BAILEYVILLE – A paper mill is contesting nearly $800,000 in fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which accused the company of inadequate safety equipment and training for its employees.

OSHA announced its decision and fines to Woodland Pulp on July 30. The company has been under scrutiny after an incident in January where two employees died due to exposure to toxic gas.

“Woodland Pulp received four willful citations for exposing workers to deadly hydrogen sulfide gas levels without proper alarms or breathing devices and allowing overflow wood pulp to build up in storage areas,” OSHA wrote. “The employer also received eight serious citations for lack of worker training on hydrogen peroxide risks; failure to conduct medical evaluations and fit tests for respirator users; and neglecting to label chlorine and acid lines, or control hydrogen sulfide exposure risks.”

The OSHA statement indicated it had also investigated a chemical fire there in March, as well as a 2017 incident where 14 employees were taken to the hospital for chemical exposure.

OSHA officials confirmed Friday that Woodland Pulp was contesting the fines, meaning the case now goes before OSHA’s review commission.

Woodland Pulp officials could not be reached for comment.