MORE SMOKE AND MIRRORS

Big Government » OSHA: BP Less Safe Than Other Oil Companies » Print

In another feeble attempt to distance this administration and the previous administration from responsibility in the Gulf Oil Leak disaster. OSHA has come forth with a scathing report on BP Oil. But first, let's put a couple of things in perspective. Number one, it was at the insistence of the U.S. Government, and the Environmentalists that BP drill in depths of 1500 ft or more. If my memory serves me correctly, BP wanted to put this particular well at a reasonable depth of 500 ft. Of course that would result in the rig itself being much closer to shore. In hindsight, though, the leak would be capped by now, and all would be well in the Gulf. Also, in my mind's eye, the absolute of this disaster being an avoidable accident, or the work of some insidious individual, or group still needs to be played out. I am not convinced that the accident aboard the Deep Water Horizon was to due entirely to BP's horrific safety record. I believe, up until the incident itself, Barack Obama was scheduled to present an award to BP's Deep Water Horizon rig for Outstanding Safety? I'm sure the award was rescinded. I'll bet all documentation that was used in order for the Deep Water Horizon to achieve this safety award has been expunged. What do you think?

The Department of Interior wrote: To look at the safety records of the offshore drilling companies before the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank on April 20, there was little difference between BP America Inc. and it's peers in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Now, here comes the revelation, an insider source says that: A broader review of relevant governmental data demonstrates that in fact, BP had a far worse record on safety matters than other oil companies. Okay, watch for the smoke and mirrors!!! Here they come: According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), data compiled and detailed to Capitol Confidential, two refineries owned by BP accounted for an astonishing 97 percent of the most serious violations flagged by government inspectors in the last three years. Furthermore, of a total 862 citations issued between June 2007 and February 2010 at the two refineries, a stunning 760 were deemed "egregious willful", with a further 69 classified as "willful". Did you see the smoke? Did you see the mirror? Well, here they are; OSHA is citing safety violations at BP's two onshore oil refineries, NOT the offshore oil rigs. From what I've been able to glean, the Deepwater Horizon had an exemplary safety record, hence the Safety Award. Also, where were the OSHA enforcers? If, as they report, BP had 862 citations, wouldn't you think the government in all of it's infinite wisdom, would have shut them down, at least temporarily? This lack of rule enforcement strikes a sour note with me. It isn't the violator's violations, it's the turning a blind eye to violations that worries me. The entire reason for the existence of OSHA, is to inspect, locate, and write citations for blatant rule violations. I think that a follow up inspection to make sure the violations were rectified, would also be in order. No sir, BP isn't the only culprit here, not by a long shot. It's extremely obvious to me that OSHA, either dropped a really, really big ball, or someone in our government, has opened up several new bank accounts for himself/herself, within the last three years. Think about it, 860 citations in three years, that's about 24 violations per month. You can't tell me nobody noticed!!!

I am not in any way sticking up for BP, it was their rig, it is their refineries that were issued the violation citations. What I am saying is that if this was an accident, then, there were, and are extenuating circumstances that contributed to this terrible catastrophe. Believe me, there's plenty of blame to go around, and this administration is waist deep in it, as well as the previous administrations. Accountability!!! All I ask is that this administration take responsibility for it's actions, and it's inaction's. Don't use violation citations from onshore refineries to lambaste the offshore oil rigs. It's like comparing apples and oranges. BP's refinery safety records are deplorable, for sure, but OSHA's are even more detestable in this situation.

What do you say, when we elect the next administration, we elect only people who reflect honesty and integrity, and are of high moral fiber.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, AGAIN