OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
(UI) — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued new citations against Sound Construction Inc., proposing more than $1.2 million in penalties after a follow-up inspection found continued violations related to trenching and excavation safety at a Connecticut jobsite.
The enforcement action follows a December 2023 workplace fatality at a New Canaan site, where OSHA cited the Easton-based concrete and earthwork contractor for two willful and five serious violations tied to excavation hazards. As part of a settlement, the company agreed to submit monthly lists of active worksites and allow OSHA to conduct random inspections to verify compliance with trenching and excavation standards.
During a follow-up inspection on June 12, 2025, OSHA inspectors observed conditions at a Stamford site that the agency said showed continued noncompliance. According to OSHA, inspectors identified seven willful and four serious violations, including failures to properly train workers on trench hazards, provide adequate cave-in protection, conduct daily excavation inspections, install trench shields correctly, and backfill shields to prevent hazardous movement.
OSHA proposed $1,224,798 in penalties related to the follow-up inspection.
Under federal rules, the employer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted as the case proceeds.
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