Navigating the Complex Challenges of Responding to Major Industrial Incidents

Federal and state agencies, as well as local authorities, continue to scrutinize environmental, health, and safety (EHS) accidents to determine whether violations occurred either in advance or the aftermath of the incident. Enforcement can include both corporate entities and individuals, and may be influenced by local politics as well as the media. This program, taught by Reed Smith attorneys Benjamin Patton and Mary Balaster, will cover topics associated with the response to industrial incidents in the energy industry, including releases, explosions, whistleblower investigations, and other events. Specifically, the presenters will discuss trends in government investigations and criminal prosecution, as well as considerations for attorneys responding to and managing these cases.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the workflow of responding to industrial accidents in the energy industry

2. Discuss trends in regulation and enforcement related to industrial accidents

3. Advise clients on best practices in responding to accidents, including communication with the media and local officials