Temporary employment agency fined in Tavares Blue Rhino explosion

TAVARES, Fla. – The temporary employment agency that provided workers to the Tavares Blue Rhino propane plant has reportedly paid more than $3,000 to settle a federal labor complaint in last year's explosion and fire.

Fort Lauderdale-based Custom Driven Staffing was accused of failing to provide temporary workers with training on the hazardous materials they handled at the plant.

Eight people were injured in the July 2013 blast, including several who suffered critical burns. All were released from the hospital. No criminal charges were filed in the explosion and the cause of the fire was ruled as accidental.

The temporary employment agency was also cited for not reviewing Blue Rhino's emergency-action plan with the workers, racking up nearly $3,400 in fines.