We Energies Fined $150K for Power Plant Blast in Wisconsin

Federal safety officials have fined We Energies nearly $150,000 for violations stemming from a power plant explosion in suburban Milwaukee, Wis., in February that injured eight workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also fined the workers’ contracting firm about $150,000.

The blast occurred in a coal-dust silo at the utility’s suburban Milwaukee power plant. It took firefighters several hours to put out the fire.

OSHA says We Energies failed to provide contractors adequate safety information.

The safety agency also says Waukesha-based contractor ThyssenKrupp Safway Inc. failed to implement proper safety procedures.

Messages left with both companies Twere not immediately returned.