Murphy Oil, OSHA Reach Settlement

Feb. 25, 2008
Following a six-month inspection of its Superior, Wis., refinery that uncovered various safety violations, Murphy Oil USA Inc. agreed to pay $179,100 in OSHA fines and take corrective action to eliminate unsafe working conditions.

The inspection, which started in August 2007 as part of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for petroleum refineries, found deactivated alarms meant to alert operators of failing positive pressure systems. In addition to ensuring these alarms remain activated and continuously monitored, Murphy Oil also agreed to correct issues related to fall protection, emergency action and response plans, lockout/tagout procedures, firefighting training and safety management procedures.

Dave Podratz, manager of the Superior refinery, told OccupationalHazards.com that many of the recommended improvements are documentation and program-driven. He indicated Murphy Oil addressed and corrected a number of violations even before the six-month inspection was over, but that they still have improvements to make, including working to “document the things we’re doing correctly.”

“We are pleased that Murphy is taking quick corrective action to ensure a safe working environment,” said Mark Hysell, OSHA's area director in Eau Claire, Wis. “The company has committed to long-term improvements in its safety and health management systems, which we hope will place the company among the best in the industry.”

“It’s a huge effort on the part of OSHA inspectors, and a huge effort on our part,” Podratz said of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for petroleum refineries. “It will help us to be an even safer facility.”

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

Committing to Safety: Why Leadership’s Role in Safety Excellence is Key

Jan. 13, 2025
Leadership has the power to transform an organization through their behavior and vision, which can result in the creation of an organizational culturethat supports safety excellence...

Speak Up! Cementing "See Something, Say Something" to Drive Safety

Jan. 13, 2025
Many organizations promote "see something, say something" to encourage their people to intervene and make work safe. But most don't go far enough to equip teams with the skills...

The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

Jan. 13, 2025
DEKRA announces its latest white paper, “The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease,” as a definitive look into why being vulnerable to incidents strengthens our commitment...

Mitigating Risks: Strategies for Safeguarding Workers in Hazardous Workplaces

Jan. 13, 2025
Join our expert team in taking on the challenge to make safety part of your organization’s DNA as work, the workforce, and workplaces evolve.

Voice your opinion!

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