Get documents about "3M Tape Mfg
Document Sample
November 2006 newsletter
The PresidenT’s Message
The year has started off really well with 2 meetings that have provided some excellent information
regarding the integration of management systems for safety; and then a behind the scenes look at the
Michelin safety philosophy (Where we are; Where we are going; and How are we going to get there)
and the large tire building operations. During the October meeting the chapter honored Jerry
Lunsford, our founding section chairman and the first chapter president (one who served 3 times).
Jerry was accompanied by his wife Lois who is a very supportive spouse, especially in assisting Jerry
with the time management and commitment that went with his service. Thank you Jerry and Lois and
to all of the people who have “made it happen” over the years.
Using the theme of the Michelin safety presentation I would like to take a look at:
Where We Are: Chartered on September 29, 1978 and currently up to 205
active members.
Where We Are Going: To be the premier provider of safety information and services to
our members and those we have contact with on a daily basis.
How We Are Going To Get There: Continue to upgrade our chapter services in the areas of
outreach, provision of technical training and growth.
To do this we must have the feedback of the members to provide the quality networking, education,
recognition and service that they are looking for in membership. I would encourage each of you to
contact me or any of the executive board members (see list in the newsletter) to provide your
feedback. Second, I would encourage you to attend the meetings. We are offering CEU’s for the top
notch educational programs that are being provided at each meeting. There is at least one exhibitor
at each meeting providing some excellent information about their products and services. They are
also sponsoring meals as a giveaway to help reduce monthly meeting costs.
The next meeting will be a roundtable question and answer session involving 4-5 industrial hygienists
and the latest IH news. Come join us and get those questions you have answered.
Lastly, we are honored to host the Region 6 Operating Committee meeting November 16-17th. There
is a golf outing the afternoon of the 15th for any who would like to join in. Contact Graham Sluder at
Graham.C.Sluder@sealedair.com if you would like to join in on the fun. We also have reduced rate
rooms available at the downtown Greenville Hyatt for our members to use if they would like to join in
on the festivities. There is a night out planned on Thursday evening which always is a great time.
Please feel free to contact me at eric@kyelgroup.com with any suggestions you may have to improve
the chapter. Thanks and warmest wishes for Thanksgiving.
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 1 of 14
ASSE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERY
2007 ‘SAFETY-ON-THE-JOB KIDS’ POSTER CONTEST
For North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (Sunday, May 6 – Saturday, May 12, 2007) Occupational Safety and Health Professional
Day – May 9, 2007
To: American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Members
From: Diane Hurns, ASSE public relations manager, dhurns@asse.org
Re: ASSE Sponsors 5th Annual ‘Safety-on-the-Job Kids’ Poster Contest for ASSE Members' Children, Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews
DT: September 19, 2006
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is sponsoring the fifth annual ‘Safety-on-the-Job’ Kids’ Poster Contest for children, grandchildren,
nieces and nephews of our members as part of the North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week tribute to the importance of
occupational safety, health and the environment. NAOSH Week will be held Saturday May 6 – Sunday May 12, 2007. The poster contest competition
kicks off September 19, 2006 and ends on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2007. All entries must be postmarked by Wednesday, February 14, 2007.
The contest is broken down into five age groups with the winning poster from each category featured on the NAOSH Week poster distributed
internationally. The posters are displayed in Washington, D.C. during NAOSH Week at the U.S. Department of Labor and during the NAOSH kick-off
events. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA along with the ASSE President and a representative from the Canadian Society of Safety
Engineering (CSSE) will introduce the poster contest winners at the national NAOSH kick-off at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.
All poster contest entrants and their families are invited to attend. This year’s national NAOSH kick-off will take place Monday, May 7, 2007 at the
Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. All members and poster contest participants are invited to attend.
In 2006 ASSE reached close to 11 million people worldwide with our workplace safety messages during NAOSH Week mainly through the images of
the poster contest entries. We thank you!
The posters will also be displayed at ASSE's annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition to be held in Orlando in June of 2007. An
independent panel of judges will select the five winning entries that best illustrate the theme ‘Safety-on-the-Job.’ Prizes awarded to each winner will
include a $1,000 savings bond.
