By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Jan. 7 -- Phillips Petroleum Co. will pay more than $2 million in penalties for safety and health violations 16 months ago at its petrochemical complex in Pasadena, Tex., said the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Also as part of the settlement, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., a joint venture with ChevronTexaco Corp. that now owns and operates the facility, will hire dedicated safety and health consultants.
The agreement settles citations issued against Phillips' Houston Chemical Complex in Pasadena in September 2000, following an explosion 6 months earlier that killed one worker and injured 69 others.
"This settlement cannot replace the life that was lost nor make up for the pain suffered by those injured in a catastrophic accident nearly 2 years ago," Sec. of Labor Elaine Chao said. "But it does mean that Phillips and Chevron employees will be working in safer environments, and it signals this administration's commitment to crack down on workplace safety violations."
