OSHA cites Horizon Biofuels nearly $150K for willful safety violations

OSHA cited Horizon Biofuels Inc. last week for willful and serious safety violations after a deadly combustible dust explosion at the company's Fremont, Nebraska facility in July 2025.

The agency initiated its investigation July 29, 2025, following the explosion that killed Dylan D. Danielson and his two daughters Fayeah and Hayven, who were visiting him at work before a doctor’s appointment.

OSHA cited Horizon Biofuels for violations including combustible dust buildup, failure to ensure equipment within the facility was protected from creating an ignition source, and lack of fall protection for employees working at heights greater than four feet. The citations carry $147,542 in proposed penalties.

Previous citations for dust accumulation, respirators, equipment use

OSHA cited the facility in 2012, and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) cited it again in 2025 for issues with combustible dust accumulation and escape, respirators, lockout-tagout, forklift training, and hazardous chemical handling.

Horizon Biofuels has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC). Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is also investigating the explosion.