US Department of Labor cites Connecticut earthwork contractor for continued violations after follow-up inspection, proposes $1.2M fine

News Release

US Department of Labor cites Connecticut earthwork contractor for continued violations after follow-up inspection, proposes $1.2M fine

BRIDGEPORT, CT - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has again cited an Easton concrete and earthwork contractor for willfully failing to protect workers from cave-in and excavation hazards and proposed more than $1.2 million in fines after a follow-up inspection uncovered numerous willful violations.

In December 2023, OSHA officials responded to a workplace fatality at a New Canaan worksite that claimed the life of a Sound Construction Inc. worker. As a result of that investigation, OSHA cited the employer for two willful and five serious violations and entered into a settlement agreement requiring the owner to submit monthly lists of active worksites and allow OSHA to randomly inspect them to determine trenching and excavation safety standard compliance.

On June 12, 2025, OSHA initiated an inspection at a Sound Construction site in Stamford and cited 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 in the follow-up inspection.

The employer 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. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

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 industry. Employers can contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.