US Department of Labor Cites Construction Contractor with 7 Willful, 33 Repeat Violations After Fatal Yarmouth Cave-In.

The U.S. Department of Labor cited a Massachusetts water and sewer line construction company for repeatedly exposing workers to safety hazards. In November 2025, a trench collapse at a Yarmouth site killed one employee and seriously injured another.

OSHA investigated the November 18, 2025, incident and found that Revoli Construction Co. Inc. employees were removing sandy soil and installing steel plates near a trench. The backfilled sand collapsed, trapping two workers. One worker was buried and died from his injuries.

The agency issued the employer seven willful, 33 repeat, and 17 serious violations for the following reasons:

• 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.

SMACNA creates safety programs, publications, services, and videos to help members set up and manage effective safety practices. The organization also works with OSHA and other federal agencies on issues that affect members and provides updates on regulatory compliance. For more information about SMACNA’s safety resources, click here.