Announcement: Death of L-667 Brother Steve Chambers

Every single person deserves to work in a safe environment where they know they can go home at the end of the day to their loved ones. Every single person deserves for their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, friends, brothers and sisters to come home to them at the end of their shift.

International President Timothy Simmons

It is with deep sorrow that the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers must inform members of the death of Brother Steve E. Chambers, Local 667, of Cameron, West Virginia.

Brother Chambers was working on a Simakas project at Westlake Chemical Plant in Proctor, West Virginia, when he was tragically killed on the jobsite Sunday, May 11. Due to an ongoing investigation, no further details on the incident can be shared at this time.

“We offer our deepest sympathy and support to Brother Chambers’ family and our Local 667 brothers and sisters. We are thinking especially of his father, who is also a L-667 Boilermaker,” said International President Timothy Simmons. “And as we share this profound grief in the loss of our Boilermaker brother, we also come together to raise the critical importance of safety on jobsites.

“Every single person deserves to work in a safe environment where they know they can go home at the end of the day to their loved ones. Every single person deserves for their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, friends, brothers and sisters to come home to them at the end of their shift.

“Each and every safety protocol matters. We know all too well that the smallest details that might seem insignificant or trivial can mean the difference between life and death. Protocols simply cannot be ignored. Ever.”

L-667 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Forshee said memorial arrangements have not yet been made by Brother Chambers’ family. The local has collected funds to pay tribute and will present a customized Boilermaker Bible to his family.

“Brother Chambers’ death is such a tragic, senseless and tremendous loss,” Forshee said. “Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and we are reminded: Safety must always be top priority on every jobsite. Lockout/tagout is not an option. It is necessary every time.

“Our hearts are especially with our brother’s father, son and girlfriend.”