Jobs in the steel industry are common in the Pittsburgh area. While many of these jobs provide a good living for those who work them, the jobs can also be dangerous. This is illustrated in an industrial accident that occurred in the summer of 2010 at the Clairton Coke Works. The explosion of the coke oven blast left 15 individuals hurt. The incident resulted in injured workers filing workers' compensation claims.

Following the accident an investigation was conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That investigation found two entities responsible for the incident, U.S. Steel and Power Piping Co. The federal agency has proposed a fine of $143,500 against U.S. Steel. Power Piping Co. is facing fines of $31,500.

In addition to paying the workers' compensation benefits, as a result of the incident, U.S. Steel accrued expenses for legal bills and damage to property. In all, the explosion cost the business close to $7 million. Now, U.S. Steel is seeking to recoup that money from steamfitter, Power Piping, via a lawsuit. In it, U.S. Steel claims that Power Piping is to blame for the accident. This may be because individuals employed by Power Piping were reportedly working to prevent explosive gas from escaping at the time of the explosion.

Whether U.S. Steel will be successful in its endeavor remains to be seen. Most would likely agree that worker safety is paramount in any type of occupation, regardless of what the occupation is. While it is fortunate that workers' compensation benefits were available to the 15 individuals who were hurt in the explosion, it is safe to say that all would prefer that the incident had not occurred in the first place.

Source: The San Francisco Gate, "US Steel sues steamfitter over W. Pa. plant blast," Associated Press, Nov. 20, 2012