Massachusetts-based water and sewer line construction contractor

OSHA cited the contractor with 7 willful violations (the most serious category) and 33 repeat violations, indicating a pattern of non-compliance with safety standards. While the specific penalty amount wasn't listed in the press release summary, willful violations can carry penalties of up to 61,323 per violation. The company faces significant fines and must correct all cited hazards before resuming similar work.

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor cited a Massachusetts-based water and sewer line construction contractor for willfully and repeatedly exposing workers to safety hazards in a trench collapse that killed one employee and seriously injured another at a Yarmouth worksite in November 2025. OSHA found 7 willful and 33 repeat violations.

Violation Details

The fatal incident occurred when workers were excavating a trench without proper protective systems in place. OSHA investigators determined the contractor failed to implement required trench safety measures including adequate sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding. The company also failed to provide proper training on trenching hazards, didn't conduct daily inspections of the excavation site, and allowed employees to work in an unprotected trench. These violations represented a willful disregard for worker safety.

Outcome

OSHA cited the contractor with 7 willful violations (the most serious category) and 33 repeat violations, indicating a pattern of non-compliance with safety standards. While the specific penalty amount wasn't listed in the press release summary, willful violations can carry penalties of up to 61,323 per violation. The company faces significant fines and must correct all cited hazards before resuming similar work.