EXHIBIT 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 and the related Prospectus  pertaining to The Worthington Steel Company
(Malvern) Union Retirement  Savings Plan of our report dated June 14, 1996, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Worthington Industries, Inc.
incorporated  by reference  in its Annual  Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
May 31, 1996 and the related  financial  statement  schedule  included  therein,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                    /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                                       _____________________________________
                                       Ernst & Young LLP

Columbus, Ohio
December 18, 1996