Hydrogen sulfide gas was identified as the toxin that led to the death of an employee at a truck washing company in Liberal, Kansas, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The incident also resulted in two other workers being hospitalized as they were cleaning tanker trailers for the company.

The Department of Labor news release reported that the accident occurred on September 1, 2023, at Red Barn Truck Wash & Service Center LLC. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the Department of Labor, stated that the company violated two regulations by failing to adequately assess risks within the tanker trailers and not properly training workers about associated risks when working in confined spaces and testing atmospheric conditions. OSHA has issued a fine of $171,680 for 24 serious and two willful infringements.

"Wherever organic matter such as crops and other materials are stored, hydrogen sulfide may be present as a natural byproduct. Workers must never enter storage facilities, tankers or other confined spaces without doing atmospheric testing and wearing protective equipment such as respirators capable of preventing inhalation of this colorless and toxic gas," said Todd Underwood, OSHA Area Director in Wichita, Kansas. "Red Barn Truck Wash & Service Center must implement procedures and training immediately to protect its employees from these preventable injuries."

According to the news release, investigators found that Red Barn Truck Wash did not have proper hearing and respiratory protection programs and exposed employees to fall risks when washing trailers up to nine feet high. Furthermore, it was discovered that the company had repeatedly violated OSHA's confined space regulations.

OSHA provides guidelines on confined space safety, hearing conservation, and respiratory protection for employers to ensure employee safety. The company now has 15 business days to comply with the fine or appeal to an independent government committee for a review of the findings.