Federal Agency Finds Safety Lapses That 'Exposed' Workers to Deadly Explosion at US Steel Plant

OSHA cites US Steel for incomplete procedures, inadequate training that led to August blast killing two workers and injuring 11 others

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A federal safety agency investigating an August explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh that left two workers dead said it found a series of incomplete, outdated or inadequate procedures and practices that 'exposed' employees to the blast. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the company $118,214 and issued 10 citations, saying U.S. Steel's written procedures, practices and training to safely maintain equipment and flush the gas valve were deficient.

Why it matters

The Clairton Coke Works plant has a history of accidents and explosions, with some workers saying poor management and underinvestment have exacerbated safety issues. This latest incident raises ongoing concerns about workplace safety and environmental compliance at the sprawling industrial facility, the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

The details

According to OSHA, the August blast occurred as workers were flushing a gas valve in preparation for routine maintenance. The valve ruptured and released combustible coke oven gas, leading to the explosion that killed two employees and injured 11 others, including contractors. OSHA found that U.S. Steel's safety procedures, practices and training were incomplete, outdated or inadequate, 'exposing' workers to the explosion hazard.

  • The explosion occurred in August 2026.
  • OSHA issued its 16-page report on the incident on February 13, 2026.

The players

U.S. Steel

A major American steel producer that operates the Clairton Coke Works plant near Pittsburgh, where the deadly explosion took place.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency that investigated the explosion at the U.S. Steel plant, finding safety lapses that 'exposed' workers to the blast.

Chemical Safety Board

A federal agency that is also investigating the explosion at the U.S. Steel plant.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue our dialogue with OSHA and other agencies involved.”

— U.S. Steel (U.S. Steel statement)

“We are dedicated to working with management to implement OSHA's recommendations — especially those that incorporate process safety management — and continue our mission to make our workplaces safer.”

— Bernie Hall, United Steelworkers' district director (United Steelworkers statement)

What’s next

The Chemical Safety Board continues to investigate the explosion at the U.S. Steel plant. OSHA has given U.S. Steel deadlines to fix the safety shortcomings it identified, and the company can contest the findings in an informal conference.

The takeaway

This incident highlights ongoing safety and environmental concerns at the Clairton Coke Works plant, which has a history of accidents and explosions. It raises questions about management practices, investment in maintenance, and the need for stronger oversight and enforcement to protect workers and the surrounding community.