Blood Lessons
By Jim Malewitz and Jolie McCullough
Ten years after a fiery explosion killed 15 in Texas City, preventable deaths continue at refineries.
At least 58 workers have died at U.S. refineries since March 23, 2005, slightly fewer than the number the decade before.
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Federal officials have tracked nearly 350 fires at U.S. refineries in the past eight years – about one every week.
Some companies continue to put tents and office trailers in danger zones at refineries, despite recommendations to limit the number of workers in harm’s way.
The death toll in the worst refinery accident since 2005 was so high because nonessential personnel were left in harm’s way. Seven were killed at a Washington refinery during a maintenance activity that required one operator.
