OSHA Cites Construction Contractor for Willful Violations
On April 1, OSHA cited Revoli Construction Co. Inc, a Massachusetts-based water and sewer line construction contractor, for willfully and repeatedly exposing workers to safety hazards in a trench collapse in November 2025.
That collapse claimed the life of an employee and seriously injured another at a Yarmouth worksite.
The investigation into the Nov. 18, 2025, incident found that workers from Revoli Construction Co. Inc. were removing sandy soil and installing steel plates outside of a trench. While working, the backfilled sand collapsed, trapping two workers in the trench. One worker was engulfed and sustained fatal injuries.
The agency cited the employer with seven willful citations, 33 repeat, and 17 serious violations for:
- Failing to provide workers with a safe way to exit the trench.
- Lack of adequate cave-in protection.
- Having unsupported underground utilities.
- Maintaining spoil piles within two feet of an excavation.
- Neglecting to install a shoring system per the design.
- Using a damaged protective system.
- Exposing employees to numerous electrical and fall hazards.
In total, the agency assessed Revoli Construction Co. Inc. $4,699,362 in proposed penalties to address the violations.
"Through our trench safety initiatives, the Department of Labor remains committed to ensuring every worker returns home safe at the end of the day," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, in a statement.
"We will continue holding employers accountable and providing resources dedicated to hazard training and required engineering controls to put a stop to these preventable tragedies.”
Learn more about OSHA, including how to protect employees engaged in trenching and excavation work. OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation addresses the agency’s efforts to identify and reduce hazards which are causing or likely to cause serious injuries and fatalities during trenching and excavation operations. Employers can contact the agency for free compliance assistance and resources.