OSHA finds safety problems at Mereaux refinery

The Murphy Oil Co. refinery in Mereaux has 18 violations that could cause death or serious injury, and many of its current problems remain from two years ago, says an Occupational Safety and Health Administration audit. The audit says an inspection this summer found that Murphy had failed to correct 43% of the violations noted in 2007. Fines for the serious violations totaled more than $85,000. Most were fire and explosion hazards, an OSHA news release says. Company spokesman Carl Zornes declined to comment, saying the company had just received the citations and was considering responses. It has 15 business days to pay the fines and get in compliance, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Baton Rouge director, or contest the citations before an independent review commission. Citations included failure to regularly inspect piping and problems with relief valves designed to prevent fires or explosions. In addition, OSHA inspectors found that the Murphy refinery often did not deal with deficiencies pointed out during internal safety audits. The Mereaux refinery employs about 315 workers.