberglass and cement, which allow them to withstand the elements. They can be installed outside or in a basement, and they have a much higher capacity than traditional grease traps.

Both types of grease traps have their benefits and drawbacks, but they all help to reduce the amount of FOG that enters the sewer system. While it is essential for all restaurants to have a grease trap or interceptor, the type you choose will depend on your kitchen’s size and production rate.

Why Install a Grease Trap?

Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are one of the leading causes of sanitary sewer overflows in cities across the country. These overflows spill raw sewage on to city streets and sidewalks, into surrounding property and into the environment. By installing a grease trap, you can help to protect your business and the local community.

Generally found in kitchens or near drains, a grease interceptor is designed to capture FOG before it can enter your drainage system or the sewer system. When wastewater makes its way into the interceptor, it is slowed down to give FOG more time to separate from the water. This allows the oil to cool and solidify while the water passes through into a separate compartment where it is caught under baffles. Clear water then escapes through the outlet port.

FOG can clog and block your pipes, causing expensive repairs to your plumbing and disrupting your operations. In addition, a blocked sewage system emits foul odors and can attract pests like rats and cockroaches. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your grease trap, you can mitigate these issues.

A grease trap is an essential part of any restaurant, commercial kitchen or food service business that handles large quantities of cooking oil and grease. They prevent clogs, blockages and overflows and protect the health and safety of staff and customers, as well as limiting the impact on the environment and the local sewer system.

Another benefit of a grease trap is that it can reduce the cost of sewer fees by lowering the amount of wastewater that enters your sewer system. This is because a properly maintained and cleaned grease trap limits the amount of FOG that enters the wastewater system, which helps to keep it flowing smoothly.

A grease trap also helps to make your septic system more efficient, as certain types of grease will harden and can block pipes, which can be costly for you in terms of repair costs and time lost. Grease interceptors are designed to deal with these issues, allowing you to cook and clean as you please without fear of clogs or blockages that can damage your pipes and the surrounding environment.

How Does a Grease Trap Work?

The basic grease trap equipment works by intercepting and separating FOG from wastewater, allowing cleaner water to pass through drainage pipes. This prevents blockages in the internal plumbing system, which can cause costly repairs and downtime for a business. It also protects the local environment and community by preventing the release of FOG into surrounding waterways.

Grease traps typically have a box design, with inner compartments and mechanisms to filter out contaminants. As wastewater enters the trap it slows down, which allows it to cool and separate into 3 layers. The fats and oils, which are less dense than water, rise to the top of the grease trap while the solids settle at the bottom. A series of baffles in the trap help to further slow down the flow and facilitate separation. The separated clear water then escapes through the outlet baffle.

As the trap fills up with cooling grease and solids, it becomes increasingly difficult for wastewater to pass through. This can lead to the build-up of thick layers that can eventually overflow the trap, which is a serious health and safety risk. Eventually, the trap will reach capacity, and the accumulated waste must be removed.

This can be achieved by regularly cleaning and pumping out the trap. The frequency of cleaning will vary depending on the amount of wastewater produced and the size of the trap, but it is recommended that it be cleaned every 2-4 weeks. A biological grease treatment fluid can be added to a trap at the cleaning/pump-out stage to further aid the process by combining non-pathogenic bacteria with nutrients and enzymes to break down FOG, which helps to maintain trap efficiency.

While investing in a suitable grease trap and adhering to best practices for FOG management is a good first step, it is essential that businesses also prioritise regular maintenance and cleaning of the system. Failure to do so can result in costly blockages, negative impacts for the local community and environment, as well as fines for non-compliance with regulations. With proper grease management, however, businesses can minimise these risks and continue to operate efficiently.

How to Maintain a Grease Trap

Located out of sight beneath sinks, the unsung hero that is the grease trap does one of the most important jobs in any commercial kitchen. It keeps harmful substances from clogging sewer lines and prevents costly damage to drains, but it must be properly cleaned to do its job. If not, the resulting sewer backups and fines are no fun for anyone involved.