Be sure to read all the rules carefully so that all posters/drawings will be eligible. Before the children begin drawing, we urge you to talk to them about
workplace safety and provide examples of what risks occupational safety, health and environmental professionals address every day on-the-job, and
if possible, provide them with examples of workplace situations. Visit www.asse.org/naosh for examples of children's workplace safety posters and
ASSE's "Safety Through the Decades" timeline. Have fun!
Visit ASSE’s website www.asse.org/naosh06 for the latest poster contest information, rules, applications, sample posters and past
winners.
If you have any questions please contact ASSE PR Manager Diane Hurns at dhurns@asse.org, or ASSE Customer Service at
847-699-2929, CustomerService@asse.org.
ASSE PR/dh/06
President’s Message 1 Awards & Recognition Committee Notice 6
ASSE Announcements and News 2 Member Spotlight & Awards 7
November Technical Meeting 3 Chapter Officers and Chairs 8
October Technical Meeting Review 4 Job Postings 9-11
Piedmont Chapter – What’s New 5 E, H, & S Development Page 12
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 2 of 14
November Technical Meeting
The Region VI Operating Committee meeting will be held at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville.
This meeting will be held from November 15 – 17 and all activities are open to Piedmont Chapter
Members.
Wednesday November 15th:
Region 6 PDC Committee Meeting AM
Golf Outing PM.
Thursday November 16th:
Region 6 Operating Committee Meeting
Friday November 17th:
Region 6 Operating Committee Meeting until noon.
There are refreshments and networking times built into the meetings before and after.
Golfing:
We have golf reservations at Furman University Course on Wednesday November 15, 2006 at 1pm;
16 slots reserved currently but can be expanded as needed. Transportation will be provided by the
Hyatt. Cost is $30 pp cart included. Box lunches and snacks are available at the course. To reserve
your spot, contact Graham Sluder at 864/967-1125 or graham.sluder@sealedair.com.
http://www.furman.edu/golf/ 864-294-9090
Thursday Night Outing:
Cafe & Then Some
Plan is to pay at door 7:00 dinner & show (Dinner $10-$20 + show $15) or 8:00 show only ($15). This
is a short walk from the Hyatt and allows for some time to hit the downtown area before going for the
show and the meal.
http://www.cafeats.com/about.htm
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 3 of 14
October Technical Meeting Review
Speaker: Rick Smith
Topic: The Michelin Safety Philosophy, Safe Journey
o Where We Are
o Where We Are Going
o How We Are Going To Get There
Meeting Sponsor:
A big Thank you to Ed Boop and Michelin North America for their
hospitality as well as lunch and a very informative tour!
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 4 of 14
PiedMonT ChaPTer: whaT’s new
ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Piedmont Chapter is presently searching for vendors to display at monthly meetings and the May 07 PDC
Conference.
If you or anyone you know is interested in this very cost effective way to display your products or services, please contact
ASSE Vendor Chairman Kurt Rayburg at krayburg@rosenfeldeinstein.com. Please forward any and all
information to bring to light businesses and services that add value to our profession.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
2007 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
The 2007 PDC will be held in May at Fluor. Additional details will be available soon.
Order your Piedmont Chapter Golf Shirt Today! Makes
a great Christmas gift!
Colors: Bimini Blue, Black, Bright Red, Butter, Chino,
Clay, Moss, Navy, Oxford Blue and White.Men or
Women’s.
Go to www.printgear.com to see what the shirt looks
like.
Cost: $25.00
Contact: Eric Michael eric@kyelgroup.com
OSHA TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
The South Carolina and Low Country Chapters of ASSE are sponsoring the OSHA 10-HR. GENERAL INDUSTRY
OUTREACH TRAINING COURSE in Columbia, SC on December 7-8, 2006! The OSHA Outreach Training
Program is our primary way to train workers in the basics of occupational safety and health. The course is limited
to 50 attendees. Register early for a seat and SAVE for early registration! Early Registration is ONLY $169!
