“Keeping workers safe at work is our top priority,” said Gov. Bob Ferguson. “We continue to grieve with the families and loved ones of those killed in the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern Washington state history. My team is proactively working to ensure employers are identifying and addressing any potential risks that exist at similar sites.”

Three active kraft pulp and paper mills in Washington
The Nippon Dynawave mill uses caustic chemical compounds, including one known as white liquor, to break down wood into pulp for paper product manufacturing in a process known as kraft pulping. In addition to Nippon, there are two other active paper mills in the state that use the same process. One, run by Smurfit Westrock, is also in Longview. The other, run by Port Townsend Paper Company, is in Port Townsend.

Under the Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act, employers are required to assess hazards on their work site, including those involving storage tanks and handling hazardous chemicals. They must then take effective steps to control those hazards.

L&I Director Joel Sacks said, “These investigations and our targeted enforcement program are precautionary, proactive steps for worker safety at Washington’s paper mills.”

L&I’s inspections will focus on whether these mills are following the requirements. Investigators will review, among other things:

• tank maintenance, inspection, testing, and open repair items;
• relevant Environmental Protection Agency or Washington Dept. of Ecology reports including records of any spills or breaches that impact workers;
• written procedures for the operation and maintenance of the tanks to ensure worker safety; and,
• injuries or near misses for employees and contractors working around the tanks.

Like the inspection at Nippon Dynawave, these could take up to six months, and results of the investigations will be published when that work is complete.

Information on the tank failure and the investigation are available on the L&I response page.

Targeted enforcement program to also inspect safety at Washington’s non-kraft paper mills
In addition to inspections at the three kraft pulp and paper mills, L&I is also starting a targeted enforcement program to conduct similar inspections into chemical use and storage at non-kraft paper mills in Washington.

The department has identified seven pulp and paper mills that do not use the kraft process. The enforcement program will run through February 2027 to give inspectors enough time to conduct inspections.  

Inspections process and timeline
Inspections begin with an opening conference with the employer and worker representatives. L&I reviews relevant records, including safety plans, hazard assessments, training documentation, and more. Then investigators conduct interviews and physical inspections.

In a closing conference, L&I shares findings with the employer and worker representatives to make clear what the employer needs to do to correct any issues, and on what timeline. Based on the findings, L&I may cite and fine employers for violations of workplace safety and health requirements.

Businesses then have 15 working days from receiving the citations to initiate an appeal.