DOL Cites Wood Pulp Mill After Deadly Incident

The U.S. Department of Labor cited a Maine wood pulp mill after an investigation found workplace safety and health violations stemming from an incident that killed two employees.

OSHA cited Woodland Pulp LLC after investigators found workers were exposed to high concentrations of deadly, uncontrolled hydrogen sulfide gas during the Jan. 27 incident.

OSHA also investigated the company for a March 7 chemical fire at the mill.

Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, highly toxic gas known for its strong rotten egg odor.

Investigators said the company released 4,400 gallons of 50% hydrogen peroxide, which mixed with wood pulp accumulated on the ground.

Citations

Woodland Pulp received four willful citations for the two incidents.

OSHA said the willful violations involved exposing workers to deadly hydrogen sulfide gas levels without proper alarms or breathing devices and allowing wood pulp to build up in storage areas.

The company also received eight serious citations for failing to train workers on hydrogen peroxide risks, conduct medical evaluations and fit tests for respirator users, label chlorine and acid lines, and control hydrogen sulfide exposure risks.

In all, the proposed penalties totaled $794,456.

OSHA encouraged employers to develop workplace safety and health programs.

OSHA has inspected the company 13 times since 2017.

In one 2017 incident, 14 employees were taken to the hospital due to chemical exposure.

OSHA encouraged employers to develop workplace safety and health programs to help prevent injuries and illnesses while reducing costs and improving worker engagement.

The agency also encouraged employers to contact them to learn more about ensuring their companies comply with OSHA standards.