Woodland Pulp faces OSHA citations over fatal Maine mill incidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has alleged that the Woodland Pulp paper mill in Baileyville, Maine, knowingly placed employees in dangerous conditions this year. According to OSHA, the company was aware that an emergency alarm system was non-functional, which resulted in the system failing to activate during a hydrogen sulfide leak on January 27. That incident resulted in the deaths of 20-year-old intern Kasie Malcolm and 26-year-old engineer Allen Hornberger.

OSHA also cited the company for storing combustible wood pulp near hydrogen peroxide tanks, a known safety hazard. This proximity led to a fire on March 7 when the materials came into contact. The regulator has issued eight ‘serious’ citations and four ‘willful’ citations, the latter being the highest category of violation. OSHA has proposed fines totaling nearly $800,000, including the maximum penalty of $165,514 for each willful citation.

Woodland Pulp has contested the findings and the proposed penalties. The matter is expected to be decided by an administrative judge.