News
Health & Safety Update (December 2009)
BP Given Largest Fine in American Health and Safety
History
The largest fine in United States Health and Safety History has
been given to British Petroleum following an explosion at its Texas
oil refinery in 2005.
BP has been fined $87 million dollars after failing to correct
safety standards at the refinery in Texas City.
An explosion in 2005 at the plant killed 15 people and injured
180 more.
The American Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) said there were 270 violations at the oil refinery.
Following the accident, BP paid a $21million fine and entered
into a multi-year agreement to repair hazards at the plant.
Following a six-month inspection the company had committed hundreds
of new violations which could "lead to another catastrophe", US
Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said.
BP said in a statement: "While we strongly disagree with the
conclusions, we will continue to work with the agency to resolve
our differences."