ASSE Members receive additional discount!
The Course will be taught by OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainers and Box Lunch, breaks, course materials
and free parking are included in the LOW registration price!
Who should attend: This course is designed to help individuals comply with federal OSHA requirements;
increase workplace safety awareness and compliance; and, reduce a company's risk of fines from OSHA
violations. Safety Officers, Human Resources Staff, Facilities Management Supervisors, Safety Committee
Members, Occupational Health Nurses, Small Business Owners and Managers
Register Early! Additional information and Registration my be found at OSHA 10 Hour Course.
http://www.midnet.sc.edu/asse/OSHA10HrFlyer.pdf For more information, contact: Colleen Eubanks at (803)561-
9024 or by email ceubanks@smeinc.com or Jane Lyons at (843)760-8367 or by e-mail jane.lyons@us.bosch.com
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 5 of 14
Awards and Recognition Committee for the Piedmont Chapter of ASSE.
For our Piedmont Chapter Awards and Recognition Program we are asking you to provide nominations for
Chapter members who have achieved one or more of the Acts and Achievements listed below. The Piedmont
Chapter will recognize ASSE member recipients during an appropriate monthly meeting during which the
recipient will be awarded a plaque from the Chapter, and the recipient and a guest will be honored with a
complementary meal.
Acts:
Chapter Safety Professional of the Year
Chapter Life Saving Award
Participating as a mentor in the ASSE Professional Advancement Mentor Program
Served as an officer or on a committee at the ASSE National Level
Served on an OSHA or ANSI Standards Committee
Served as an officer on the Regional Operating Committee (ROC)
Served as an officer in the Piedmont Chapter
Achievements:
Earning one of the designations below from the following organizations: BCSP (Board of Certified Safety
Professionals) and CCHEST (Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists
Certified Safety Professional
Associate Safety Professional
Certified Safety Technologist
Occupational Health and Safety Technologist
Safety Trained Supervisor
If you or someone you know in our Piedmont Chapter has rendered service or attained status relevant to these
awards, please submit a brief notice of such to one of the Committee members listed below so we may give it
our immediate attention.
The officers of the Piedmont Chapter of ASSE consider professional service committed to furthering the safety
of others as one of the noblest of callings. Please help us appropriately recognize those among us who have
in the past, or are currently, performing such service.
Please send your nomination notice to either:
David A. Day John W. Cooper
David.Day@SealedAir.com John.Cooper@SealedAir.com
Sealed Air Corporation Cryovac Division, Sealed Air Corporation
P. O. Box 464 P. O. Box 338
Duncan, SC 29334 Simpsonville, SC 29681
Phone (864) 433-2766 Phone (864) 967-1400
Fax (864) 433-2831 Fax (864) 967-1213
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 6 of 14
Member Spotlight & Awards
Congratulations Jerry Lunsford! Jerry received the Chapter Achievement and Development Award at the October
technical meeting, pictured here with his wife Lois.
Congratulations Tom Meehan! Tom received the Chapter Safety Professional of the Year Award at the October technical
meeting.
Name: Tom Meehan
Company: Marsh USA Inc.
Title: Safety Consultant
Years w/ Company: 13
Company Information: The world's leading risk management and insurance services firm.
Years in Safety: 20
Specialty: General Industry, Construction, Transportation
Why are you in the safety profession? If I can irrigate crops, I can put out a fire.
Education/Training: Clemson University, BS College of Engineering, Certified Safety Professional
Family: Wife Greta, Son Joseph, Daughter Hannah, Dog Tiger
ASSE Involvement: : Member since 1988, Professional Member
South Carolina Chapter: Membership Chair, Treasurer, Vice President, President 94-95
Region VI Regional Operating Committee Assistant Regional Vice President of Professional Development
Region VI Professional Development Conference Chair 2003 and 2004
Piedmont Chapter: Delegate, Chapter PDC Chair 2006, 2007
How has your ASSE membership (Piedmont chapter) benefited you? Networking & Friendships
Favorite Quote or Saying: Can you put a Chapter PDC together in five months without embarrassing the
Chapter?
