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November 4, 2008 DOL Home > Newsroom > News Releases | ![]() |
News Release
OSHA News Release: [09/22/2005] OSHA Fines BP Products North America More Than $21 Million Following Texas City ExplosionCompany Agrees to Make Extensive Plant-Wide Improvements WASHINGTON BP Products North America Inc. has agreed to pay more than $21 million in penalties for safety and health violations following an investigation of a fatal explosion at its Texas City, Texas, plant March 23 that claimed the lives of 15 workers and injured more than 170 others. The penalties are part of a settlement agreement announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “We know this settlement can never replace the lives that were lost or comfort the families that were devastated by this tragedy,” said Jonathan L. Snare, acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. “But the agreement means that BP Products employees will be working in safer facilities because BP will be making the necessary safety and health upgrades.” The agreement settles citations issued against BP Products following the fatal explosion at the Texas City refinery complex caused by a fire in the Isomerization Unit (ISOM) when a cloud of hydrocarbon vapors ignited during the start up of the ISOM. The settlement also addresses other ongoing investigations at the Texas City Refinery and requires BP Products to address process safety management (PSM) plant-wide. “This citation and penaltynearly double the next largest fine in OSHA historysends a strong message to all employers about the need to protect workers and to make health and safety a core value,” Solicitor of Labor Howard M. Radzely stated. “BP will pay the full fine, abate all the hazards, and significantly improve their safety measures.” Under terms of the settlement, BP Products agreed to:
BP Products North America Inc. is part of BP of London, England, which engages in petroleum exploration and refining. The Texas City refinery, where the explosion occurred, is BP's largest oil refinery with thirty process units spread over 1,200 acres and 1,600 permanent employees. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America 's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. Read the attachment Summary of Citations and Proposed Penalties # # # _________________________________________________________________ |
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