OSHA: Mereaux refinery still has safety issues

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100103/NEWS05/1030335/1064

The Associated Press • January 3, 2010

MEREAUX — The Murphy Oil Co. refinery in Mereaux has 18 violations that could cause death or serious injury, and many of its problems remain from two years ago, says an Occupational Safety and Health Administration audit.

The inspection this summer found Murphy Oil had failed to correct 43 percent of the violations noted in 2007, according to the recently released audit.

Fines for the serious violations totaled more than $85,000. Most were fire and explosion hazards, an OSHA news release says.

Company spokesman Carl Zornes declined to comment, saying the company had just received the citations and was considering responses.

It has 15 business days to pay the fines and get in compliance, request an informal conference with OSHA's Baton Rouge director or contest the citations before an independent review commission.

FULL story at link.