Ohio foundry fined $62,500 after steam explosion kills 1 worker and leaves 15 injured
Aug. 14, 2023
According to OSHA, the company failed to ensure that lockout/tag out procedures were followed during the inspection of the furnace.
OSHA investigators have concluded that I. Schumann & Co. LLC, which operates a foundry in Beford, Ohio, failed to protect its workers from the hazard of steam explosions. The OSHA investigation began after one worker was killed and 15 others were injured in a steam explosion that occurred while employees were inspecting a water leak on a furnace. According to OSHA, the company failed to ensure that lockout/tag out procedures were followed during the inspection of the furnace. I. Schumann & Co faces $62,500 in penalties for six serious safety violations.
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Howard Eberts said, “This terrible tragedy could have been avoided if the employer followed well-known machine safety standards that are meant to prevent this type of explosion. Sadly, a worker lost his life and 15 others were hurt in an incident that was entirely preventable. It’s exactly why employers need to follow required safety procedures and train their employees.”
Protecting electrical controls and equipment within food and beverage plants presents unique challenges due to the sanitation requirements of the hygienic environment.