Showing a disregard for the safety of workers can get you in trouble in this country. But unfortunately, not enough trouble.

BP executives and managers have been screwing up for years when it comes to worker safety, and the recent deaths of 11 workers on the Deepwater Horizon is only a continuation of a sad history for the company. In 2005, 15 people died and hundreds where injured at a BP refinery blast in Texas.

If a company’s executives or managers are so focused on the bottom line that employees end up maimed or dead because they cut safety corners, the government can come in and fine them.

But the fines for worker deaths are pathetic. Turns out they are more severe if you kill a turtle. (more…)