Labor
Federal investigators say US Steel explosion ‘should never have happened’
One year after a fatal coke oven gas explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton, Pennsylvania facility killed two workers and injured 11, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report, determining the incident was preventable. The CSB found that an informal, undocumented maintenance procedure using pressurized water on a 70-year-old cast iron valve led to a gas leak and ignition. The agency cited deficiencies in procedures, hazard analysis, facility siting, and process safety management, and issued recommendations to U.S. Steel, its parent Nippon Steel North America, and contractor MPW Industrial Services.
Manufacturing jobs continue upwards, adding 5,000 jobs in July
Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on August 2 shows that manufacturing added 5,000 jobs in July, an improvement from May, but still lower year-over-year compared to July 2025 (when 11,000 jobs were cut that month). June saw a revised increase of 11,000 jobs, far exceeding the initial estimate of 3,000. The number of unemployed workers in manufacturing fell to 550,000, down more than 33% year-over-year. The ISM employment index rose to 52.8%, marking the first expansion in 33 months. Industry leaders are cautiously optimistic but face challenges from energy price volatility and tariffs.
Steris invests $600 million to build a manufacturing hub in North Carolina
Medical device manufacturer Steris announced a $600 million investment to build a manufacturing and distribution center in Sanford, North Carolina, consolidating existing operations and creating 335 jobs, with operations expected to begin within the next two to three years.