US Department of Labor Cites Woodland Pulp LLC for Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure

• The US Department of Labor's OSHA cited Woodland Pulp LLC for exposing workers to hydrogen sulfide gas levels without proper alarms or breathing devices.
• Two employees died from the exposure on January 27, 2026, during a cold weather shutdown at the Baileyville-based wood pulp mill.
• Woodland Pulp received four willful citations and eight serious citations, with proposed penalties totaling $794,456.
• The incident highlights the importance of proper ventilation systems and chemical handling procedures to prevent hydrogen sulfide exposure hazards.

A federal investigation into the release of hydrogen sulfide gas at a Baileyville-based wood pulp mill revealed that the employer exposed workers to safety and health hazards, resulting in the death of two employees.

A federal investigation into the release of hydrogen sulfide gas at a Baileyville-based wood pulp mill revealed that the employer exposed workers to safety and health hazards, resulting in the death of two employees. The incident occurred on January 27, 2026, during a cold weather shutdown when workers were performing maintenance tasks. High concentrations of deadly hydrogen sulfide gas were released, causing the tragic loss of life. This incident highlights the importance of proper ventilation systems and chemical handling procedures to prevent such hazards.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Woodland Pulp LLC for four willful violations related to the exposure of workers to deadly hydrogen sulfide gas levels without proper alarms or breathing devices. The employer also received eight serious citations for various safety infractions, including lack of worker training on hydrogen peroxide risks and failure to conduct medical evaluations and fit tests for respirator users. OSHA proposed $794,456 in penalties, emphasizing the need for employers in the wood pulp industry to prioritize workplace safety.

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic and flammable gas that can occur naturally in various environments. In industries such as wood pulp production, proper handling and ventilation procedures are crucial to prevent exposure risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) sets standards for workplace safety, including requirements for chemical labeling, training, and medical evaluations. Employers must comply with these regulations to ensure a safe working environment for their employees.

Employers in the wood pulp industry should review their chemical handling procedures and ensure proper ventilation systems are in place to prevent hydrogen sulfide exposure, as OSHA has cited Woodland Pulp LLC for willful violations.

Source: Original reporting via US Department of Labor