The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has entered into a settlement agreement with Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corp., Follansbee, W.Va.

The settlement is the result of an October 2004 inspection of the company’s coke plant, which uncovered multiple alleged violations of occupational health standards for coke ovens. The agreement, which calls for a penalty payment of $227,000, settles citations issued by OSHA for violations of the respiratory protections standards, among others.

The company has consented to hire a mutually agreed upon, qualified independent consultant to perform an OSHA compliance assessment of its coke oven batteries. The consultant will also prepare a report that outlines abatement measures. Training of all managers, supervisors and foremen on coke oven standards will take place within 90 days.

"The inspection uncovered many violations that endangered the safety and health of the company's workers," said Stan Elliott, area director of the Charleston OSHA office. "This settlement shows the company is serious about improving working conditions at their facility."

The agreement will avoid the cost and burden of litigation and, more importantly, furthers the efforts of all parties to promote safe work practices and procedures.

OSHA helps to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit OSHA's website.