In the tragic death of Alejandro Valladares on March 10. 2010 a Cal/OSHA investigation is in progress to determine the cause of the accident and if all necessary safety measures have been taken. If it is decided that these measures had not been in place Valladares employer could face not only stiff fines and penalties by Cal/OSHA but also an additional investigation by the state prosecutor for criminally negligent manslaughter. Criminally negligent manslaughter occurs where there is an omission to act when there is a duty to do so, or a failure to perform a duty owed, which leads to a death. And if the aggravating circumstance of "depraved indifference to human life" is found, the charges could even be second degree murder.
May this be a warning to all who put profits over workplace safety! Their Palos Verdes estates can turn into a downtown prison cell in a very short time.







