Louisiana Refinery Cited for Alleged Safety Hazards

The Labor Department has cited an ExxonMobil refinery in Baton Rouge for allegedly exposing workers to fire hazards.

The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Tuesday that it has proposed $126,000 in penalties for alleged safety violations discovered during a March 14 inspection at the petroleum refinery.

OSHA says the company failed to properly maintain equipment, investigate incidents related to the use of hazardous chemicals or maintain accurate engineering drawings.

OSHA area director Dorinda Folse said it’s “fortunate” nobody was injured at the refinery, which employs about 2,100 workers and produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, aviation fuel, lubricating oils and waxes.

The company has 15 business days to contest Monday’s citations.