Region 5 News Release: 09-1120-CHI
Sept. 30, 2009
Contact: Scott Allen or Brad Mitchell
Phone: 312-353-6976

Sunoco Inc. receives $147,000 in proposed penalties after U.S. Labor Department's OSHA conducts safety inspection

TOLEDO, Ohio -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $147,000 in fines against Sunoco Inc. (R&M), an oil refinery in Oregon, Ohio, for alleged willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards.

OSHA initiated a safety inspection at the facility in April 2009 and found one serious violation and two willful violations. The most critical citations issued are for the alleged failure to ensure the use of properly engineered pipe clamps; ensure pipe leaks were repaired properly; repair or replace pipe valves, follow proper repair procedures and implement safe practices for hazard control during the service and maintenance process.

"Injuries and fatalities from incidents at refineries are preventable," said Jule Hovi, OSHA's area director in Toledo. "OSHA will not tolerate employers who ignore safety hazards that threaten the lives and well-being of their workers."

Sunoco Inc. has about 500 employees at its Oregon refinery and 13,500 employees company-wide. OSHA has inspected the site five times since 1974. The agency has inspected Sunoco-owned and operated refinery complexes, petrochemical plants and bulk terminals 35 times since 1970. The inspections have resulted in more than 100 citations.

Sunoco has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.