OSHA Cites Contractor $60,242 Penalties After Worker Death

DOL News Releases

Filed March 3rd, 2026

Detected March 5th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. for 12 serious violations following a worker's fatal exposure to toxic chemicals. The agency proposed $60,242 in penalties.

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What changed

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. with 12 serious violations and proposed $60,242 in penalties after a worker died from exposure to benzene and toluene while entering a fuel storage tank. The violations include failing to implement a permit-required confined space entry program, ensure hazard awareness for employees entering the space, conduct atmospheric evaluations, or have a written respiratory program. The company is contesting the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers in industries involving confined space entry and chemical exposure must ensure robust safety programs are in place, including written hazard communication and respiratory protection programs, and that employees are trained on hazards and emergency procedures. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, especially in cases involving fatalities. Companies should review their confined space entry protocols and hazard communication plans to prevent similar incidents.

What to do next

Review and update confined space entry programs to include written permit-required procedures.
Ensure all employees authorized to enter confined spaces are trained on specific hazards and exposure symptoms.
Implement or revise written hazard communication and respiratory protection programs for chemical exposures.

Penalties

$60,242 in proposed penalties

Source document (simplified)

News Release

US Department of Labor cites Florida petroleum tank services contractor after worker succumbs to injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals

LAKE WORTH, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Land O’ Lakes-based petroleum tank services contractor for exposing workers to chemical and respiratory hazards after an employee was fatally exposed to benzene and toluene when they entered a fuel storage tank at a Lake Worth worksite in July 2025.

Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. with 12 serious violations for failing to develop and implement a written permit-required space entry program, ensure those authorized to enter the space knew the hazards, and signs or symptoms of exposure.

The agency also cited the employer for allowing employees to enter a confined space without an atmospheric evaluation or a required permit, not having a written respiratory program for workers required to wear full-face respirators, and not implementing a hazard communication program when exposed to chemicals.

OSHA proposed $60,242 in penalties.

PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. has contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

Learn more about OSHA, including chemical hazards and toxic substances, respiratory hazards and how the agency regulates worker exposure to chemicals. Employers may 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 March 3, 2026 Release Number 26-108-ATL Media Contact: Eric R. Lucero Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email lucero.eric.r@dol.gov Media Contact: Erika Ruthman Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov Media Contact: Juan Rodriguez Phone Number 972-850-4709 Email rodriguez.juan@dol.gov Share This
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