AF&PA and Northwest Pulp & Paper Association respond to Chemical Safety Board update

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association (NWPPA) issued a joint statement following the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s update on the May 26 incident in Longview, Washington.

The two industry associations described the Chemical Safety Board’s update as an important step toward understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident and said they were carefully reviewing the preliminary findings while awaiting the Board’s final conclusions and recommendations.

“The Chemical Safety Board’s update is an important step toward understanding the May 26 incident in Longview. We are reviewing the preliminary findings carefully and respect the investigative process as the Board develops its final findings and recommendations.

AF&PA and NWPPA reiterated that safety remains the highest priority for the pulp and paper industry, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation among companies, employees, labor partners and safety professionals to strengthen prevention measures and protect both workers and surrounding communities.

“Safety remains our industry’s highest priority. Together with our members, labor partners and safety professionals, we are focused on continued learning, prevention and safety practices that help protect employees and surrounding communities. We support efforts that ensure an accurate understanding of what happened to identify measures that can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”

The associations concluded their statement by expressing continued support for those affected by the incident: “Our thoughts remain with the families, co-workers and the entire Longview community affected by this tragedy.