Regulatory flaws, repeated violations put oil refinery workers at risk

By Jim Morris, Chris Hamby and M.B. Pell

The nation’s refineries are plagued by equipment failures and sometimes-fatal accidents that in many cases could have been prevented.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Anacortes":

"… holder value.” …"

"… es — indicators of catastrophe — being ignored,” Moure-Eraso said.At Anacortes, state regulators concluded, Tesoro hadn’t adequately inspected the weld …"

"… independent safety audit as part of the settlement.The April 2 disaster in Anacortes brought far higher potential penalties for Tesoro — and expectations tha …"

"… s [Labor & Industries’] characterization of Tesoro’s operations at Anacortes and believe — based on available evidence and scientific reviews — tha …"

Renegade Refiner: OSHA says BP has “systemic safety problem”

By Jim Morris and M.B. Pell

Two refineries owned by oil giant BP account for 97 percent of all flagrant violations found in the refining industry by government safety i

Excerpts from this story referencing "Anacortes":

"… to prevent it.”On April 2, 2010, a fire at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Anacortes, Washington, killed seven workers. The refinery was cited in October 2008 …"

"… ”Indeed, on April 2 of this year, a fire at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Anacortes, Washington, killed seven workers. The cause of that accident has not been …"

"… ts.” He questioned its effectiveness, noting that the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes was cited in October 2008 for 17 serious process safety management violati …"

"… r, a health and safety specialist with the Steelworkers, happened to be in Anacortes when the Tesoro refinery caught fire last month. Six of the seven workers …"

One year after tragedy, agency urges oil refineries to invest in safety

By Chris Hamby

Year after tragedy, government pleads for prevention

Excerpts from this story referencing "Anacortes":

"… fter an explosion killed seven workers at Tesoro Corp.’s oil refinery in Anacortes, Wash., the government is urging the industry to make the safety investmen …"

"… ical Safety Board, an independent federal agency that is investigating the Anacortes blast, chose the anniversary to urge oil companies to take more aggressive …"

"… however, with the chairman's characterization of Tesoro’s operations at Anacortes.  The heat exchanger was maintained and inspected in accordance with …"

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IMPACT: Reform boosts workplace safety even while companies appeal inspectors' conclusions

By Jim Morris and Emma Schwartz

Some employers must fix hazards while challenging regulators' findings

Excerpts from this story referencing "Anacortes":

"… re, on April 15, a year after an explosion at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Anacortes, Wash., that killed seven workers.The law, taking effect later this year, …"

"… hazards,” Steve Garey, president of United Steelworkers Local 12-591 in Anacortes, told iWatch News on Wednesday.Garey, who testified in favor of the so-cal …"

"… rd before findings are finalized and, sometimes, penalties assessed.In the Anacortes case, Tesoro challenged inspectors’ conclusions. “We disagree with L&a …"

"… s [Labor & Industries’] characterization of Tesoro’s operations at Anacortes and believe—based on available evidence and scientific reviews—that ma …"

IMPACT: Refinery union to seek safety fixes in contract talks

By Corbin Hiar

Refinery workers union says it will seek safer steps to prevent recurring fires and hazards

Excerpts from this story referencing "Anacortes":

"… fire per week.In April 2010, an explosion at Tesoro Corp.’s refinery in Anacortes, Wash., killed seven employees. The cause was a 38-year-old heat exchanger …"

"… ate’s Department of Labor & Industries. Steve Garey, a worker at the Anacortes refinery and president of Steelworkers Local 12-591, has had a hand in wri …"

"… ithout the new regulations in place, Garey said, he has sensed a change at Anacortes.“There has been an unprecedented level of inspections going on,” he sa …"

As critics press for action, Chemical Safety Board investigations languish

By Jim Morris and Chris Hamby

UPDATED APRIL 18: The U.S. Chemical Safety Board, which probes chemical accidents, is under attack for its slow investigative pace.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Anacortes":

"… anner. On April 2, 2010, an explosion at the Tesoro Corp. oil refinery in Anacortes, Wash., killed five workers instantly and severely burned two others, who …"

"… tten statement to the Center. “The families of the seven victims and the Anacortes community deserve better, and the CSB must be held accountable for this ri …"