OSHA cites contractor after worker exposure to toxic chemicals

OSHA News Releases

Filed March 3rd, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. for 12 serious violations after a worker was fatally exposed to benzene and toluene. 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 following a fatal incident where a worker was exposed to benzene and toluene while entering a fuel storage tank. The citations include failures in developing and implementing a permit-required space entry program, ensuring hazard awareness, conducting atmospheric evaluations, and maintaining a written respiratory program. OSHA has proposed $60,242 in penalties.

This enforcement action highlights critical safety lapses in confined space entry and chemical hazard management. PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. has contested the findings, meaning penalties and citations may be adjusted. Regulated entities, particularly those in the petroleum services and construction industries, should review their confined space entry procedures, hazard communication programs, and respiratory protection protocols to ensure compliance and prevent similar incidents. Failure to comply with OSHA standards can result in significant penalties.

What to do next

Review and update confined space entry programs to include written permit-required space entry procedures.
Ensure all employees authorized to enter confined spaces are trained on identified hazards and symptoms of exposure.
Implement a comprehensive hazard communication program for all chemicals present in the workplace.

Penalties

$60,242 in proposed penalties

Source document (simplified)

Notice: Information in some news releases may not reflect the current or final status of a case, including, but not limited to, the penalty amount(s) or classification(s).

OSHA News Release - Atlanta Region

U.S. Department of Labor
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.

March 3, 2026

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.