Federal Investigators Cite Three Companies After Gas Exposure Kills Six Workers
OSHA proposed more than $246,000 in penalties following a fatal hydrogen sulfide release at a Colorado dairy.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Feb 25, 2026
Federal safety investigators have cited three companies after six workers died from hazardous gas exposure at a Weld County dairy farm last summer.
OSHA launched an investigation into Prospect Ranch LLC following an Aug. 20, 2025, incident involving a manure management system. According to investigators, a pipe in the system disconnected, releasing manure water and toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.
The investigation found that a Prospect Ranch employee and a worker from contractor Fiske Inc. initially attempted to stop the flow but were overcome by the gas. Four additional workers—three from Fiske Inc. and one from Prospect Ranch—entered the pump room in an attempt to assist and were also killed. Employees from a second contractor, HD Builders LLC, were on-site during the incident but were not injured.
OSHA cited Prospect Ranch LLC for serious violations, including failure to protect employees from atmospheric hazards and lack of a written hazard communication program. The agency also noted the company failed to train workers on methods to detect hazardous gases. OSHA proposed $132,406 in penalties for the dairy.
Fiske Inc. faces $99,306 in proposed penalties for serious violations related to hazardous atmosphere protection and a failure to provide hydrogen sulfide detection training. HD Builders LLC was cited for failing to maintain a written hazard communication program and failing to provide gas detection training, resulting in $14,897 in proposed fines.
The companies have 15 business days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.