Worker killed by toxic gas; fertilizer manufacturer fined $394K

Worker killed by toxic gas; fertilizer manufacturer fined $394K

March 12, 2025
The incident occurred in June 2024 when a 56-year-old worker was attempting to clean out a tanker truck with a hose.

An investigation conducted by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has determined that Two Rivers Terminal LLC could have prevented the death of one of its workers. The company, which manufactures fertilizer, has a history of safety violations and putting employees at risk. The incident occurred in June 2024 when a 56-year-old worker was attempting to clean out a tanker truck with a hose. According to L&I, the fertilizer residue inside the tank created hydrogen sulfide gas that killed him.

When the incident occurred, Two Rivers Terminal was in the process of appealing two safety citations issued by L&I in 2022 and 2023 totaling $672,320. The company has been cited for 96 serious and 43 general violations over the past three years and is part of L&I’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. 

During its most recent inspection, L&I cited the company for three willful serious, five repeat serious, and three serious violations. These violations include:

Allowing a worker to enter a permit-required confined space without air monitoring, attendants, ventilation, PPE, or a way to communicate
Not training workers in chemical hazards or on working in confined spaces

Two Rivers Terminal now faces an additional $394,200 in fines. 

What people are saying

In a recent quote, Craig Blackwood, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said, “This incident is heartbreaking and frustrating. Mr. Voloshin’s death was completely preventable. Two Rivers Terminal continues to ignore the safety rules despite being fined over and over again,” said Blackwood. “We hope this significant fine will motivate them to do the right thing to protect their workers.” 

Industrial safety incidents

Wood products manufacturer fined over £1M after 2 workers suffer severe injuries less than 6 months apart
“This is the second time in five years this company has been handed a large fine for failing to protect workers."

Stone manufacturer fined £18K for repeatedly exposing workers to respirable crystalline silica
The company was initially served with seven improvement notices, but when the HSE conducted a follow-up inspection in September 2023, five of the improvement notices had still not been addressed.

Manufacturer fined £4K for repeatedly exposing workers to wood dust 
The company was inspected by the HSE three times over a 12-year period. 

Learn more about industrial safety

Holistic, Multi-Faceted Safety Training is Best Practice
A culture that encourages interactive feedback and has a long-term view of training will be successful says Maria DeLorenzis Reyes.

Are We on the Right Path to Make America Safe Again?
Investing in safety is the surest way for companies to be productive and profitable.

What Changes Will Happen with OSHA?
An analysis of the regulatory climate and advice on how companies can manage the changes. 

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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