Sasha Chavkin
Sasha Chavkin was an intern at ProPublica
Need to Get in Touch?
Sasha Chavkin was an intern at ProPublica. He has previously written for Mother Jones, the Nation, and Grist.
For Claims of Bodily Injury, No Payments from BP Yet
BP has paid millions in damages from the Gulf oil spill, but nothing yet for claims of injury. A spokesman says the company is still evaluating those claims.
by Sasha Chavkin,
Two Weeks Later, New Safety Training for Gulf Workers Has Yet to Begin
BP still has not started a longer, more detailed safety course for oil cleanup workers on boats in the Gulf of Mexico. OSHA says it isn't satisfied with the proposed changes yet.
by Sasha Chavkin,
Warning of Looming Crisis, Louisiana Calls on BP to Fund Mental Health Programs
BP has not responded to a request for $10 million to help Louisiana deal with mental health problems that it blames on the oil spill. The state health department says it is seeing anxiety, excessive drinking and thoughts of suicide in affected communities.
by Sasha Chavkin,
As Jindal Criticized Federal Bureaucracy, Louisiana Guard Troops Sat Idle
While Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has been criticizing the administration for allowing red tape to delay spill cleanup efforts, CBS News points out that the governor has National Guard troops available to help.
by Sasha Chavkin,
OSHA Director: Offshore Cleanup Workers Will Get More Training
The head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the safety course for oil cleanup workers on boats in the Gulf will increase from four hours to eight. The expanded preparation will include training on chemical hazards.
by Sasha Chavkin,
OSHA Head Agrees: Gulf Cleanup Workers Need More Training
OSHA's chief agrees with our finding that regulations on how much training an oil spill worker should get are out of date and inadequate.
by Sasha Chavkin,
Gulf Cleanup Training Ignores Advice From Health Agency, Official Says
An official with a federal agency that helped BP develop training for cleanup workers in the Gulf says the four-hour course does not cover important topics that were recommended, including some involving chemical exposure.
by Sasha Chavkin,