Worker killed in accident at Middletown Works steel mill

A person was killed today at Middletown Works, according to Cleveland-Cliffs. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

A person was killed today at Middletown Works, according to Cleveland-Cliffs. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

A person working at Middletown Works on Tuesday morning died after an incident while doing routine maintenance.

The male worker was conducting a planned maintenance operation at the hot mill strip when he died, said Patricia Persico, a spokesperson with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. A hot strip mill reheats thick steel slabs into thin sheets.

The president of Union IAM Local 1943, Shawn Coffey, said an investigation into what happened is under way, and more details about it are not available.

Scott Allen, regional director of public affairs for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said the agency is allowed six months to complete its investigation.

An autopsy is planned for Wednesday, and after the employee’s family has been notified, his name will be released, according to the coroner’s office.

“The company sends its deepest sympathies to the families and they are providing support,” Cleveland-Cliffs said in a statement.

Coffey said the last time a worker in the steel plant was killed was 2013.

The Middletown Works plant is operated by Cleveland-Cliffs, also referred to as Cliffs. According to the company, the facility is “an integrated steel operation with carbon steel melting, casting, hot- and cold-rolling and finishing operations.”

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