GARY — A worker died while on the job at the Gary Works steel mill Friday night.
United Steelworkers Union District 7 Director Mike Millsap said the death did not appear to have been the result of an industrial accident.
A 39-year-old electrician collapsed and died while working on a crane at the 84-inch hot strip mill, Millsap said. The death appeared to witnesses at the scene to have been the result of natural causes.
“It was not because of an injury,” Millsap said. “It was an apparent heart attack.”
The worker was a contractor who belonged to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union.
Attempts to revive the man at the scene were unsuccessful, Millsap said. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.
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“It’s just tragic what happened,” Millsap said. “Our condolences go out to his family.”
US Steel did not immediately return requests for comment.
The United Steelworkers union and the company will investigate what happened to be sure it was not a workplace accident or that any additional safety precautions could be taken to prevent such incidences in the future.
“We’ll definitely investigate, but it does not appear to be work-related,” Millsap said.
Though safer than in previous generations, steel mills remain dangerous places to work with many natural hazards like heavy machinery, rumbling trucks, barreling trains, molten metal, raging temperatures, high catwalks and steel coil that can weigh many tons. The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration reports that steel mills had 7.3 recordable illnesses or injuries per 100 qualifying hours in 2020, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.
PHOTOS: The True Cost of Washington Tour comes to Hobart
Josh Webb, Mike Pence, and Jennifer-Ruth Green
Americans for Prosperity Indiana State Director Josh Webb, left, former Vice President Mike Pence and Republican candidate for Indiana’s 1st Congressional District Jennifer-Ruth Green, at The True Cost of Washington tour Tuesday in Hobart.
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Mike Pence and Jennifer-Ruth Green with motorists
Mike Pence, left, and congressional candidate Jennifer-Ruth Green talk with motorists before the press conference with media outlets on Tuesday.
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Mike Pence at the gas pump
Mike Pence pumps a local resident’s gas upon arrival to Luke Convenience Store and Gas Station.
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Luke Staff
Luke Convenience Store and Gas Station employees with owner, Tom Collins.
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$2.38 gas price
The regular gasoline price was $2.38 on Tuesday afternoon in Hobart.
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Gas station line
Customers waiting in line to receive rollback gas price.
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Luke Convenience Store and Gas Station
The Luke Convenience Store and Gas Station located at 9502 E. Ridge Rd. in Hobart.
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gifts
Americans for Prosperity provided customers with cold water and t-shirts.
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Anton Jackson, of Gary, said he normally doesn’t fill up his gas tank since it’s been $4 and up, but was able to today since he saved an extra $2 per gallon.
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Corey Laster
Corey Laseter, Hobart resident, said oftentimes the middle and lower class think they’re being taken advantage of, and events like the True Cost of Washington Tour give people hope.
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