The US Department of Labor fined BP (British Petroleum) a record-breaking $87 million yesterday for failure to fix safety problems brought out during the horrific 1995 explosion in Texas City, Texas. While workplace safety agency OSHA does not have the authority to shut down the plant completely, they can and do ensure progress is made on new safety regulations. They do have the power to pursue a court injuction, as well as the power to issue a court injunction The union has said that, although they do not agree with the company's thoughts, but intends to work side-by-side toward a solution if necessary. BP has also recently paid fines for its violations of the Clean Air Act. The company has been given 15 days t respond to the OSHA complaint.
See "Labor Dept: BP has 15 days to respond to citations", Susan Daker & James Herron, The Wall Street Journal, October 29, 2009