Hobbies: Clemson Football, Harassing David Day, Giving Raja a hard time
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 7 of 14
Chapter Officers and Chairs 2006-2007
PRESIDENT PRESIDENT ELECT
Eric B. Michael Graham Sluder
KYEL Group Inc. Sealed Air Corporation
864-616-9862 864-967-1125
eric@kyelgroup.com graham.sluder@sealedair.com
SECRETARY TREASURER
Michael Wirt Bill Geddings
CAPSUGEL Northern Safeco
864-942-6615 864-483-0495
mike.wirt@pfizer.com Bgeddings@safecoinc.com
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR/WEBMASTER PDC CHAIR
Bob Sopko Tom Meehan, CSP
Rockwell Automation Power Systems Marsh USA Inc.
864-281-2380 864-240-5408
basopko@powersystems.rockwell.com Joseph.T.Meehan@marsh.com
PROGRAMS CHAIR, ROC CHAIR STRATEGIC PLANNING CHAIR
Anita Bucci John Cooper
Teleflex Sealed Air Corporation
864-878-3041 ext. 18 864-967-1400
abucci@teleflex.com john.cooper@sealedair.com
RECOGNITION & AWARDS NEWSLETTER EDITOR
John Cooper Geoff Lester
Sealed Air Corporation Metromont Corporation
864-967-1400 864-605-8523
john.cooper@sealedair.com glester@metromontusa.com
DELEGATE RECOGNITION & AWARDS
John Cooper David Day
Sealed Air Corporation Sealed Air Corporation
864-967-1400 864-433-2766
john.cooper@sealedair.com david.day@sealedair.com
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS STAR PROGRAM
Mary Hart John Cooper
Mitsubishi Polyester Film Sealed Air Corporation
864/879-5727 864-967-1400
Mary_Hart@m-petfilm.com john.cooper@sealedair.com
EXHIBITOR COORDINATOR COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Kurt Rayburg Kurt Rayburg
Rosenfeld Einstein Rosenfeld Einstein
864-255-4505 864-255-4505
krayburg@rosenfeldeinstein.com krayburg@rosenfeldeinstein.com
CEU CHAIR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Dione Baker V.C. Rajashekar
Bausch & Lomb 3M Tape Mfg. Division
864-297-5500 864-299-4212
Dione_Baker2@bausch.com rshekar@mmm.com
SOCIALS/GOLF OUTINGS CoPS (Council on Practices & Standards)
Wes Sexton John Cooper
Schneider Electric/Square D Co. Sealed Air Corporation
Direct: 864-886-1614 864-967-1400
Wes.Sexton@us.schneider-electric.com john.cooper@sealedair.com
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 8 of 14
JOB POSTINGS
Think Safety~Risk Management Retail
Location: Atlanta, GA or Albany New York
Compensation: $65,000 to $85,000
Our Client: is a major retailer with locations thru-out the U.S..
.
Our client is seeking an individual: as a Regional Risk Management Safety Consultant for the southeast to support
nearly 60 retail locations and distribution centers. This exciting role will allow you to interact with all levels of management
and to have a direct impact in making their workplace a safer environment. This position will have ‘high visibility” with
enormous career growth opportunities.
The main responsibilities of the position will include: safety management consultation, incident analysis, education
and training. The safety consultant also participates in total company projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Your top priority is to impact and reduce losses through incident elimination.
Safety Management~providing process safety expertise, advice, and solutions
Design and development of behavioral safety processes and educational programs
Identify stores with high financial impact or incident frequency and provide specialized training
Educate and train all regional employees and providing risk assessment facilitation and technical support
Partner with Regional/Group/District/DC leaders to ensure their support and commitment to all safety processes
Visiting stores with HQ, Region, and District teams to review individual store safety practices/issues
Supporting root cause investigations, Learning from Incidents and Causal learning activities
Incident Analysis~utilizing all tools to analysis facts to provide suggestions to high risk stores and distribution
centers to eliminate losses and to create a safety culture within their facilities
Job Requirements:
Four year degree
3-5 years safety work experience
Self motivated individual who is able to work without close supervision
Ability to travel within the region daily.
