A second worker has died from injuries suffered in a reported gas incident at Woodland Pulp in Baileyville last month, according to a mill spokesperson.
The worker’s identity has not been released though the mill confirmed he was an employee of the facility, WABI-TV reports.
The incident previously resulted in the death of Kasie Malcolm, 20, a chemical-engineering student at the University of Maine who had been completing an internship at the facility since June.
Federal investigators from the Chemical Safety Board are investigating the fatal chemical release, which occurred on January 27th.
The incident may have involved the mixing of concentrated sulfuric acid with sulfurous compounds in an enclosed process sewer, resulting in the generation and release of hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas, in the Bleach Plant area of the facility, officials said.
The board’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the release, including the company’s chemical handling practices, process safety systems, and emergency response actions.
The board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency.
Second Worker Dies Following Chemical Spill At Baileyville Paper Mill
By Ted Cohen
