OSHA Fines Maine Pulp Mill Nearly $800,000 Following Fatal Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined Woodland Pulp Mill in Baileyville, Maine, $794,456 following an investigation into safety violations linked to the deaths of two employees exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas.

According to OSHA, the incident occurred on January 27 during a cold weather shutdown at the mill in Washington County. Workers were exposed to high levels of uncontrolled hydrogen sulfide gas, resulting in the deaths of two employees, including a 20-year-old college student who was completing an internship at the facility.

OSHA's investigation found that the mill failed to provide adequate gas alarms and appropriate breathing equipment for workers. The agency also cited the company for allowing an overflow of wood pulp to accumulate in storage areas, contributing to the hazardous conditions.

The agency issued citations outlining the safety violations and proposed penalties totaling $794,456.

OSHA records show the Woodland Pulp Mill has been inspected 13 times over the past nine years, with 14 violations identified during that period. In 2017, a separate chemical exposure incident in the same area of the mill resulted in the hospitalization of 14 employees.

The mill has 15 days to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the agency's findings.