Prefer safety consulting experience (broker or insurance)
Previous experience influencing senior management’s safety leadership behaviors
This opportunity provides a career-minded individual with an excellent base salary combined with an excellent incentive
program as well as an opportunity for growth within.
Email David Burcham
David Burcham
Senior Account Executive
Management Recruiters
INDIANAPOLIS NORTH
(317) 582-0202 ext 215
(888) 906-0202 ext 215 (Toll Free)
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 9 of 14
Job postings
Regional Safety Manager – Mid-Atlantic Region (Charleston, SC)
This position will be responsible for the maintaining and managing day-to-day Health and Safety
responsibilities in support of terminal operations. Position will additionally provide support at other current and
future regional operations. Additionally, the resource will provide the manager with the ability to mentor and
guide staff in order to ensure succession planning for the region. This position is responsible for the technical
support, day-to-day management for handling health and safety issues, including, but not limited to leading the
OSHA VPP permit application process, implementing the Operational Excellence program, ensuring industrial
hygiene monitoring is conducted, and meeting regulatory compliance , ensuring incident investigations are
thorough and corrective actions are implemented, ensuring Emergency Response training is effective,
implementing contractor safety programs, and ensuring KM safety programs are implemented for new
acquisitions in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This position will administer and oversee various compliance
programs, procedures, and policies associated with federal, state, and local regulations and act as a liaison with
internal/external legal and regulatory personnel and agencies as directed by the Regional EHS Manager.
Bachelors’ degree in Engineering,, Physical Sciences, Industrial Hygiene/Safety Management or
related Natural Sciences. Experience in terminal operations, mining, or other heavy industrial or
manufacturing facilities is highly desirable. Experience in Emergency Response, Haz-Mat, Fire or
Rescue required. Proficient written and verbal communication skills, people skills, and an ability to
work under pressure within deadlines are required. Proficient command of regulations and ability to
interact with regulatory agencies and peers with self-confidence, poise, and professionalism is
imperative. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Internet Search
Engines. Professional certification(s) is preferred, but not required. CPR Instructor and/or Emergency
Medical Technician certifications preferred.
EHS Administration
Ensuring that terminals have the necessary resources to conduct daily activities in highest degree of personal
safety, including training, equipment and motivation.
Take the lead in the implementation of Operational Excellence programs and ensure compliance
Safety management and oversight of day to day terminal level responsibilities
Manage Safety budget to meet budgeted EBITDA targets for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Reports, communication to employee, supervisors and managers
Manage safety needs for the terminals as needed
Participate in industry and trade association initiatives and workgroups
Work closely with workers comp issues and REMS interfacing
Direct consistency within the terminals for accident investigation, training, procedures and awards programs
Execute cost-effective compliance strategies
Participate in audits and agency inspections
State / local rule and regulation review, interpretation and implementation
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 10 of 14
Job PosTings, ConTinued…
EHS Management
Ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and Local EHS, Training, and Industrial Hygiene rules and
regulations
Maintain all required Safety and Training records
Implement KM Safety focus to new acquisitions
Security oversight
Regulatory inspection programs
Liaison with regulatory and other external parties
Facility-specific EHS manuals, programs, procedures and standards preparation, implementation, and review
Contractor safety program management
Emergency planning and preparation including scheduling and conducting drills and exercises
USCG oversight
Manage training program
Manage incident investigation program
Manage industrial hygiene program
Assist functional groups in research, planning, strategizing
Oversee and manage program development
Corporate EHS Involvement
Participate as a member of a Kinder Morgan Technical Working Group
Provide expertise, direction and guidance
This position requires working knowledge of regulations, policies and prevailing cultures of Kinder Morgan
operations and strong communications skills with employees, supervisors and, regulatory agencies. The position
requires the ability to implement policies and procedures that are protective employees and Kinder Morgan.
