Boiler Explosion Citations at Refinery Upheld on Appeal (1)

An oil refining company in Oklahoma is still on the hook for $58,000 in federal safety citations stemming from a boiler explosion that killed two workers, but it won’t face higher fines for previous violations at the site, a divided Tenth Circuit ruled Tuesday.

The majority held that Occupational Safety and Health Administration chemical processing requirements for oil refineries and chemical plants can include such ancillary operations as a steam boiler. It was the first time an appeals court had ruled on the question.

“It is a case that is going to embolden OSHA,” said Greg Dillard, an attorney with ...