OSHA Cites Ohio Foundry for Safety Violations Following Explosion
The incident caused the death of one employee and injured 15 others.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Aug 15, 2023
OSHA has determined Bedford, Ohio-based foundry I. Schumann & Co.—which recycles material into metal alloys, ingots and pellets—failed to keep workers safe.
In a release dated August 14, the agency announced it had identified six serious violations and proposed $62,500 in penalties to I. Schumann & Co. The investigation followed a steam explosion that resulted in the death of a maintenance supervisor and injuries to 15 other employees. The foundry remains closed as a result of the incident.
OSHA inspectors determined the explosion was caused by a water leak. During an inspection, water leaked onto the molten metal interior of a furnace designed to smelt solid metals, creating a steam explosion. But if I. Schumann & Co. had applied lockout/tag out procedures—as required by law—the incident would have never happened, OSHA reports.
“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,” OSHA Area Director Howard Eberts in Cleveland said in a statement. “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.”
I. Schumann & Co. now has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest OSHA’s findings.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.