The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Steel Dynamics Inc., of Jeffersonville, $240,000 for safety violations stemming from an August incident that left one worker dead.
The death of the worker and the injury of another occurred when a furnace released nitrogen fumes Aug. 5.
“Two individuals were working on top of a piece of manufacturing equipment about 20 feet off the ground when some type of nitrogen release happened,” Jeffersonville Fire Department Maj. Mike McCutcheon told The Evening News for a previous report.
A subsequent investigation by the Indiana Department of Labor — which oversees IOSHA — resulted in a safety order and fines being issued to Steel Dynamics. The violations totaled $240,000 from serious, knowing and repeat violations and were
“There were a number of issues with the furnace that needed to be resolved years ago,” said Jeff Carter, deputy commissioner with the Department of Labor.
According to Carter and the Department of Labor report, the furnace — in an confined place — was emitting nitrogen and also creating low levels of oxygen.
Steel Dynamics knew of the recognized hazards of exposure and could have provided gas monitors or respiratory equipment to workers to be in compliance with safety measures, but failed to do so, according to the report.
Among other violations cited in the safety order and notification of penalty were previous injuries to workers that had not been recorded, failure to abide by and have permits for a confined-space program, failure of employees to log in when entering a confined space and failure to properly train employees.
However, the single violation that carried the heaviest individual fine was a “knowing” violation.
“The employer did not establish and maintain conditions of work which were reasonably safe and healthful for employees, and free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm,” the report says.
Repeat violations were issued for lack of permits for the confined-space programs — the company was previously cited at its Pittsboro location — and failure to be in proximity to rescue services trained to provide confined-space rescue.
Corrective action for all violations must be completed by Nov. 22 or 24, depending on the type of infraction.
While multiple officials with Steel Dynamics were contacted, no one would comment because they said they have yet to receive the report and notification of penalty.
The Fort Wane-based Steel Dynamics is the nation’s fifth-largest producer of carbon and steel products, and its Jeffersonville location — purchased in 2003 and located at 5134 Loop Road — specializes in galvanizing light-gauge steel. It is part of the company’s flat-rolled steel division, according to its Web site.
Clark County
Death of worker results in fine from state
Steel Dynamics docked $240,000 for August incident
-
-
Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
The Indiana Court of Appeals heard the respective oral arguments on the town of Sellersburg’s effort to annex the Covered Bridge Subdivision and the Willows on Wednesday. Covered Bridge appealed the trial court’s ruling that the town’s annexation preceded the subdivision’s effort to incorporate into an independent town and that, in exchange for sewer service, the residents would agree to not remonstrate against the annexation attempt.
Continued ... -
Redistricting on tap again for Jeffersonville
Though they just did so last year, it’s already time for the Jeffersonville City Council to start thinking about redistricting again.
Continued ... -
JEFF Fest set for June 9
The Jeffersonville Entire Family Fun Festival, better known as JEFF Fest, will
Continued ...
be held from 11 a.m.. to 4 p.m. June 9 in Jeffersonville’s Preservation Park, 150 W. Market St. -
Charlestown encourages Realtors and developers to help it grow
he city hosted a showcase for about 200 developers and Realtors at Charlestown High School on Tuesday. The purpose of the showcase was to pitch the city as a place that is expected to prosper, especially in light of the continued development at River Ridge Commerce Center.
Continued ... -
Jeffersonville mayor vetoes two council acts
“It’s a meaningless resolution. It carries no weight. I think it’s political posturing and I’d as soon not be a part of it,” Moore said. “I will not be brought into a political discussion that’s already been decided.”
Continued ... -
Bridges project specifics emerging
Valentine outlined that incentives will be part of Kentucky’s contract with the winning bidder.
Continued ...
He explained that once construction begins, the expected cost of construction per day will total about $80,000 and the contractor can earn incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing late. A completion date is set for June 30, 2018. - News and Tribune briefs for May 23, 2012
- May 22, 2012
-
Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
Continued ... -
TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
Continued ...
But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
Continued ...
-
Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
