Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Labor issues record $87 million fine to BP

By SAM HANANEL Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is issuing a record $87 million fine against oil giant BP for failing to correct safety hazards after a 2005 explosion killed 15 people at its Texas City refinery.

The fine - the largest in OSHA's history - comes after a 6-month inspection revealed hundreds of violations of a 2005 agreement to repair hazards at the refinery.

OSHA also says the company committed hundreds of new violations by failing to follow industry controls on pressure relief safety systems and other precautions.

A BP spokesman says the company believed it was in "full compliance" with the settlement agreement and will work with government officials to resolve the issue.

2009-10-30     13:56:46 GMT

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