Position calls for quick and efficient responses to sensitive issues where a high level of technical, systematic or
emergency thought processes is required. Because of the complexities of, health, safety, training, and industrial
hygiene issues, position calls for ability to evaluate and offer advice and implementation of solutions. This
position will have contact with all levels of employees and management within the Region and will deal with
numerous Federal, State, and Local regulatory agencies and consultants. The position is required to exhibit the
ability to function with limited supervision and at times will be assigned the task of coordinator or project
manager depending upon the nature and scope of applicable projects. This will include both capital and expense
projects. Position is a strong link between operations, and management staff which requires handling of
multiple projects and issues with short deadlines.
Remain open: 12/1/2006 or until filled
For more information please contact:
Brian D. Seaman, CSP, CHMM
Director of EHS
Kinder Morgan Terminals
brian_seaman@kindermorgan.com
Office: (713) 369-8045
Fax: (832) 397-4503
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 11 of 14
E H & S Development Page
OSHA Unveils New Safety and Health Topics Page
OSHA has developed a new safety and health topics information page aimed at demonstrating that
investment in workplace safety and health makes good business sense. Making the Business Case for
Safety and Health is a product of several alliances with OSHA, including the American Industrial Hygiene
Association, American Society of Safety Engineers, National Federation of Independent Business, among
others. The page highlights information on how a comprehensive safety and health program can help
employers save money while protecting their employees.
BP Brass Knew of the Dangers at Texas City, CSB Report Concludes
By Josh Cable
Internal BP documents prepared between 2002 and 2005 revealed that company management had knowledge of significant
safety problems at the Texas City, Texas, refinery and at 34 other BP business units around the world - months or years prior
to the March 2005 explosion, according to the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).
"The CSB's investigation shows that BP's global management was aware of problems with maintenance, spending and infrastructure
well-before March 2005," CSB Chairman Carolyn Merritt said. "BP did respond with a variety of measures aimed at improving safety.
However, the focus of many of these initiatives was on improving procedural compliance and reducing occupational injury rates, while
catastrophic safety risks remained. Unsafe and antiquated equipment designs were left in place, and unacceptable deficiencies in
preventative maintenance were tolerated."
CSB noted that its conclusions are based on "preliminary findings" from its investigation into the March 23, 2005, explosions and fire at
BP's Texas City, Texas, refinery that killed 15 workers, injured 180 and was the worst U.S. industrial accident in more than a decade.
Merritt pointed to earlier CSB findings that the equipment directly involved in the March 23 tragedy was of an obsolete design and
was being phased out in most refineries and chemical plants, and that key pieces of instrumentation were either known to be not
working or known to be unreliable by unit supervisors.
CSB has scheduled a news conference for Oct. 31 in Houston to discuss its new findings as well as more safety recommendations.
Due to the complexity of the investigation, Merritt said that a final CSB report likely will not be issued until at least March 2007.
The release of CSB's preliminary findings was the first significant update in CSB's investigation since Oct. 27, 2005, when preliminary
findings were issued at a public meeting in Texas City.
CSB: Previous Incidents at Texas City Uncovered
Investigators believe that the March 23 accident occurred during the startup of the octane-boosting isomerization (ISOM) unit, when a
distillation tower and attached blowdown drum were overfilled with highly flammable liquid hydrocarbons. Because the blowdown drum
vented directly to the atmosphere, there was a geyser-like release of highly flammable liquid and vapor onto the grounds of the refinery,
causing a series of explosions and fires.
Don Holmstrom, who is heading CSB's investigation, said that since last October CSB has uncovered additional previous incidents
involving the same blowdown drum, which was designed in the 1950s.
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 12 of 14
Holmstrom said that his team has now documented the occurrence of eight previous instances in which flammable hydrocarbon vapors
were discharged from the same blowdown drum between 1994 and 2004. In two of these incidents, the blowdown system caught fire,
according to CSB.
CSB said that the eight incidents were not properly investigated, and appropriate corrective actions were not implemented.
The explosion on March 23, 2005, was not the only major accident the Texas City refinery had experienced, CSB investigators said.
The history of major accidents and fatalities at the plant was summarized in a meeting held in November 2004 by the refinery manager
for 100 supervisors.
