OSHA fines Korean construction company after worker death

OSHA investigators determined a Korean engineering and construction company exposed workers to safety hazards after an investigation into a worker fatality at the Hanwha Qcells Georgia Inc. plant in White, Georgia.

OSHA issued Hyoungwon E&C America Inc. a citation with two serious violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act's general duty clause for:

• Failing to protect employees against asphyxiation hazards related to nitrogen gas
• Not providing effective information and training on hazards related to nitrogen gas and oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Hyoungwon faces $20,522 in proposed penalties.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process.

OSHA’s establishment search returned no other inspections for Hyoungwon.

Oxygen levels measured at 15% inside tank

Local news station WAGA reported the victim, 33-year old Marion Jose Rugama, was found unresponsive with no pulse and not breathing on top of a storage tank by firefighters the evening of May 19. He was pronounced dead at the scene

A nitrogen gas leak was initially considered the possible cause of death, as oxygen levels at the top of the tank were measured at approximately 15%. Officials said no other hazardous gases or chemicals were known to be in use in that area of the facility.

The Cartersville-area Qcells solar manufacturing facility remains under construction and is set to open its second phase in 2026.