OSHA Cites Florida Tank Contractor After Worker Dies in Confined Space Incident
Federal investigators issued 12 serious violations to a petroleum tank services contractor after a worker died from toxic chemical exposure inside a fuel storage tank at a Lake Worth jobsite.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Mar 04, 2026
Federal safety officials have cited a Florida-based petroleum tank services contractor following the death of a worker who was exposed to toxic chemicals inside a fuel storage tank at a Lake Worth jobsite in July 2025.
OSHA issued 12 serious violations to PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc., alleging the company failed to implement a required permit-confined space entry program and did not properly evaluate atmospheric hazards before allowing entry into the tank.
OSHA proposed $60,242 in penalties. The company has contested the citations before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, where the findings and penalties will be reviewed.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.