OSHA Cites Florida Tank Contractor After Worker Dies in Confined Space Incident -- Occupational Health & Safety

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 is the content editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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