Florence, S.C., September 25, 2025
News Summary
OSHA is investigating two separate incidents at the WestRock facility in Florence, where two employees sustained burns. One worker required surgery after being sent to a specialized burn center. The incidents occurred within a month of each other, with one reported recently and another on September 16. WestRock is cooperating with the ongoing OSHA probe, which aims to evaluate workplace safety regulations and conditions leading to these accidents.
Florence, S.C. – The South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating two separate workplace incidents that occurred at the WestRock facility located on Paper Mill Road in Florence. The investigation was initiated following reports that two employees sustained burns in these incidents, which occurred within the last month, with one incident reported as recently as this week and the other dating back to September 16.
According to information released by the South Carolina Department of Labor, one of the injured workers was taken to a specialized burn center for treatment and required surgical intervention due to the severity of his injuries. The details surrounding the nature of both incidents are still being analyzed as part of the ongoing OSHA investigation.
Robby Johnson, the Director of External Communications for Smurfit WestRock, confirmed the company’s awareness of the incidents and stated they are cooperating with OSHA throughout the investigation process. However, the timeline for the completion of OSHA’s investigation remains uncertain at this time.
Workplace safety continues to be a significant concern, especially in industrial settings like paper manufacturing, where employees may face risks associated with machinery, chemicals, and high-temperature processes. OSHA’s investigation focuses on identifying any potential violations of safety regulations that may have contributed to these two burn incidents.
Background context indicates that WestRock operates numerous facilities across the United States, providing paper and packaging solutions. The company’s emphasis on safety protocols is a critical aspect of their operations, aiming to ensure a safe working environment for their employees. However, incidents such as those reported in Florence underscore the challenges of maintaining workplace safety in high-risk industries.
OSHA serves to protect workers by enforcing safety and health regulations across various workplaces. Their investigations typically evaluate the conditions leading to accidents and can result in recommendations for improved safety measures or penalties for non-compliance.
As the investigation progresses, more information is anticipated regarding how these incidents occurred and what steps WestRock will be taking to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What incidents prompted the OSHA investigation?
OSHA is investigating two separate incidents where two employees were burned at the WestRock facility in Florence.
When did these incidents occur?
One incident occurred this week, while the other took place on September 16.
What injuries were reported?
One employee was treated at a burn center and required surgery for his injuries.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, OSHA is actively investigating the incidents, and the timeline for completion has not been determined.
What is WestRock’s response to the incidents?
WestRock is cooperating with OSHA’s investigation and has confirmed their awareness of the incidents.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | WestRock facility, Florence, S.C. |
| Incidents | Two unrelated workplace burn incidents |
| Injuries | Two men, one requiring surgery |
| Investigating Body | South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| Timeline for Investigation | Unknown at this time |
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News: OSHA Investigation at WestRock
- Wikipedia: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- WPDE News: WestRock OSHA Investigation
- Google Search: Burn Injuries in the Workplace
- WPDE News: Employee Burn Incident at WestRock
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workplace Safety
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
