The U.S. Department of Labor announced on March 3 that it has cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc., a Land O’ Lakes-based petroleum tank services contractor, after an employee was fatally exposed to benzene and toluene at a Lake Worth worksite in July 2025.
Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the company with 12 serious violations. These included failing to develop and implement a written permit-required space entry program, not ensuring authorized employees were aware of hazards and symptoms of exposure, allowing entry into confined spaces without atmospheric evaluation or required permits, lacking a written respiratory program for workers using full-face respirators, and not implementing a hazard communication program for chemical exposures.
OSHA proposed $60,242 in penalties for these violations. The agency said that PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. has contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted during the case process.
Employers are encouraged to review OSHA’s resources on chemical hazards, toxic substances, respiratory hazards, and compliance assistance programs. The department also provides free help to employers seeking guidance on OSHA standards.
On August 24, 2022, the Department of Labor announced $3.4 million Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants administered by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Phoenix, Arizona has been awarded $542,358 through the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation as reported by the Department of Labor.
Further information about this case can be found on the official roster page.
