Former BP exec: Profit comes first, safety second

[William769]

CAPE CORAL: One of the most common questions being asked about the oil spill is how BP could let something this catastrophic happen. A former BP executive who lives in Cape Coral says the company has always put profit first - and safety second.

Rick Lacey worked 3,000 other workers as a senior financial analyst. He says for the eight years he worked in the 45-story building, he watched as the company downsized.

"By the time I left, we occupied one floor and there were less than 200 of us," he said.

Lacey says with the layoffs in the 90s, BP contracted work to smaller companies to lessen its liability in case an oil rig exploded.

"BP would've been drilling the well itself but now they use contractors," Lacey said.

http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=12636850

[polichick]

1. Profit first is the policy of most large corporations these days - sad as it is. nt

[HughMoran]

2. I think we already figured this out for ourselves.

[William769]

3. Quite true

This just adds to our validity for our outrage.

[KT2000]

4. wishful thinking on their part

have they not heard of "deep pockets?"
It may take longer to get to PB but they are still liable.

[Laelth]

5. Profit first is normal for all businesses, and it should be!

That is why they must be regulated heavily, particularly if what they do is dangerous.

Profit will, and should, always come first. That's what business is for.

:dem:

-Laelth