Ohio foundry fined $62,500 after steam explosion kills 1 worker and leaves 15 injured

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.”