BP fined £52m over safety hazards

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

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

OSHA said the company also committed hundreds of new violations at the third largest US refinery by failing to follow industry controls on pressure relief safety systems and other precautions.

Labour Secretary Hilda Solis said BP failed to live up to the terms of its commitment to protect employees. If the problems are not addressed, Solis said it "could lead to another catastrophe".

"An 87 million dollar fine won't restore those lives, but we can't let this happen again," Ms Solis said. "Workplace safety is more than a slogan. It's the law."

BP spokesman Robert Wine said the company believed it was in "full compliance" with the settlement agreement, which included requirements that BP change working practices to improve safety, and it would demonstrate that to OSHA.

"We are disappointed that OSHA took this action in advance of the full consideration of the Review Commission," the London-based company said in an emailed statement, referring to an ongoing separate inquiry by a body separate to OSHA.

"While we strongly disagree with their conclusions, we will continue to work with the agency to resolve our differences," the company added.

BP will have 15 days to either agree to pay the penalties and take corrective action, or contest the fines through a hearing process.

The largest prior OSHA fine was 21 million dollars (£12.76 million), also levelled against BP in connection with the refinery explosion.