Killing Texans

[Jacob]

Hey Valmy- is there going to be any kind of political fallout or consequence for the explosion in West, Texas?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mike-elk-the-texas-fertilizer-plant-explosion-cannot-be-forgotten/2013/04/23/48eb770c-ac26-11e2-b6fd-ba6f5f26d70e_story.html

The plant had 1,350 times the legally allowed amount of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, yet hadn't informed the Department of Homeland Security of the danger. Likewise, the fertilizer plant did not have sprinklers, shut-off valves, fire alarms or legally required blast walls, all of which could have prevented the catastrophic damage done.

And there was little chance that regulators would learn about the problems without the company reporting them: Not only had the Occupational Safety and Health Administration not inspected the plant since 1985 but also, because of underfunding, OSHA can inspect plants like the one in West on average only once every 129 years.

[Jacob]

In 2011, 4,609 Americans were killed in workplace accidents while only 17 Americans died at the hands of terrorists — about the same number as were crushed to death by their televisions or furniture.

[sbr]

In 2011, 4,609 Americans were killed in workplace accidents while only 17 Americans died at the hands of terrorists — about the same number as were crushed to death by their televisions or furniture.

Thank God for Liberty.

[CountDeMoney]

This issue was brought up in the original ZOMG FURTALIZER ESPLOSION thread.

[Jacob]

This issue was brought up in the original ZOMG FURTALIZER ESPLOSION thread.

What was the answer?

[CountDeMoney]

That things like federal regulation and mandatory safety standards interfere with freedomness and libertytude, so don't mess with Texas.

[Scipio]

This issue was brought up in the original ZOMG FURTALIZER ESPLOSION thread.

What was the answer?

America, fuck yeah!

[jimmy olsen]

This issue was brought up in the original ZOMG FURTALIZER ESPLOSION thread.

What was the answer?

America, fuck yeah!

Aren't you a full blown libertarian?

[Syt]

Aren't you a full blown libertarian?

That's between him and his significant other.

[Jacob]

Aren't you a full blown libertarian?

That's between him and his significant other.

[Jacob]

... so is the summary that a complete erosion of regulation and oversight is inevitable in the current political climate, so you'll just take the assorted deaths and maimings? Or do you figure that various law-suits will correct the most egregious problems over the course of time?

[Razgovory]

I think the plan is to take the assorted deaths and maiming.  I guess we could have congressional hearings to find out why Congress saw fit to underfund OSHA.  Then maybe we could have Rand Paul stand before congress to tell Rand Paul that if he was Rand Paul he would demand Rand Paul's resignation.

[HVC]

I don't think it much different in Canada. Over 6 years I've had 2 jobs in manufacturing plants. Not explosives, but dangerous heavy machinery and huge potential for fires. I've yet to see any inspection. The closest  I can think of was at my last place. Regulators called asking if we had put up guarding on the machinery. We said nope. They said regulations have been in place and we should have had guarding up for five years. We said were working on it. They said let us know when you're done   then there was the unventilated painting line, which sucked. Paint came with giant warning about the health hazard of the fumes. Oh, and the welding line was right next to it   Safe!

[crazy canuck]

I don't think it much different in Canada. Over 6 years I've had 2 jobs in manufacturing plants. Not explosives, but dangerous heavy machinery and huge potential for fires. I've yet to see any inspection. The closest  I can think of was at my last place. Regulators called asking if we had put up guarding on the machinery. We said nope. They said regulations have been in place and we should have had guarding up for five years. We said were working on it. They said let us know when you're done   then there was the unventilated painting line, which sucked. Paint came with giant warning about the health hazard of the fumes. Oh, and the welding line was right next to it   Safe!

That is troubling.  In Canada health and saftey regulation falls mainly within the jurisdiction of the Provinces - unless it is a Federal Undertaking. Dont ask what that is, the answer gets a bit long.

In this Province these sorts of things would normally be met with fines and potential criminal prosecution (under the Provincial Statute) for the directors of the company if any death or injury occurred because of the violations.

[sbr]

Why does Canada want to stifle business?

If people don't want to work for a company that uses unsafe practices they should just find another job.