U.S. Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement today following the Washington Department of Labor and Industries announcement that it would fine Tesoro $2.38 million for 44 willful and serious violation of worker safety laws.

“My thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones of the seven men and women who died as a result of the Tesoro fire on April 2nd. 

“No fine or penalty can bring back the workers who were killed in this incident, but the record fine announced today sends a clear message that companies will be held accountable for keeping their workers safe.

“The federal Chemical Safety Board will issue an independent report on the Tesoro incident next year, supplementing the work of the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. 

“Moving forward, we must learn from this incident and do everything we can to make refineries a safer place to work.  I encourage Tesoro to use the results of outside investigations to make the plant safer as it restarts operations.”

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