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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 "Tesoro":

"… re committed to driving shareholder value.” …"

"… he hospital, he survived 22 days before succumbing.Events like the April 2 Tesoro explosion, as well as many harrowingly close calls, occur more often at th …"

"… ing ignored,” Moure-Eraso said.At Anacortes, state regulators concluded, Tesoro hadn’t adequately inspected the welds that ruptured in 12 years — a ch …"

"… apart because cracks had developed along its weld seams,” Steve Garey, a Tesoro machinist and president of the local United Steelworkers union, told the C …"

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 "Tesoro":

"… not intervene effectively to prevent it.”On April 2, 2010, a fire at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Anacortes, Washington, killed seven workers. The refiner …"

"… rsight are limited to BP.”Indeed, on April 2 of this year, a fire at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Anacortes, Washington, killed seven workers. The cause o …"

"… or two process units.” He questioned its effectiveness, noting that the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes was cited in October 2008 for 17 serious process saf …"

"… ety specialist with the Steelworkers, happened to be in Anacortes when the Tesoro refinery caught fire last month. Six of the seven workers killed belonged …"

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 "Tesoro":

"… nbsp;    …"

"… uard’s National Response Center.Equipment failure was at the root of the Tesoro explosion.  The piece of equipment that blew apart was almost 40 year …"

"… ain the exchanger over the years,” he said.In a statement to the Center, Tesoro spokesman Mike Marcy said the company agrees with the board about the spec …"

"… ut added: “We disagree, however, with the chairman's characterization of Tesoro’s operations at Anacortes.  The heat exchanger was maintained and i …"

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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 "Tesoro":

"… he governor, Chris Gregoire, on April 15, a year after an explosion at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Anacortes, Wash., that killed seven workers.The law, tak …"

"… he new law is enforced, a process that could take months.San Antonio-based Tesoro faces a potential fine of $2.39 million for 44 alleged violations, 39 of w …"

"… estion is, How long will it remain so?”In a written statement Wednesday, Tesoro spokesman Mike Marcy said that because the company is "dedicated to operat …"

"… steps regardless of any government action," said Marcy. In February, Tesoro disputed a state finding that the company “disregarded a host of workpla …"

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 "Tesoro":

"… unts to at least one refinery fire per week.In April 2010, an explosion at Tesoro Corp.’s refinery in Anacortes, Wash., killed seven employees. The cause …"

"… . “I cannot emphasize strongly enough that safety is an integral part of Tesoro’s business, and is not to be compromised for any reason,” company spok …"

"… y spokesman Mike Marcy said in an email last week.State regulators slapped Tesoro with a $2.4 million fine for 44 alleged violations. Marcy confirmed that t …"

"… e has been an unprecedented level of inspections going on,” he said. “[Tesoro] is taking equipment out of service if it needs to be taken out of service …"

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 "Transocean":

"… sources were never provided.” The investigation was slowed by rig owner Transocean’s refusal to comply with board subpoenas for records, lead investigator …"