A California regulatory agency has proposed a $566,600 fine
against Exxon Mobil Corp., saying the company knew about and
ignored hazardous conditions at a refinery in Torrance that
exploded and injured four workers earlier this year.
California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the
state's workplace safety regulator, concluded that Exxon failed to
prevent the Feb. 18 explosion of equipment that helps reduce air
pollution. The refinery's fluid catalytic cracker—a key
gasoline-making unit—has been shut down since the incident,
contributing to high fuel prices at the pump in the state.
Cal/OSHA said the company "did not take action to eliminate
known hazardous conditions at the refinery and intentionally failed
to comply with state standards."
"We are reviewing the citations to determine the appropriate
administrative and legal next steps," said Exxon spokesman Todd
Spitler. "We have and will continue to work cooperatively with Cal
OSHA."
Exxon had known since a 2007 safety review that flammable vapor
leakage was possible at the plant and didn't mitigate it, according
to the agency, adding that management ignored other problems and
didn't have the right procedures in place to halt operations.
In total, Cal/OSHA issued 19 citations to Exxon, 18 of which
were classified as serious.
Exxon has 15 days to appeal the citations.
Write to Alison Sider at alison.sider@wsj.com
Access Investor Kit for "EXXON MOBIL CORP"
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US30231G1022
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires