OSHA fines Sound Construction $1.2 million for repeat safety violations

OSHA recently proposed more than $1.2 million in fines on Sound Construction Inc. after a follow-up inspection uncovered numerous willful violations.

The agency cited the Easton, Connecticut-based concrete and earthwork contractor for willfully failing to protect workers from cave-in and excavation hazards.

Employee crushed, suffocated in trench collapse

In 2023, OSHA officials responded to a fatality at a New Canaan worksite that killed a Sound Construction worker.

At 10:35 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2023, a foreman was working for a sewer and water line installation contractor. He was working in an unprotected trench at an approximate depth of 12 feet.

The foreman was struck by an unprotected excavation trench wall and was partially buried within the trench at a depth greater than 12 feet. He suffered bodily crushing injuries and asphyxiation, leading to his death.

As a result of that investigation, OSHA cited Sound Construction for five serious and two willful violations totaling $394,083, later reduced to $60,000.

Violations included failure to train employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions, failure to have utility lines marked prior to digging, and working in a trench with an excavator position at the edge with no restraining devices.

OSHA also entered into a settlement agreement requiring Sound Construction to submit monthly lists of active worksites and allow OSHA to randomly inspect them to determine trenching and excavation safety standard compliance.

Repeat training, protection, inspection, shield violations

On June 12, 2025, OSHA initiated an inspection at a Sound Construction site in Stamford, citing the employer for seven willful and four serious violations related to excavation hazards.

Inspectors found the employer failed to train workers on unsafe trenching and excavation hazards, provide adequate protection from cave-ins, require daily excavation inspections, follow trench shield installation standards, and backfill shields to prevent hazardous movement.

OSHA proposed $1,224,798 in penalties for violations found during the follow-up inspection.

Sound Construction has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC).

Trenching and Excavation Safety best practices

OSHA offers resources to help businesses develop an adequate workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

OSHA’s Trenching and Excavation Safety fact sheet includes information on standard requirements, hazard recognition, and controlling worker exposure to hazards commonly associated with the construction industry.