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Region 3 News Release: III-98-12-04-209-CP
Friday, December 4, 1998
Contact: Kate Dugan, (215) 596-1147

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Pennsylvania Steel Technologies, Inc., Steelton, Pa. for alleged safety and health violations following an inspection of a fatal accident in June 1998. The agency is proposing $22,000 in penalties.

On June 4, 1998 an employee was drenched with a hot, caustic material while working on a parts cleaning tank at the steel mill. The employee incurred extensive thermal and chemical burns and died on July 5.

According to Bob Fink, area director of the Harrisburg OSHA office, four serious violations were cited including an inadequate lockout/tagout program, lack of personal protective equipment, emergency shower facilities, and employee training on hazardous chemicals. Lockout/tagout procedures are designed to safeguard employees from the unexpected startup or release of stored energy in machines or equipment.

A serious violation involves a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and that the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to either decide to comply, to request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

The inspection was conducted by the Harrisburg area office, 49 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg, Pa. 17109, telephone (717) 782-3746.