Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, OSHA NEWS—$20K fine after worker fatality; greater penalties proposed for repeated safety hazards, (Dec 10, 2025)

By Jonathan Anderson

The fatality occurred at a Georgia plant where inspectors found chemical and asphyxiation hazards; an unrelated Idaho employer faces a $986,888 penalty for repeatedly exposing workers to serious safety hazards.

After an employee at a workplace in Georgia died, OSHA cited the employer for exposing workers to chemical and asphyxiation hazards, with $20,522 in proposed penalties. In an unrelated development, the federal agency proposed $986,888 in penalties against an Idaho employer for failing to correct previously identified hazards and repeatedly exposing workers to serious safety hazards.

Chemical, asphyxiation hazards. OSHA cited Hyoungwon E&C America Inc. for exposing workers to chemical and asphyxiation hazards at a workplace in White, Georgia, with $20,522 in proposed penalties.

The agency cited the engineering and construction company after investigating a worker fatality at the Hanwha Q Cells Georgia Inc. plant. In citing the employer with two serious violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s general duty clause, inspectors determined that the company failed to protect employees against asphyxiation hazards related to nitrogen gas and failed to provide effective information and training on hazards related to nitrogen gas and oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Repeat safety hazards. In an unrelated development, OSHA cited Virginia Transformer Corp. for failing to correct previously identified hazards and repeatedly exposing workers to serious safety hazards at a worksite in Pocatello, Idaho, with $986,888 in proposed penalties.

Inspectors determined that the transformer manufacturer exposed employees to hazards like those identified during two 2024 inspections, which found cranes used to handle heavy loads had faulty brakes and switches.

OSHA cited the company for 53 serious and repeat violations, including failure to guard machinery, exposing workers to fall hazards, and failure to provide personal protective equipment.

Hyoungwon E&C America Inc. and Virginia Transformer Corp. each have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Companies: Hyoungwon E&C America Inc.; Hanwa Q Cells Georgia Inc.; Virginia Transformer Corp.

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