BP seeks independent opinion

is to appoint an independent panel to review the safety management systems and corporate safety culture of BP Products North America, the subsidiary responsible for its

refining operations.

Responding to a recommendation made yesterday by the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), which is investigating the March 23 explosion at the company’s Texas City refinery, BP Group chief executive John Browne said the panel would be headed by an external chairperson and would include outside safety experts and BP staff representatives.

Speaking yesterday, Browne said: “The Texas City explosion was the worst tragedy in the recent history of BP, and we will do everything possible to ensure nothing like it happens again. Today’s recommendation from the CSB is a welcome development and we take it seriously.

“We will move speedily to appoint an independent panel and offer it every help to do its job. When it reports, we will act with equal speed to deal with its recommendations.”