OSHA Cites Horizon Biofuels for Safety Violations After Fatal Explosion
Summary
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Horizon Biofuels Inc. for willful and serious safety violations following a fatal explosion at their Fremont, NE facility. The company faces proposed penalties of $147,542 for issues including combustible dust, ignition source protection, and lack of fall protection.
What changed
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed penalties totaling $147,542 to Horizon Biofuels Inc. following a fatal explosion at their Fremont, Nebraska facility in July 2025. The citations include willful and serious violations related to combustible dust, failure to protect equipment from ignition sources, and inadequate fall protection for employees working at heights.
Horizon Biofuels has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Failure to address these violations could result in adjusted penalties. This enforcement action highlights the critical need for employers to maintain robust safety protocols, particularly concerning combustible dust and fall hazards, to prevent catastrophic incidents and ensure worker safety.
What to do next
- Review and address cited safety violations regarding combustible dust, ignition sources, and fall protection.
- Evaluate current safety protocols to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
- Consult with OSHA or compliance assistance resources for guidance on implementing necessary safety measures.
Penalties
$147,542 in proposed penalties
Source document (simplified)
News Release
US Department of Labor cites Horizon Biofuels for willful, serious safety violations after deadly explosion in July 2025
FREMONT, NE - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Horizon Biofuels Inc. for willful and serious safety violations after a deadly explosion at the company’s Fremont facility in July 2025.An investigation was initiated on July 29, 2025, following the explosion that caused fatal injuries to a worker. OSHA cited Horizon Biofuels for violations including combustible dust buildup, failure to ensure equipment within the facility was protected from creating an ignition source and lack of fall protection for employees working at heights greater than four feet. The citations carry $147,542 in proposed penalties.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.
Learn more about OSHA and combustible dust safety standards. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.
Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date February 10, 2026 Release Number 26-170-DAL Media Contact: OPA West Media Email OPA-West-Media@dol.gov Share This
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