Thursday, November 05, 2009
OSHA proposes record-breaking fine against BP Products North America
OSHA last week announced a record $87 million fine against BP Products North America Inc. for failing to correct safety hazards identified after a 2005 explosion at BP's Texas City refinery killed 15 workers and injured 170.
"Let me be clear: This administration will not tolerate disregard of our laws," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said during an Oct. 30 press conference.
After a six-month investigation, OSHA officials cited 270 violations, with fines totaling $56.7 million, for failure to correct hazards as required by BP's 2005 settlement agreement with OSHA, as well as 439 new willful violations related to pressure relief safety systems.
"The fact that there are so many still outstanding life-threatening problems at this plant indicates that they still have a systemic safety problem in this refinery," acting OSHA administrator Jordan Barab said during the conference.
BP issued a statement contesting all of the proposed citations.
OSHA's previous highest penalty – $21 million – was issued to BP as part of the 2005 settlement agreement.