|
|
|
|
BP TEXAS 2005
In 2005 there was an explosion at the BP refinery at Texas City in the State of Texas USA. This massive refinery is the third largest in the USA. In the deadly explosion 15 workers were killed and injured 180 people.
In a judgment made on Thursday 12th August 2010 BP will have to pay $US 50.6 million to settle the criminal charges. The size of the record fine was said to be due to the lack of regard shown for the safety of workers by BP.
The massive oil corporation has already been required to pay approximately $US 2.1 Billion to settle hundreds of lawsuits from those who suffered injuries from the explosion. A further $US 500 million will have to be spent by BP the refinery by 2016 to improve safety in the plant.
In addition to all this, the American Occupational Health and Safety Administration has charged BP with 709 violations which would result in fines amounting to $US 87. 4 Million, to this may be added another $30.7m for further violations since 2005.
The excess pollution from the Texas plant in April and May included benzene which is a known cancer causing agent has had the State government launching a legal action and the Federal Class Action for $10 Billion.
ONE OF THE BIG QUESTIONS
One of the big questions is how can we control what a reasonable person would conclude is reckless, anti-social, deadly, and world catastrophic behaviour? The offender/s are serial offenders. It is obvious that they do not consider massive financial penalties to be any read deterrent. One must assume that they will heap insult on injuries by just raising the price of oil which will shift the burden onto those who have already been injured, to the poor, the aged and the disadvantaged.
Those who were negligent, and irresponsible, will probably get a golden handshake and shift to cushy positions of power in other industries while they continue to live in luxury.
It is obvious the present controls are totally inadequate, unjust, and do not act as a deterrent.
Perhaps some of the answers lie in: Financial penalties being imposed on the boards and the managements who are responsible. Custodial sentences being imposed on those responsible The corporations themselves concerned having their charter to operate withdrawn world wide. Those responsible being forced to support those injured, and their dependants for the rest of their lives. Requiring those who were responsible to regularly visit all those whom they have harmed.
Websites www.worldoxygenlevels.com www.worldoxygenlevels.net
|
|
Copyright © 2010
World Oxygen Levels
|
![[Under Construction]](images/undercon.gif)
