Federal investigators release final report on 2013 plant explosion
GIESMAR – A federal agency says mistakes that led to a deadly 2013 explosion at a Louisiana petrochemical plant revealed a poor "safety culture" at the plant.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board's report, issued Wednesday, says safety management at the Williams Olefins Plant in Geismar has improved. However, it also makes recommendations that it says will further increase safety at the plant.
Two workers died in the June 2013 explosion, which happened when a "reboiler" ruptured at the plant.
Wednesday's CSB report says weaknesses in Williams' safety reviews and practices led to the explosion.
Among its recommendations, the CSB calls for formation of a safety committee of Williams employees.
The Oklahoma-based company issued a statement saying it is "committed to continuous improvement of its process safety programs."