Inspection Detail

Inspection: 107919623 - Nucor Steel Corp.

Inspection Information - Office: Indiana Department Of Labor

Investigation Summary

At about 7:05 p.m. on January 24, 1990, Employee #2 was lowering a 125-ton ladle, containing about 75 tons of molten steel, over a slag pit. One of the two cables holding the ladle broke. The second cable could not hold the weight and the ladle fell about 30 feet. The molten metal splashed, injuring several employees in the area. Employee #3 suffered first- and second-degree burns, abrasions, and smoke inhalation; Employee #4 suffered first- and second-degree burns to the back, neck, and upper arm and a strained left foot; Employee #5 suffered a contusion, strains to the neck and back, and smoke inhalation; Employee # 2 suffered contusions, a strain to the shoulder and arm, and smoke inhalation. These employees were treated and released from the hospital. Employee #1 suffered first- and second-degree burns, multiple abrasions, contusions, and smoke inhalation. He was hospitalized for a few days. Employee #6 suffered second- and third-degree burns over 85 percent of his body. He was hospitalized, but died a few weeks later.

Keywords: LADLE, MOLTEN METAL, ABRASION, SMOKE INHALATION, CONTUSION, BURN, BROKEN CABLE, SPILL, SPRAIN