The explosion was catastrophic.
The last time the fertilizer plant was inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was in 1985.
Hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate — an extremely dangerous and volatile substance — burst into flames, leveling nearby homes and severely damaging schools.
More than 200 people were injured. Fifteen died.
And a small town is left devastated, wondering how it could have happened.
Let's make sure it never happens again.
Tell President Obama and Congress: Strengthen OSHA's ability to catch workplace disasters BEFORE they happen.
Then forward this message to five friends who will call on the president and Congress to prevent future workplace tragedies like this.
For starters, OSHA's funding should be increased and the fines against workplaces where employees are killed should be raised.
"The nation's number one resource is its workers," Public Citizen's workplace health and safety advocate told The Huffington Post. (1) "But the agency that's charged with protecting them is not given the resources to do it. I think it's worrisome for the nation."
The sad truth is that this is what happens when we let corporations regulate themselves.
Right now, OSHA's abysmally low funding means the agency has the resources to inspect plants like the one that exploded only once every 126 years. (2)
Meanwhile, the fine against workplaces where an employee is killed remains outrageously low: $7,000 per lost life.
The anti-regulatory fervor of corporate lobbyists in Washington has made it a matter of routine to prioritize profits over public health and safety.
If we're serious about preventing workplace tragedies like that in West, Texas — and the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion in West Virginia and BP oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico — we have to provide OSHA the resources it needs to do its job right.
Sign the petition to the White House and Congress TODAY.
Make sure the president and Congress know you want a strong OSHA that can prevent workplace tragedies before they occur.
Then forward this message and share the petition on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media platform you use.
Thanks for all you do,
Rick Claypool
Public Citizen's Online Action Team
action@citizen.org
1. The Huffington Post: Texas Plant Explosion Reveals Wide Gaps In Workplace Safety Laws
2. Bloomberg News: Texas Explosion Seen as Sign of Weak U.S. Oversight