Federal agency cites US Steel for safety lapses after deadly plant explosion

OSHA fines company $118,214 and issues 10 citations for incomplete procedures and inadequate training that 'exposed' workers to blast risk

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined U.S. Steel $118,214 and issued 10 citations related to safety shortcomings that the agency says 'exposed' workers to the risk of an explosion at the company's Clairton Coke Works plant in Pennsylvania. The August 2025 blast killed two workers and injured 11 others, including contractors.

Why it matters

The OSHA investigation highlights ongoing safety concerns at U.S. Steel's facilities, which have faced scrutiny over worker fatalities and environmental issues in recent years. The findings raise questions about the company's safety culture and procedures, as well as the oversight of high-risk industrial operations.

The details

According to OSHA, U.S. Steel's written procedures, practices and training for safely maintaining equipment and flushing the gas valve were incomplete, outdated or inadequate. This led to the valve rupturing and releasing combustible coke oven gas, triggering the deadly explosion. OSHA also cited the company for failing to provide required records within a specified time frame after the incident.

  • The explosion occurred in August 2025.
  • OSHA issued its 16-page report on the incident on Monday, February 13, 2026.

The players

U.S. Steel

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

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency that investigated the explosion and cited U.S. Steel for safety violations.

Chemical Safety Board

A federal agency that is also investigating the August 2025 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 2025 presentation to local residents.

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What they’re saying

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

— U.S. Steel (mcall.com)

“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 (mcall.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for robust safety protocols and oversight in high-risk industrial operations, as well as the importance of a strong safety culture that prioritizes worker well-being. The OSHA citations highlight areas where U.S. Steel must improve to prevent future tragedies and regain public trust.