The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has once again cited Sound Construction Inc., a contractor based in Easton, Connecticut, for failing to protect workers from cave-in and excavation hazards. This follows a follow-up inspection that led to the proposal of over $1.2 million in fines.
The issue traces back to December 2023 when OSHA responded to a workplace fatality at a New Canaan site, where a worker from Sound Construction Inc. lost their life. The investigation resulted in citations for two willful and five serious violations. A settlement agreement was reached requiring the company owner to submit monthly lists of active worksites and allow random inspections by OSHA.
On June 12, 2025, OSHA conducted an inspection at another site operated by Sound Construction in Stamford. This inspection revealed seven willful and four serious violations concerning excavation hazards. Inspectors noted failures such as inadequate worker training on trenching dangers, insufficient protection against cave-ins, lack of daily inspections, improper trench shield installations, and failure to backfill shields adequately.
OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $1,224,798 for these violations. The employer now has 15 business days from receiving the citations to comply with them, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties may be adjusted during this process.
For updates on inspection or penalty status changes, stakeholders are advised to periodically check the OSHA establishment search page at https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/establishment.html. Additionally, information about trenching and excavation safety standards can be found in OSHA’s Trenching and Excavation Safety fact sheet available at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/trench/trench_safety_tips_card.pdf.
Employers seeking compliance assistance can contact OSHA for resources and free help regarding standards adherence.
