OSHA Cites Always Underground Over Trench Safety

Federal inspectors proposed $380,664 in penalties against the Frankfort, Illinois, excavation contractor for repeat trenching violations.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Construction

Flat-color editorial illustration of a steel trench shoring box set in an open excavation, with a clear margin of bare soil and a spoil pile beside it. — Federal inspectors proposed $380,664 in penalties against Always Underground LLC of Frankfort, Illinois, for repeat trench cave-in protection violations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced citations on October 21 against Always Underground LLC of Frankfort, Illinois, including three repeat violations for failing to provide cave-in protection in trenches. The agency also cited the company for a serious violation after workers were seen without hard hats.

Why it matters

The citations stem from an OSHA investigation prompted by employees working in an unprotected trench deeper than 8 feet, a hazard that can cause fatal cave-ins. The case reflects federal enforcement of trenching rules across Illinois construction sites.

OSHA proposed $380,664 in penalties, including three repeat violations, against a company that previously paid $63,027 across three earlier trenching citations. The company has 15 business days to comply, request a conference or contest the findings.

The players

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor that sets and enforces workplace safety standards, including its National Emphasis Program on Trenching.

Always Underground LLC

A Frankfort, Illinois, excavation contractor that has received multiple OSHA trenching citations in recent years.

The details

Inspectors cited the company for failing to provide cave-in protection, lacking a safe exit from the trench, and keeping spoils or equipment within 2 feet of a trench edge. Investigators initiated the probe under the National Emphasis Program on Trenching after observing the unprotected excavation.

- August 18, 2022: Tinley Park trench later cited in January 2023.
- January 4, 2023: Citation issued for the Tinley Park violations.
- July 31, 2023: Homer Glen trench later cited in November 2023.
- November 15, 2023: Citation issued for the Homer Glen violations.
- October 21, 2026: OSHA announced the current citations.

Industry Context

The citations are part of OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Trenching, which targets excavation hazards that have long been a leading cause of construction worker deaths. Repeat findings against the same contractor signal the program's focus on recidivism.

Homeowners and project managers hiring excavation crews in Illinois should verify trenching safety compliance and records. Contractors with repeat citations may face higher insurance costs and project delays.