U.S. Steel Faces Fines Over Clairton Explosion Safety Issues

OSHA cites company for inadequate training, procedures, and equipment after deadly blast killed two workers.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued nine citations against U.S. Steel over safety issues related to the deadly explosion last August at the company's Clairton Coke Works facility. The citations, totaling nearly $120,000 in fines, cite inadequate employee training, safety procedures, and equipment to isolate machinery from energy sources. Two U.S. Steel employees were killed and 11 others were injured in the blast.

Why it matters

The Clairton explosion highlights ongoing safety concerns at U.S. Steel's aging facilities and the need for stronger oversight and enforcement of workplace safety regulations, especially in hazardous industrial environments. The incident also raises questions about the company's safety culture and commitment to protecting its workforce.

The details

According to OSHA, the citations stem from the agency's investigation into the August 2025 explosion that killed Timothy Quinn and Steven Menefee and injured 10 other U.S. Steel workers and one contractor. The agency found that the company failed to provide adequate training for employees, lacked proper safety procedures, and did not have the necessary equipment to properly isolate machinery from energy sources. OSHA also cited U.S. Steel for failing to provide incident reports within the required timeframe.

  • The deadly explosion occurred in August 2025 at the Clairton Coke Works facility.
  • OSHA issued the nine safety citations and $120,000 in fines in February 2026.

The players

U.S. Steel

A major American steel producer that operates the Clairton Coke Works facility where the deadly explosion took place.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards, which investigated the Clairton explosion and issued citations against U.S. Steel.

Timothy Quinn

A U.S. Steel employee who was killed in the Clairton explosion.

Steven Menefee

A U.S. Steel employee who was killed in the Clairton explosion.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that all workers return home safely at the end of their shifts. U.S. Steel needs to take immediate action to address these serious safety lapses and prevent future tragedies.”

— Deborah Berkowitz, Worker Safety and Health Program Director, National Employment Law Project (lightnercommunications.com)

What’s next

U.S. Steel has 15 business days to either pay the fines, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the citations and penalties.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of robust workplace safety standards and enforcement, especially in high-risk industrial settings. The Clairton explosion serves as a tragic reminder that companies must prioritize worker protection and make safety a core part of their operations and culture.