With fewer than 50 employees and an annual budget of just $14.4 million, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) plays a critical role in driving chemical safety excellence in the United States. Over its 27-year history, the CSB has investigated nearly 180 major chemical incidents that have resulted in more than 200 fatalities, over 1,300 serious injuries, and billions of dollars in damage to property and the environment, including damage to chemical facilities and nearby homes and businesses. The incidents have harmed communities and caused significant business disruptions, including job losses and reduced earnings for the American chemical industry.
The CSB has shared lessons learned from those tragedies through the agency’s many investigation reports, recommendations, and safety videos. In response to the incidents investigated by the CSB, the agency has issued over 1000 recommendations to make the chemical industry safer, while maintaining economic productivity, protecting jobs, and keeping workers and communities safe. The CSB’s work has resulted in significant safety improvements at facilities throughout the country across a wide variety of industries.
If the CSB’s many safety lessons have prevented at least one catastrophic chemical incident, the money saved by protecting lives, preventing serious injuries and damage to facilities, safeguarding surrounding communities, and avoiding costly litigation and legal settlements far exceeds the CSB’s modest annual budget. The CSB more than pays for itself in costs saved by preventing serious chemical incidents.
