Texas City BP Accident Investigaton

Regarding the recent story in the Galveston Daily News on November 11 concerning the findings of the Chemical Safety Board it has been determined that plant operators are working long shifts without much rest. This isn't much of a surprise to the thousands of other refinery workers throughout the United States who also work long hours under similar conditions that exist at the Texas City BP plant.

Any finger pointing and blame solely towards BP regarding the unfortunate and tragic Texas City explosion back in March 2005 is uncalled for and is a smokescreen directing attention away from the central problem in a dysfunctional industry that currently is causing concern from both sides of the fenceline whether it be the energy consumer or the blue collar worker who produces the energy. The entire industry is at fault, especially without any proactive protective governmental health and safety oversight. Of course protective regulations do exist...but the manpower for enforcement does not.

OSHA is undermanned and does not have the appropriate congressional funding to remedy the ongoing problem. The only venue for changing dismal working conditions will be a louder public outcry directed toward our elected lawmakers on Capital Hill. Overall it will be long and tedious uphill battle against management in the energy industry which has a stronger presence and overflowing war chest of political capital in addition to resourceful connections in Washington D.C, with its powerful anti-labor lobbyists, lawyers, and marketing techniques on K street.

Besides providing vital energy security for the nation, the main objective of management at the refining plants is a positive return in the quarterly financial statements, which equates to "moving the juice" of petroleum products at all costs efficiently through the various stages of production and eventually loading onto railcars, tanker trucks, barges, and tanker ships for eventual consumption by a diverse and thirsty market. Any hindrance and vocal dissent by plant operators especially outside contractors can slow down the production process.

For example, the academics of properly abiding to the multitude of federal environmental, health, and safety regulations is frowned upon by management. Of course by all outward appearance, regulations are being adhered to but this is only a facade. The careful plant worker will be careful with their choice of words concerning the observance of health, safety, and environmental violations, or he/she might be looking for a new job.