The U.S. Department of Labor has issued multiple citations and proposed millions in penalties against a Massachusetts-based contractor following a fatal trench collapse in Yarmouth that exposed serious safety failures.
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that Revoli Construction Co. Inc. willfully and repeatedly failed to protect workers during excavation operations, resulting in a deadly incident in November 2025.
According to OSHA’s investigation, the incident occurred on Nov. 18, 2025, while workers were engaged in trench-related work involving sandy soil and steel plate installation. During operations, the backfilled sand suddenly collapsed, trapping two workers inside the trench.
One worker was completely engulfed and later died from the injuries sustained, while another worker was seriously injured in the collapse.
The investigation revealed that critical safety measures were either missing or improperly implemented at the site, increasing the likelihood of such a catastrophic failure.
'"This cave-in is a solemn reminder of the dangers construction workers face when basic safety procedures and safe engineering solutions are ignored. 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. '"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.'"
Following its findings, OSHA issued seven willful violations, 33 repeat violations, and 17 serious violations against the contractor. These citations point to systemic failures in adhering to trench safety standards and worker protection requirements.
Among the key violations identified were:
In total, OSHA proposed penalties amounting to $4,699,362, reflecting the severity and repeated nature of the violations.
The contractor now has 15 business days to respond, which includes options to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA officials, or formally contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about trenching and excavation safety, one of the most hazardous areas in the construction industry. OSHA continues to emphasize enforcement through its National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation, which targets preventable risks that frequently lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
Trench collapses can occur suddenly and without warning, making proper engineering controls, inspections, and worker training essential. Safety experts stress that compliance with established standards is critical to preventing similar incidents.
The Yarmouth case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring these protections, reinforcing federal efforts to hold employers accountable while promoting safer practices across construction sites nationwide.
Originally reported by U.S. Department of Labor in Osha. Government.
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