According to CSB, the refinery manager gave a sobering presentation entitled "Safety Reality" on the 23 deaths at the plant in the
previous 30 years; on average, one worker had died every 16 months.
Texas City Management Believed Refinery "Had Turned the Corner"
Holmstrom noted that BP Texas City in 2004 had the lowest injury rate in its history. However, that same year the refinery experienced
three major accidents that caused three fatalities.
"In late 2004, following these major accidents and other near-misses, the Texas City leadership was attempting to improve the
refinery's safety performance," Holmstrom said. "Several years of audits and reports had identified serious safety system deficiencies.
However, the safety initiatives that were undertaken focused largely on improving personnel safety - such as slips, trips and falls -
rather than management systems, equipment design and preventative maintenance programs to help prevent the growing risk of major
process accidents."
While refinery management believed improved personnel safety statistics meant Texas City "had turned the corner," in the words of
Holmstrom, existing process safety metrics and the results of a safety culture survey indicated continuing serious problems with safety
systems and concerns about another major accident, CSB said.
A health, safety and environment business plan presented on March 15, 2005 - just 8 days before the ISOM unit accident - identified as
a key risk that the Texas City refinery "kills someone in the next 12 to 18 months."
Merritt also pointed to "stringent budget cuts" throughout BP as a major cause of "a progressive deterioration of safety at the Texas City
refinery."
"Every successful corporation must contain its costs," Merritt said. "But at an aging facility like Texas City, it is not responsible to cut
budgets related to safety and maintenance without thoroughly examining the impact on the risk of a catastrophic accident."
BP Still Blames Workers for Refinery Tragedy
BP spokesperson Neil Chapman said that BP agrees with CSB that Texas City "was a preventable tragedy," but he also indicated that
the company takes issue with some of CSB's latest findings.
Responding to CSB's allegations that budget cuts at BP hurt safety at Texas City, Chapman noted that the company in its fatal
accident investigation report - which BP released to the public in December - did not identify funding and budget decisions as root
causes of the 2005 tragedy.
"The [Texas City refinery] budget for capital expenditures and operating expenditures increased steadily over the last 10 years,"
Chapman told Occupationalhazards.com.
Chapman added that BP will not comment on any specifics of CSB's latest findings until CSB produces "documentation explaining the
basis of its statements."
Chapman also said that BP's fatal accident investigation report "clearly shows that while the problems that led up to [the Texas City
tragedy] were complex," ultimately the incident was caused by "a failure to follow the procedures that were laid down."
"We've shared our report, as well as the documentation on what we found, with the general public, the industry and CSB," Chapman
said. " … Whether there's any difference [between the BP report and the CSB report], we would be more than willing to hear why there
are such differences."
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 13 of 14
Message From The Editor WEBSITES
ASSE http://asse.org
Do you have helpful information? Region 6
www.asse-region6.org/index.shtml
We all have information that when shared with PDC
others can improve the safety culture and Piedmont
http://piedmont.asse.org
make a difference in someone’s life. Chapter
If you are interested in providing tips, Electronic Newsletter
strategies, stories or information please REMEMBER, it’s more economical and
contact Geoffrey Lester at environmentally friendly to email our newsletter.
glester@metromontusa.com If you wish to be added to our mailing list
Try to limit the size of the information to 500- please send your e-mail address to
800 words. Geoffrey Lester at
glester@metromontusa.com
If you wish to unsubscribe from our
newsletter please click on my email
address glester@metromontusa.com
and type unsubscribe in the subject line.
Looking for a Job or Trying to Fill a Position?
www.safetyrecruiters.com http://piedmont.asse.org
If you would like to access the membership roster for the Piedmont Chapter, go to www.asse.org and click
on Members only; or directly at http://members.asse.org/
Email your friends with the “refer a friend tool” on the website www.asse.org.
REMINDER: If your information has changed, go to www.asse.org and update your profile. We have lost track of
many people who just did not keep their information up to date.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter Webpage: http://piedmont.asse.org Page 14 of 14
