Region 6 News Release: 11-324-DAL
March 14, 2011
Contact: Elizabeth Todd Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
E-mail: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Holly Refining and Marketing in
Tulsa, Okla., for alleged violations of process safety management procedures

TULSA, Okla. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Holly Refining and Marketing-Tulsa LLC with 14 alleged serious violations following an inspection at the company's crude oil refinery in Tulsa. Proposed penalties total $62,500.

OSHA's Oklahoma City Area Office began its investigation Sept. 14, 2010, at the company's facility on South Union Avenue as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program for Petroleum Refineries, which mandates inspections for refineries across the nation. OSHA's standard emphasizes the management of hazards associated with highly hazardous chemicals and establishes a comprehensive management program that integrates technologies, procedures and management practices.

"Failure to effectively implement OSHA's process safety management regulations to protect employees from potential hazards at high risk facilities, such as petrochemical refineries, will not be tolerated," said David Bates, OSHA's area director in Oklahoma City.

Violations include failing to address hazards associated with process safety management, provide adequate emergency response and evacuation procedures, maintain required ventilation in the control building and eliminate potential ignition sources such as static electricity while employees are handling flammable liquids. A serious violation is one in which there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Holly Refining and Marketing, which employs about 360 workers who process crude oil and produce gasoline as a final product, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Oklahoma City or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call the agency's Oklahoma City Area Office at 405-278-9560 or the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) to report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audiotape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.