Exxon Faces $165K in OSHA Fines Following Refinery Explosion

Exxon Mobil Corp. is facing proposed federal penalties of $165,000 stemming from nine alleged safety violations discovered following an explosion that injured four workers at a Baton Rouge refinery last year. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration didn’t publicize the citations, issued in May, but they were obtained by Reuters and reported last week. Exxon is contesting the OSHA citations and fines, Reuters said. The Nov. 22 explosion occurred on a sulfuric-acid alkylation unit that makes octane-boosting components of gasoline. A valve on an isobutene line malfunctioned...