Pipe plant fatality ruled to be accidental

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1208310914185410.xml&coll=1

Pipe plant fatality puts focus on safety
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
BY LARA BRENCKLE
Of The Patriot-News

In the factories where the nation's steel is forged, danger is around every corner, according to the president of the local steel worker's union.

Monday's accident that claimed the life of Jaren Hoover, 19, at the Dura-Bond Pipe factory in Steelton serves as a reminder of the vital place safety has in steel manufacturing plants, said Greg Bowers, president of the United Steelworkers Local 1688.

"When you're new, you're not aware of the danger spots," Bowers said. "It's not that the safety programs have fallen down. This is one, unfortunate situation."

Hoover, the son of Dauphin County Judge Todd A. Hoover, was on his first week on the job at the factory, authorities said. Dura-Bond Pipe primarily makes natural gas and oil transmission pipes, according to its Web site.

Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick, who ruled Hoover's death accidental from crushing injuries to his chest and abdomen, said Tuesday that he's been called to more fatal accidents in the steel industry than any other.

"All these places are dangerous places to work," Hetrick said. "Steel's heavy. It's either heavy or hot."

FULL story at link.