On March 23, 2005, the BP refinery in Texas City, Texas, exploded, causing 15 deaths and injuries in over 170 people. The explosion was caused by a tower that was overfilled with flammable hydrocarbons. However, poor safety and communication practices played a significant role in the incident.
In this case study, Jameson reviews the impacts of the BP refinery explosion, including casualties, financial loss, and criticism of BP’s delayed and uncoordinated response. The event revealed a lack of effective safety training, planning, and communication measures, which could have prevented the magnitude of the impact. Jameson highlights the need for efficient and focused safety and communication management across high-risk industries and environments to prevent future harm.