OSHA Issues Fines in Fatal Pennsylvania Zinc Plant Blast

Federal regulators have issued $45,000 in fines to a Pittsburgh-area zinc processing plant where an explosion killed two workers in July.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Wednesday handed down fines against Horsehead Corp. stemming from the July 22 explosion at its plant in Potter Township, Beaver County. The explosion killed 53-year-old James Taylor, of Aliquippa, and 41-year-old Corey Keller, of Newell, W.Va.

OSHA spokeswoman Leni Uddyback-Fortson says Horsehead was fined a maximum of $7,000 for five of ten violations deemed serious.

A statement from the company says Horsehead has cooperated with federal investigators and employees in a safety review.

Horsehead has 15 days to pay the fines, appeal or ask for a meeting with OSHA officials. The company said it is still reviewing the document.