OSHA Proposes $212K Fine for Maine Paper Mill

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing that a Maine paper mill be fined $212,000 for alleged safety violations.

OSHA announced Wednesday it has cited Lincoln Paper and Tissue LLC following an accident last September that resulted in a worker being burned when hot steam and condensate burst out of the end of a high-pressure steam line.

William Coffin, OSHA’s area director for Maine, said OSHA is proposing sizable fines because the hazards at the mill found after the incident were similar to hazards that were cited and corrected following a 2008 inspection of the facility.

Dennis McComb, the mill’s environmental and safety manager, said all the items cited by OSHA have been corrected. He said the company has yet to decide whether to appeal.