Sunday, February 22, 2009
There were security flaws in the accident which killed 22 oil tankers, said DDHH
Posted by Lesbond at Sunday, February 22, 2009
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Mexico said today that there were not enough safety in offshore oil platform Usumacinta by bad weather that hit in 2007 with another, killing 22 workers and injured 68.
The NHRC, which acts as an Ombudsman on Sunday issued a recommendation to the state company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and the Attorney General's Office (PGR) on the accident which occurred on October 23, 2007 when two platforms in the Gulf Mexico collided pushed by high winds and swells.
He said that according to research there were "violations of human rights to life, the law, legal security and integrity of individuals."
Pemex employees stated that "allowed the platform to operate without observing the rules and safety regulations that are required in such facilities."
"There was a poorly trained and equipment provided to employees of these facilities and not have rescue boats in the vicinity of the platforms," said the NHRC said in a statement.
These "(...) flaws and omissions are attributable to the company" oil, he said, noting that the recommendation calls for Pemex to investigate the officers involved in the incident and that no bids awarded to firms that do not comply with measures greater security.
Furthermore, Pemex sought to conduct an adequate and ongoing training in the use of safety equipment, providing evidence that the victims were compensated, and survivors received medical and psychological care.
The PGR asked officials to investigate that hampered the investigation of the NHRC.
Last October, an independent commission, headed by Nobel laureate in chemistry Mario Molina, issued its findings of an investigation into the accident.
The committee explained that the accident was avoided if the weather was sufficiently accurate and if the platform had not been moved.
He also indicated that a safety valve did not work and no lifeboats remained closed.
While plans and followed the procedures established in the security protocol, the problem focused on the safety boats, called "mandarins" for its similarity in shape and color with this fruit, were opened during the storm, leaving the open their occupants.
