OSHA Proposes $1.2M Fine Against Easton Contractor After Repeat Violations

EASTON, CT — Federal workplace safety officials have proposed more than $1.2 million in penalties against Sound Construction Inc., an Easton-based concrete and earthwork contractor, following a follow-up inspection that found repeated violations related to trenching and excavation hazards.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the company willfully failed to protect workers from cave-ins and other excavation dangers. OSHA cited the employer after a June 12, 2025, inspection at a Sound Construction work site in Stamford, issuing seven willful and four serious violations.

The inspection followed a December 2023 investigation into a workplace fatality at a New Canaan site that resulted in the death of a Sound Construction worker. After that incident, OSHA cited the company for two willful and five serious violations. The agency also entered into a settlement agreement requiring the company’s owner to submit monthly lists of active work sites and allow random OSHA inspections to monitor compliance with trenching and excavation safety standards.
During the Stamford inspection, OSHA said inspectors found the company failed to train workers on trenching and excavation hazards, provide adequate protection from cave-ins, conduct required daily excavation inspections, follow trench shield installation standards, and properly backfill shields to prevent hazardous movement.

OSHA proposed $1,224,798 in penalties related to the violations identified in the follow-up inspection.

The company has 15 business days from receiving the citations to comply with the requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA said penalties and citations may be adjusted as the case proceeds.

The agency said information on trenching and excavation safety standards, hazard recognition and compliance assistance resources is available through OSHA.