Several workers were burned by molten metal at the Sparrows Point steel mill, but the accident, first reported by this website, does not merit a state investigation, according to a spokesman for the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health agency (MOSH). Why?

“No report was filed because fewer than three people were injured and the injuries were non-life threatening,” spokesman Michael Raia told The Brew today.

Raia confirmed that the agency was notified by RG Steel that several contractors were burned following a furnace “slip” late last week, but said MOSH will not investigate the accident that has delayed the company’s plans to restart steel production after a 10-month shutdown.

RG Steel has provided no details about the accident except to confirm that “an operating issue” took place that caused the company to suspend the operation of its “L” blast furnace and basic oxygen furnaces at the Baltimore County mill.

“Our understanding of the incident – from conversations with folks at Sparrows Points – is that employees were cleaning a clog in the blast furnace when molten metal released and burned employees,” Raia said.

An employee “was taken to the burn unit and is doing well,” Raia added.

The trade publication MetalBulletin reported today that three contractors were burned in the accident, citing union sources at Sparrows Point.

Sparrows Point union president John Cirri did not respond to a message from The Brew seeking comment. RG Steel spokeswoman Bette Kovach did not answer questions about the accident.