Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

Question

What can be done that oil producing or distributing companies don't bribe authorities and inspectors to overlook shortfalls in safety measurements?

Alan ONeill · Accepted Answer

Accountability
The starting point would be effective risk identification and appropriate contingency planning where accidents are statistically predictable, or identifiable from previous experiences and this should form part of effective risk and project management. From a governance point of you the project should not be approved unless this has been fully signed off, and then from that perspective you have an individual who has said they have 'done the risk management' and has takes responsibility, and the individual who signs to give the Project authority to proceed; two accountable individuals. There are few stringencies that can obviate corrupt behaviours such as 'turning a blind eye' when these necessary checks and balances are sidestepped. Demanding sign off by several parties places a burden of responsibility and accountability on those individuals, and this should be part of any project, but more so when there are consequences to such devastating occurences such as the Gulf situation.

Taxonomy