As we consider Safety, we are proud of the numerous milestones we have achieved since acquiring this facility.  Big West is proud to announce yet another Safety Milestone Achievement for our Bakersfield Refinery. 

On Friday May 9, 2008 our facility achieved the distinction of not having an OSHA Recordable Incident within the past year. Recognize this kind of performance does not just happen.  It is through the consistent and diligent safety efforts of every employee we were able to attain this recent milestone.

In addition to this achievement, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize other Awards Big West has recently received. Last week at the National Petrochemical Refiners Association (NPRA) Conference, Kirk Shelton, Kevin Cable and Shannon Coburn accepted on the company's behalf two safety awards. 

•  The Meritorious Safety Performance Award - given for achieving a total recordable incident rate of less then 1.0 during the year 2007. 
•  The Gold Award - given for achieving a 34% reduction in the total recordable incident rate during the year 2007 compared to the average total for the three previous years.  

These are two very prestigious Awards given by our Industry leaders.  Which clearly show our consistent efforts to sustain and improve our safety performance.

It takes the efforts of every employee to achieve an Injury-Free workplace and operate in an environmentally sound manner.  We have demonstrated that we can achieve our goals and we will continue to do so.

The Big West refinery has also received two prestigious safety awards from the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA). They include awards of performance for: One Million Man Hours Without a Lost Time Injury and One Year Without a Lost Time Injury for 2006.

According to Gene Cotten, refinery manager, the company is pleased to accept recognition for its on-going efforts to help and encourage employees to work safely.