A Massachusetts water and sewer line construction contractor is facing $4,699,362 in proposed penalties for safety violations related to a trench collapse that claimed the life of an employee and seriously injured another at a Cape Cod worksite.
A federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 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 and trapped two workers inside the trench. One worker was engulfed and sustained fatal injuries.
One worker managed to escape the trench. The rescue teams providing lifesaving measures were able to save another worker who police said was buried up to his waist. That rescue took five hours.
OSHA cited Revoli Construction for willfully and repeatedly exposing workers to safety hazards. 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.
At the time of the fatal incident, OSHA records showed there had been six referrals and complaints against Revioli since 2016. Earlier in 2025 Revoli was cited for failing to maintain a safety program which provides for frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment. In 2023, OSHA cited the firm for an inadequate system to protect employees from potential cave-in from the unsupported walls of an excavation.
After the accident, a state coalition of union, health, safety and community advocates called for an investigation of Revoli.
Contractor and Cape Cod Town Began Court Battle Before Fatal Trench Collapse
The town of Yarmouth that hired Revoli for the sewer project was involved in a court battle with the company at the time of the fatal trench collapse. Revoli says the city owed him more than $1.7 million for costs related to city-ordered work stoppages and interest on late payments while Yarmouth alleged Revoli was responsible for flooding incidents, traffic disruptions and multiple worksite hazards, injuries, and property damage.
Revoli has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the OSHA review commission.
Topics
Workers’ Compensation
Contractors
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