Wisconsin’s We Energies and Contractor Contest OSHA Fines

A federal safety agency says Wisconsin-based We Energies and a Waukesha contractor are contesting citations and penalties imposed following a power-plant explosion in February.

The blast occurred at the We Energies plant in Oak Creek, about 20 miles south of Milwaukee.

Four workers were seriously hurt and another four suffered lesser injuries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined We Energies nearly $150,000 last month. It also fined contractor ThyssenKrupp Safway Inc. about $150,000.

OSHA spokesman Scott Allen says the utility and contractor had an informal conference with OSHA on Aug. 18 to request a formal review. That means they’ll have a chance to present their side to a review commission, which has the power to reduce their fines.