Safety

Episode 12: Have we done enough since West?

Has Texas done enough to prevent another tragedy like the West Fertilizer Company explosion? According to a Chemical Safety Board report released last month, we haven't. This month, we talked to Chemical Safety Board investigators Johnnie Banks and Lucy Tyler, Texas State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy, and Texas Watch Deputy Director Ware Wendell about what this report means for the safety of Texans.

Tell your lawmaker to pass meaningful chemical safety reforms here. 

Blog / Feb 25 2016

Report: Texas Hasn't Done Enough since West Explosion

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West, Texas, 2013—a fertilizer plant explodes, injuring over 260 and killing 15, most of whom were first responders on the site. The blast was among the most destructive ever investigated by the U.S.. Chemical Safety Board. 

Three years later, only a few attempts have been made to prevent another explosion. Attempts that a report released by the Chemical Safety Board last month called "inadequate." 

Blog / Feb 11 2016

Survey: Justice for Flint residents?

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Residents of Flint, Michigan are looking for justice after the contamination of their water supply. But, they may not find it. Shielded by the well-established principle of "sovereign immunity," the state of Michigan is immune to lawsuits except in a very limited number of cases. As a result, Flint residents must face enormous obstacles in their pursuit of justice. 

Tell us what you think in our survey below: 

Blog / Jan 26 2016

The New Texas Watch Website

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Last August, we asked what you wanted to see in a new Texas Watch website. With your comments in mind, we launched a website that helps Texas consumers learn and take action on the issues that affect them most. 

Blog / Dec 13 2015

Taking Action on School Bus Safety

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Earlier this year, a tragic Houston ISD bus crash killed two students. The bus lacked seat belts – just like most school buses on the road in Texas.

Blog / Oct 28 2015

Keeping Safe This Halloween

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As you tie on Superman’s cape or put the finishing touches on Frankenstein’s face paint this weekend, keep these five safety tips in mind:

Blog / Oct 25 2015

Safety by the Numbers: Inaccurate School Bus Crash Data

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After a Houston ISD bus crash killed two students last month, reporters and officials looked to past accident data for comparison. But, after reviewing the data compiled by the Texas Education Agency one thing was clear: the numbers just didn’t add up.

Episode 6: The End of the Good Ol’ Days Part 1/2

Episode Six: This month, we’re sifting through the end of the good ol’ days for Blue Bell Creameries. It all started with a Blue Bell country cookie sandwich, which tested positive for the bacteria listeria this February. Since then, the ice cream company has recalled all of its products, but not before infecting 10 customers with listeriosis and killing three. Now, FDA reports show that Blue Bell factories tested positive for the dangerous bacteria as far back as 2012 and has been making customers sick since 2010. We’ll talk to Dr.

Blog / Jun 21 2015

Perry’s Lame Health Care Retort

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In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Former Gov. Rick Perry lamely defended his record on access to health care. When pressed about our state’s chronically high rate of citizens without health insurance, Perry said that isn’t how he “keeps score.” He trotted out the same, tired talking points touting what he calls “sweeping tort reforms” passed more than a decade ago.