OSHA Cites 3 Companies After 6 Worker Deaths from Gas Exposure
Summary
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Prospect Ranch LLC, Fiske Inc., and HD Builders for serious violations following the deaths of six workers due to hazardous gas exposure at a Colorado dairy farm. The companies face proposed penalties totaling over $246,000.
What changed
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed penalties to Prospect Ranch LLC, Fiske Inc., and HD Builders following an investigation into the deaths of six workers from hazardous gas exposure at Prospect Ranch in Weld County, Colorado. The incident occurred when a pipe in the manure management system disconnected, releasing hydrogen sulfide gas. OSHA cited Prospect Ranch LLC for serious violations related to atmospheric hazards and hazard communication, proposing $132,406 in penalties. Fiske Inc. was cited for similar violations, with proposed penalties of $99,306, and HD Builders faces $14,897 in penalties for hazard communication and training violations.
These citations represent a significant enforcement action by OSHA, highlighting the critical need for robust safety protocols in agricultural and contracting environments. The cited companies have 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 comply or contest within the specified timeframe will result in the penalties becoming final. Regulated entities, particularly those in agricultural operations and construction, should review their hazard communication programs, atmospheric hazard controls, and worker training procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
What to do next
- Review and update hazard communication programs to include detection of hazardous gases like hydrogen sulfide.
- Implement or enhance training for employees on identifying and responding to atmospheric hazards.
- Ensure proper procedures are in place for work on or near manure management systems and other potentially hazardous infrastructure.
Penalties
Prospect Ranch LLC faces $132,406; Fiske Inc. faces $99,306; HD Builders faces $14,897. Penalties may be adjusted.
Source document (simplified)
News Release
US Department of Labor cites 3 companies after hazardous gas exposure fatally injures workers at Colorado dairy farm
DENVER – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited three companies after its investigation determined workers died after exposure to hazardous gas at Prospect Ranch in Weld County, Colorado.
OSHA’s investigation found that on August 20, 2025, a pipe in the manure management system at Prospect Ranch LLC disconnected, releasing manure water and hydrogen sulfide gas. Contractors Fiske Inc. and HD Builders LLC were hired to perform work on the system. A Fiske employee and a Prospect Ranch employee attempted to stop the flow but were overcome by the gas. Subsequently, three more Fiske employees and one Prospect Ranch employee entered the pump room, which led to the loss of a total of six workers. HD Builders employees were present but unharmed.
OSHA cited Prospect Ranch LLC for serious violations including failure to protect workers from atmospheric hazards, have a written hazard communication program and train workers on methods to detect hazardous gases. The company faces $132,406 in proposed penalties.
The agency also cited Fiske Inc. for serious violations including failure to protect employees from hazardous atmospheres, and failure to provide hydrogen sulfide detection training. OSHA proposed $99,306 in penalties. HD Builders was cited for violations including failure to have a written hazard communication program and failure to provide training on detecting hydrogen sulfide for which OSHA proposed a $14,897 penalty.
The companies have 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.
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 24, 2026 Release Number 26-285-DEN Media Contact: OPA West Media Email OPA-West-Media@dol.gov Share This
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