Properly cleaning a grease trap isn’t difficult, but it does require regular attention. Keeping up with this task will prevent problems like FOG sludge buildup and foul odors, and it also helps keep the drain line running smoothly.

The first step in cleaning a grease trap is to run cool water through the system. This will help control the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in the trap, making them easier to remove. Next, you’ll need to carefully remove the trap’s lid. This may require a pry bar, wrench or other tool depending on the design of your trap.

Once the trap is open, use a small bucket to remove any standing water from the grease interceptor tank. Then, scoop the waste into a watertight container such as a trash can or heavy-duty plastic bag. Be sure to dispose of the waste properly in compliance with local regulations.

Finally, use a steel pot scrubber and dish soap to clean the inside of the trap. Scrub the walls, baffles, and lid thoroughly to remove any adhered grease. Be careful not to damage the tank or the gasket, as this could cause leaks and/or require replacement parts. Rinse the tank and scrubber with clean water after each use.

While it is possible for restaurants to maintain their own grease traps, it’s usually more effective and cost-efficient to hire professional services. A licensed, reputable company will have the training and tools needed to clean a grease trap correctly and thoroughly. Plus, they’ll be up to date on all local grease trap cleaning laws and regulations. That way, you can be sure your trap is always in compliance and working well.

Safety Experts

Aerial Lift Certification Boosts Morale and Opportunities For Advancement

Monica Bradley

Employees appreciate having new responsibilities that break up the routine of their work. Aerial Lift Certification also looks good on resumes, boosting workplace morale and providing opportunities for advancement.

Aerial Lift Certification

The best aerial lift training combines both theoretical learning and hands-on experience. This dual approach ensures that operators will adhere to all of the required safety measures.

Safety

Aerial lifts are used in the construction industry to hoist workers and equipment into elevated working positions. These powerful machines can pose significant risks if they are not operated properly. In fact, they can cause serious injuries or death when operators fail to follow proper safety measures and guidelines. This is why a comprehensive safety checklist is so vital to prevent accidents and injuries on the job. Aerial lift certification training courses arm new and experienced operators with the skills and knowledge they need to operate these powerful machines safely.

A checklist for aerial lifts is an effective tool to ensure that all aspects of the machine are in good condition and ready for use. The checklist should cover everything from the platform height to the presence of protective gear, including harnesses and lanyards. It should also include a verification of the weight capacity of the aerial lift. The checklist should also include a visual inspection of the area around the machine to make sure that there are no obstructions or other hazards.

Creating an inspection checklist for aerial lifts is an excellent way to prevent work-related injuries and deaths in the workplace. The checklist should be tailored to the specific make and model of the machine in use, so that it is easy to read and understand. The checklist should include a list of potential problems, such as missing or damaged parts, that need to be fixed. It should also cover any areas that need to be inspected for safety hazards, such as power lines and overhead obstructions.

In addition to a thorough checklist, it is important to train employees on the safe operation of aerial lifts. It is also a good idea to periodically review OSHA regulations and local laws. Regular safety meetings are another effective way to reinforce safe operating procedures and promote a culture of compliance. Finally, it is a good idea to keep detailed records of all training and certifications for aerial lift operators. This documentation is helpful in case of a future inspection or accident.

Compliance

Regulatory compliance is a priority for aerial lift certification agencies. They strive to ensure that all operators have been properly trained and certified on their specific model of equipment, which requires a thorough understanding of the nuances of operation. Training courses often focus on both the occupational nuances of working with aerial lifts as well as the technical details of operating them. In doing so, they help to ensure that workers are prepared for any contingencies that may occur on the jobsite.

Training also covers important safety protocols for using aerial lifts, such as treating all power lines and wires as if they are energized, and wearing body harnesses or restraining belts. These precautions can ultimately save lives. Additionally, it is important that workers follow proper maintenance and inspection practices for their machines.

Aerial work platforms (also known as man lifts) are designed to elevate a single worker or small team to elevated work areas, making them ideal for jobs like window cleaning and electrical work. These devices must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and retraining is required every three years.

