WestRock Paper Mill Fined for Violation of Covid-19 Protocols

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has fined WestRock Washington paper mill for its failure to adhere to Covid-19-related safety protocols. It must be noted that a total of 15 workers at the site were tested positive for Covid-19, out of which one had died and two had been hospitalized.

The citation by the authority included most serious violation-“Willful Serious”, implying that the company put profits before human beings. The total assessed penalty is $139,832- comprising $136,532 for Willful Serious violation and $3,300 for Serious violation.

As per the citation, the employer failed to ensure that employees were provided a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious injury or death. It allowed ill employee to remain at work so as to maintain production needs. Also, the inspection at the site found that the employer did not take necessary action to prevent ill employees from entering the workplace.

Furthermore, the employer failed to ensure that work-related fatalities and inpatient hospitalizations were reported to Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) with eight hours, as is required by the standard.

WestRock has 15 working days from the date of receipt of citation to appeal to the Assistant Director of DOSH.

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