OSHA Finds Serious Nitrogen Safety Failures at Georgia Worksite
Federal investigators say Hyoungwon E&C America failed to protect employees from asphyxiation risks and did not provide required training on nitrogen gas hazards, resulting in two serious violations and more than $20,000 in penalties.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 04, 2025
A federal investigation into a worker’s death at the Hanwa Q Cells Georgia Inc. plant in White, Georgia, found that an engineering and construction contractor exposed employees to serious chemical and asphyxiation hazards, the U.S. Department of Labor said.
OSHA cited Hyoungwon E&C America Inc. for two serious violations, including failing to protect workers from nitrogen-related asphyxiation risks and failing to provide effective training on nitrogen gas and oxygen-deficient atmospheres. The agency proposed $20,522 in penalties.
The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA noted that citation and penalty amounts may be adjusted as the case proceeds and advised the public to check its establishment search page for updates.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.