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."