The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a pulp mill following an investigation into two fatal incidents in Maine.
The investigation found that two Woodland Pulp LLC workers died after being exposed to high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide gas during a cold weather shutdown on in January.
Fatal gas exposure
According to OSHA, workers were exposed to uncontrolled levels of hydrogen sulphide during shutdown activities.
The regulator issued four wilful citations, alleging the company failed to provide adequate gas detection alarms, suitable breathing equipment and allowed wood pulp to accumulate in storage areas.
Chemical fire investigation
OSHA also investigated a chemical fire at the site on 7 March.
The fire occurred after approximately 4,400 gallons of 50% hydrogen peroxide was released and came into contact with wood pulp that had accumulated on the ground.
The company received a further eight serious citations relating to worker training, failure to conduct medical evaluations and fit testing for respirator users, neglecting to label chlorine and acid lines, and inadequate controls for hydrogen sulphide exposure.
OSHA has proposed penalties totalling $794,456.
Previous enforcement action
The regulator said Woodland Pulp has been inspected 13 times since 2017, resulting in 13 serious and one other than serious citation.
One previous inspection followed a 2017 chemical exposure incident in which 14 employees were taken to hospital after being exposed to hazardous substances in the same area of the facility.
The company has 15 business days to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
