Houston Offshore Company Convicted in Platform Deaths
As a proud Louisiana law firm, we support the many offshore workers in our community and in communities nearby. Their work is challenging and often dangerous. That’s why these workers need to be protected as much as possible. Earlier this fall, a massive Houston offshore operations company was convicted in federal court on felony charges for safety and clean water violations. Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations LLC (BEE) was forced by a U.S. District Judge to pay $4.2 million in fines. The reason? They didn’t take care of their workers. Five years ago this month, a tragedy occurred at the BEE platform. It started after the company began platform repairs. Some repairs included “hot work,” which means welding, grinding, or anything that can produce a spark or heat. To do that, regulations require the company to get a permit after extensive precautions are taken. They initially got the permits, but after a few days, they stopped obtaining permits or having safety meetings. They became negligent. Unfortunately, this resulted in an explosion that took the lives of three of their workers and injured several more.
When it comes to oil work on the high seas, we can’t allow big companies
to get away with negligence, even if the regulations seem extensive and annoying. Lives are at stake. And if companies like BEE are lax in their safety and it results in any kind of accident, they are liable for damages and even criminal charges.
TAKE A BREAK
Brussels Sprouts With Sausage
Looking for an easy, delicious Thanksgiving side dish? This gem requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients
•
2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ cup water
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3.3 ounces fresh, hot Italian sausage
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Salt and pepper
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1½ pounds Brussels sprouts
Directions
1. Trim sprouts and cut in half. 2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, 3–5 minutes. 3. Add sprouts to skillet. Add ½ cup water. Add salt and pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until just tender. Check them periodically and add a bit more water, if necessary.
4. When sprouts are just about done, remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring just once or twice, for a couple more minutes. The liquid should evaporate, and the sprouts should start to brown. 5. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or warm. Serves 4.
APPLE CORN CRANBERRY FAMILY FOOTBALL
GRAVY HAM PARADE PIES POTATOES
PUMPKIN ROLLS SQUASH STUFFING TURKEY
Recipe courtesy of InTheKitchenWithKath.com.
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