The health and safety problems that led to the fire and explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and subsequent oil spill are symbolic of the problems found throughout the industry, USW officials testified to the Chemical Safety Board (CSB).

The disaster may have been prevented had an adequate risk analysis been done, said Ian Whewell, a retired offshore division director from the U.K.’s Health and Safety Executive.

The CSB held a hearing Dec. 15 as part of its investigation into the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon fire and explosion. The board heard how Australia, the UK and Norway handle regulation of their offshore oil and gas industries and listened to industry and union officials talk about safety within the industry and BP in particular ... more