Each machine is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines before each day of use, and at the beginning of each shift. This includes visual and functional tests of the equipment. The operator must document the inspection, and keep it in a reserved weather proof storage location on the lift.

In addition to providing a safer workplace, aerial lift certification can result in greater productivity and efficiency. Uncertified operations can halt productivity and cost companies money due to delays in completing tasks. By prioritizing safety, and ensuring that all operators have been fully trained on their equipment, companies can avoid fines and other penalties.

Aerial lifts can make it much easier for employees to perform a variety of jobs, but they come with their own set of unique hazards. These risks can include falling, getting hit by objects, and getting stranded. By requiring workers to have an aerial lift certification, and by following important safety protocols, companies can minimize the risk of these hazards.

Job Opportunities

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire skilled workers or an employee searching for a new job, the benefits of aerial lift certification extend far beyond meeting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training requirements. Embedding the proper knowledge of boom lifts and scisor lifts into the culture of any workplace is an effective way to foster a safe work environment, promote operational expertise, and reduce potential hazards for everyone on site.

While it’s common to see workers utilizing aerial lifts in construction settings, this equipment can be found in a variety of industries and professions. As such, obtaining an OSHA-compliant boom lift certificate opens the door to a variety of lucrative jobs, from those in the construction industry to positions with companies that use the equipment.

In addition to providing a robust set of credentials, these programs are designed to teach workers about a variety of crucial topics pertaining to the operation and maintenance of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including ANSI requirements, operating guidelines, safety manuals, PPE recommendations, common hazards, and much more. This intuitive training session enables employees to be fully prepared for their roles, allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid unforeseen risks.

There are several types of MEWPs, with different styles and configurations requiring specific procedures for their safe operation. For example, a boom lift may have an extending arm that moves on a straight vertical axis while a cherry picker features an articulated arm. Consequently, it’s necessary to obtain separate training for each type of vehicle used at the workplace.

Once the training process has been completed, a person can print their operator card to prove they are qualified to operate a MEWP. Afterward, they can apply their knowledge of the equipment to their daily responsibilities and maintain a high level of safety standards for themselves and those around them. Those without this qualification are subject to fines and other legal implications, as well as risking the health of individuals on their sites. The cost of a MEWP certification is small in comparison to the costs associated with non-compliance and accidents.

Liability

Aerial lifts can be safer and more efficient than ladders or scaffolding, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Often, an accident involving an aerial lift happens when the machine isn’t operated according to ANSI standards or the manufacturer’s recommended practices. It’s possible that a manufacturer or dealer might be held liable for such an incident, but there are other factors to consider as well.

For example, some lifts are attached to vehicles that move at high speeds. For example, aerial ladders that are mounted on fire trucks are subject to different safety requirements than other types of mobile elevating work platforms because they are essentially vehicle-mounted ladders. If the accident happened because the vehicle was moving while employees were on it, then the vehicle operator and/or the fire truck company might be liable for the injuries.

Another common type of accident involves a scissor or boom lift that isn’t adequately maintained. Often, companies that use these machines won’t invest the time and money necessary to keep them in good working condition. As a result, they may neglect to make necessary repairs or fail to perform an adequate pre-operation inspection before each use.

This can put employees in serious danger, especially if the machine malfunctions while workers are on it. It’s not uncommon for a worker to operate a poorly-functioning machine several times without making any repairs, simply because they don’t want to risk losing their job.

Whether or not a lift operator is certified, it’s important that they do a Pre-Operation Inspection before each use. This is a walk-around visual inspection of the machine that includes looking for things like physical damage, safety devices, warning signs, and other potential problems.

In addition to defining various types of lifts, the ANSI standards also stress the responsibilities of the manufacturer, dealer, lessor, user, and operator. These responsibilities often overlap, and it’s not uncommon for a person to assume more than one of these roles at a given point in time. For example, a manufacturer may also sell their equipment to a rental company who in turn rents it out to end users.