OSHA Cites Two Companies in US Steel 2025 Explosion

Workplace safety violations led to deaths and injuries at Clairton Coke Works plant

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited United States Steel Corp. and MPW Industrial Services Inc. for exposing workers to unsafe conditions that resulted in a deadly explosion at the Clairton Coke Works plant in August 2025. The blast killed two employees and injured 12 others.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of workplace safety regulations and the need for companies to strictly adhere to OSHA standards to protect their workers. The citations and penalties imposed on US Steel and MPW Industrial Services send a strong message about the consequences of failing to prioritize worker safety.

The details

OSHA's investigation found that US Steel failed to use required safety management and energy control practices for hazardous work involving flammable gas. MPW Industrial Services, a cleaning services contractor, was cited for not providing a relief valve for a high-pressure water system and not coordinating energy control practices for hazardous work involving flammable gas.

  • The explosion occurred at the Clairton Coke Works plant in August 2025.
  • OSHA cited the two companies on February 18, 2026.

The players

United States Steel Corp.

A major American steel producer that owns the Clairton Coke Works plant where the explosion occurred.

MPW Industrial Services Inc.

A cleaning services contractor that was working at the Clairton Coke Works plant at the time of the explosion.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on the penalties imposed on US Steel and MPW Industrial Services in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of workplace safety and the need for companies to strictly adhere to OSHA regulations to protect their workers. The citations and penalties serve as a reminder that there are serious consequences for failing to prioritize worker safety.