Wyoming OSHA Cites Sinclair Refinery

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Service's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  has cited Salt Lake City-based Sinclair Oil for 11 serious, and one non-serious violation at the Sinclair Refinery in Sinclair, Wyoming.

An OSHA inspection following the May 25, 2012 fire which caused the injuries of two Sinclair employees resulted in proposed penalties totaling $60,250. The investigation into the May 8, 2012 incident, in which three Sinclair employees were critically injured, is still ongoing due to its complexity. several other incidents are also under investigation.

Serious citations were issued for failure to develop and implement safe work practices, lack of employee training and operating procedures, failure to inspect equipment and correct deficiencies, inadequate first aid supplies and for other violations. The Department of Workforce Services has required Sinclair to bring in external independent safety auditors and has requested Sinclair management meet with Wyoming OSHA every two weeks for updates on its progress. DWS also brought in a federal OSHA assistance team who are conducting a review of the facility and its safety management processes.