Contractor Repeatedly Endangers Workers with Cave-In and Excavation Risks: OSHA Findings

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has once again taken action against an Easton, Connecticut-based concrete and earthwork contractor for willfully neglecting to safeguard its workers from cave-in and excavation hazards. This latest citation highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety in the construction industry.

Following a recent follow-up inspection, OSHA has proposed fines exceeding $1.2 million against Sound Construction Inc. for multiple willful violations. This significant penalty underscores the seriousness of the infractions discovered during the inspection.

In December 2023, OSHA officials responded to a tragic workplace fatality at a New Canaan site, which resulted in the death of a worker. This incident prompted an investigation that led to the employer being cited for two willful and five serious violations. As part of a settlement agreement, the owner was required to submit monthly lists of active worksites and permit OSHA to conduct random inspections to ensure compliance with trenching and excavation safety standards.

On June 12, 2025, OSHA initiated an inspection at a Sound Construction site located in Stamford. The inspection revealed seven willful and four serious violations related to excavation hazards. OSHA inspectors reported that the employer failed to adequately train workers on unsafe trenching and excavation practices, did not provide sufficient protection against cave-ins, neglected to conduct daily excavation inspections, and failed to adhere to trench shield installation standards. Additionally, there was a lack of backfilling of shields to prevent hazardous movement.

As a result of these findings, OSHA proposed penalties totaling $1,224,798 for the violations identified during the follow-up inspection. This substantial fine reflects the agency’s commitment to enforcing safety regulations and protecting workers in high-risk environments.

Sound Construction has 15 business days to either comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before OSHA’s independent review commission. It is important to note that penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the case process, depending on the outcomes of any appeals or negotiations.

Source: OSHA

Topics
Workers’ Compensation
Contractors

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has once again taken action against an Easton, Connecticut-based concrete and earthwork contractor for willfully neglecting to safeguard its workers from cave-in and excavation hazards. This latest citation highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety in the construction industry.

Following a recent follow-up inspection, OSHA has proposed fines exceeding $1.2 million against Sound Construction Inc. for multiple willful violations. This significant penalty underscores the seriousness of the infractions discovered during the inspection.

In December 2023, OSHA officials responded to a tragic workplace fatality at a New Canaan site, which resulted in the death of a worker. This incident prompted an investigation that led to the employer being cited for two willful and five serious violations. As part of a settlement agreement, the owner was required to submit monthly lists of active worksites and permit OSHA to conduct random inspections to ensure compliance with trenching and excavation safety standards.

On June 12, 2025, OSHA initiated an inspection at a Sound Construction site located in Stamford. The inspection revealed seven willful and four serious violations related to excavation hazards. OSHA inspectors reported that the employer failed to adequately train workers on unsafe trenching and excavation practices, did not provide sufficient protection against cave-ins, neglected to conduct daily excavation inspections, and failed to adhere to trench shield installation standards. Additionally, there was a lack of backfilling of shields to prevent hazardous movement.

As a result of these findings, OSHA proposed penalties totaling $1,224,798 for the violations identified during the follow-up inspection. This substantial fine reflects the agency’s commitment to enforcing safety regulations and protecting workers in high-risk environments.

Sound Construction has 15 business days to either comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before OSHA’s independent review commission. It is important to note that penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the case process, depending on the outcomes of any appeals or negotiations.

Source: OSHA

Topics
Workers’ Compensation
Contractors