The Washington Post
By Sam Hananel Friday, August 13, 2010
Oil giant BP has agreed to pay a record $50.6 million fine for safety violations at a Texas oil refinery where a 2005 explosion killed 15 workers.
Although the fine pales in comparison with the billions of dollars BP has committed to pay for damages caused by the oil spill at its well in the Gulf of Mexico, it is the largest penalty in the history of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Under the agreement, BP will also invest $500 million between now and 2016 to upgrade safety conditions for workers at the refinery in Texas City, about 40 miles southeast of Houston.