BP Texas City Refinery Contests OSHA Citations

Nov. 2, 2009
BP Products North America Inc. is contesting all citations proposed by OSHA on Oct. 30, including alleged violations and proposed penalties, abatement actions and abatement dates, and stressed that the company has taken significant steps to improve process safety performance.

OSHA proposed a record-breaking $87 million in penalties for BP’s alleged failure to correct serious health and safety standards at its Texas City, Texas, refinery, the location a fatal 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers and injured more than 170.

Of the proposed penalties, $56.7 million is attributed to an alleged 270 failures for BP to comply fully with the 2005 OSHA Settlement Agreement reached after the refinery explosion. That matter presently is before the Occupational Health & Safety Review Commission, a body that is independent of OSHA.

“We are disappointed that OSHA took this action in advance of the full consideration of the Review Commission,” said Texas City Refinery Manager Keith Casey. “We continue to believe we are in full compliance with the settlement agreement, and we look forward to demonstrating that before the review commission. While we strongly disagree with OSHA’s conclusions, we will continue to work with the agency to resolve our differences.”

In addition, OSHA also cited BP $30.7 million for 439 new willful violations.

BP added that from the outset, the company has cooperated with OSHA in the agency’s review of the company’s Texas City operations and has considered the process a key input to the refinery’s compliance and safety programs.

“We believe our efforts at the Texas City refinery to improve process safety performance have been among the most strenuous and comprehensive that the refining industry has ever seen,” Casey said. “We remain committed to further enhancing our safety and compliance systems and achieving our goal of becoming an industry leader in process safety.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, released a statement saying the proposed penalties show “OSHA is taking the agency’s enforcement responsibilities seriously.”

“These citations are deeply disturbing given earlier commitments to improve conditions after the 2005 tragedy that caused massive death and injury at the Texas City, Texas, refinery. I commend OSHA for taking actions to prevent another devastating explosion,” Miller said.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

Sponsored Recommendations

Avetta Named a Leader in The Verdantix Green Quadrant: Supply Chain Sustainability Software 2024

Nov. 26, 2024
Avetta was named a leader by Verdantix in a 2024 sustainability software report for our ability to help clients and suppliers build sustainable supply chains.

Avetta is a Leader in Supply Chain Sustainability Software

Nov. 26, 2024
Verdantix has named Avetta a leader in its 2024 Green Quadrant for Supply Chain Sustainability Software. Download the report for independent insights into market trends and top...

The Power of Benchmarking in Procurement: Driving Success and Strategic Planning

Nov. 26, 2024
Explore the strategic impact of benchmarking in procurement to drive success and plan effectively.

The Five Eras of Safety Maturity

Nov. 26, 2024
Discover the 5 Eras of Safety Maturity, from reactive measures to data-driven assurance, and how organizations can evolve toward proactive safety cultures.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!