OSHA investigates death at International Paper

Jorg Borowski,  a 57-year-old member of the maintenance team at the Ticonderoga, New York paper mill, died on Friday January 23. 

He incurred fatal injuries while performing work in the facility’s Power Plant. 

OSHA told FoodProductionDaily that its area office in Albany, New York is investigating.

“We initiated an inspection on Friday, January 23 based on a report of a severe burn injury. The injured employee subsequently died of his wounds,”​ said a spokesperson.

“At this time, it is premature to speculate or comment on the cause of the incident.”​

Investigation process​

OSHA said representatives visited the site to start an inspection after the incident.

“Generally, when a compliance officer enters a worksite to conduct an inspection, he/she holds an opening conference with the employer to explain the reason for the inspection. ​

“The inspector then walks through the worksite to look at factors that may have contributed to the incident, takes photographs and talks to staff. After the walk-through or inspection, the compliance officer discusses findings with the employer.”​

OSHA said it does not have the authority to shut down a business.

“The investigation will focus on what led to the fatality and whether the employer had measures in place to prevent this from occurring. ​

“OSHA has six months to complete the investigation. Once completed, more information will be available.”​        

International Paper response​

A spokeswoman from International Paper told us that the incident investigation is ongoing, involving internal resources and OSHA.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss. Jorg was a valued and respected member of the Ticonderoga mill family.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, friends and mill team members.” ​

There are 620 employees at the Ticonderoga mill and the mill produces 850 tons of paper daily. 

OSHA added it has open investigations at several other International Paper locations, including one that followed a fatality at a plant in Georgia.

Maintenance worker Ricky Salter died in August last year.