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 shortcomings at its Clairton Coke Works plant near Pittsburgh, following an August 2026 explosion that left two workers dead and 11 others injured. OSHA found 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written procedures, practices, and training for safely maintaining equipment and flushing gas valves were incomplete, outdated or inadequate, 'exposing' employees to the explosion hazard.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 workers citing poor management and underinvestment as contributing factors to safety and environmental issues. This OSHA investigation highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety and oversight at the sprawling industrial facility, the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

The details

According to OSHA's 16-page report, the August 2026 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. OSHA found U.S. Steel's safety protocols and training were incomplete and inadequate, 'exposing' employees to the explosion hazard. The agency fined the company $118,214 and issued 10 citations related to the incident.

  • The explosion occurred in August 2026.
  • OSHA issued its report on the incident on February 14, 2026.

The players

U.S. Steel

A major American 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 issues citations and fines for violations.

Chemical Safety Board

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

United Steelworkers

The labor union representing workers at the U.S. Steel plant.

Kurt Barshick

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

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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

The Chemical Safety Board continues to investigate the explosion, and U.S. Steel has deadlines to fix the safety issues identified by OSHA. The company can also choose to contest the findings in an informal conference with the agency.

The takeaway

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety and oversight at the Clairton Coke Works plant, which has a history of accidents and environmental violations. The OSHA investigation found fundamental gaps in U.S. Steel's safety protocols and training that 'exposed' workers to the deadly explosion, underscoring the need for stronger safety measures and accountability at the facility.