Washington State Refinery Blast (killed 7) Reveals Weaknesses in Labor Laws

http://www.fairwarning.org/2010/04/washington-state-refinery-blast-reveals-weaknesses-in-labor-laws/

By Bridget Huber on April 27, 2010

The Washington state oil refinery blast that killed seven workers earlier this month revealed weak points in federal workplace safety laws, Assistant Labor Secretary David Michaels said during a congressional hearing Tuesday.

Questioned by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., Michaels said no agency keeps track of the safety records of companies operating in more than one state, McClatchy reports.

What’s more, current laws curtail the steps the Occupational Safety and Health Administration can take to make employers comply with safety regulations, Michaels said.

The OSHA law is very weak,” he said, adding that the Obama administration supports toughening the federal regulations. “American workers still face unacceptable hazards.”

The maximum fine OSHA can levy is $7,000, an amount hasn’t been raised in 20 years, according to McClatchy. The agency also needs a court order in order to shut down dangerous work sites.

Tesoro Corp., which owns the refinery where the deadly explosion occurred, was cited for 17 serious safety violations in 2009, McClatchy reports.

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