Multiple Violations Issued for 2012 Offshore Oil Accident
A recent report has been issued placing blame for a November 2012 oil rig accident on the offshore oil company and contractors. The U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement issued more than 40 violations to Black Elk Energy and some of its contractors. The violations squarely place blame for many safety issues that the company failed to comply with which may have contributed to the accident that killed 3 people.
The accident happened off the coast of Grand Isle. The report indicates that there was oil in the fuel tank when scheduled welding started. The welding caused oil to ignite, which began a series of events, launching two tanks into the air. One of the tanks fell into the Gulf of Mexico, which made an oil slick that spread to an area about a half mile wide and 200 yards long. The accident killed three of the welders and a few other workers were injured, suffering severe burn due to the explosion and fire.
In part, the violations indicate that the company failed to provide a safe work area, indicating that the oil tanks should have been cleaned before any welding was to take place. The company said the workers could have refused to work if they felt the conditions were not safe. However, the report states that the workers were afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation by their employer.
In all, 41 violations, called “incidents of noncompliance” were issued to a total of 4 contractors. The companies are given 2 months to appeal the violations, if they wish to do so. Now, the violations will be reviewed to determine any associated fines that will be assessed to the companies. In cases such as this one, the victims will need to speak to an attorney that specializes in oil rig accidents such as a League City oil rig injury attorney. A League City oil rig injury attorney knows the latest laws governing these types of accidents and will work to get compensation for your injuries. The League City oil rig injury attorney will review the accident and determine the best way to proceed.
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