Federal Agency Cites Safety Lapses at US Steel Plant After Deadly Explosion

OSHA finds incomplete procedures and inadequate training exposed workers to blast that killed two and injured 11 others

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited U.S. Steel for a series of safety violations at its Clairton Coke Works plant near Pittsburgh, following an August 2026 explosion that left two workers dead and 11 others injured. OSHA found that the company's written procedures, practices, and training for safely maintaining equipment and flushing gas valves were incomplete, outdated, or inadequate, 'exposing' employees to the explosion hazard.

Why it matters

The Clairton Coke Works plant has a history of accidents and explosions, with some current and former workers citing poor management and underinvestment as contributing factors to air pollution and workplace safety issues. This latest incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety standards and oversight at the facility, one of the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

The details

According to OSHA's investigation, the August 2026 blast occurred as workers were flushing a gas valve in preparation for routine maintenance. The valve ruptured, releasing combustible coke oven gas that led to the explosion. OSHA found that U.S. Steel's safety procedures and training for this task were incomplete, outdated, or inadequate, 'exposing' employees to the explosion hazard. The agency issued 10 citations and fined the company $118,214.

  • 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 steel producer that operates the Clairton Coke Works plant, the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

A federal agency that investigates workplace safety and health issues, and cited U.S. Steel for safety violations related to the deadly explosion at the Clairton Coke Works plant.

Chemical Safety Board

A federal agency that is continuing to investigate the explosion at the U.S. Steel plant.

Bernie Hall

The United Steelworkers' district director, who said the union is dedicated to working with management to implement OSHA's recommendations and improve workplace safety.

Kurt Barshick

U.S. Steel's vice president of the Mon Valley Works, who provided details about the explosion during an October 2026 presentation to area residents.

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What they’re saying

“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

OSHA has given U.S. Steel deadlines to fix the safety issues it identified, and the company can choose to contest the findings in an informal conference.

The takeaway

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety standards and oversight at the Clairton Coke Works plant, which has a history of accidents and explosions. It underscores the need for stronger safety protocols and investment in the facility to protect workers and the surrounding community.