Underground Utility Strikes: A Comprehensive Safety Talk

Underground utility strikes pose significant risks to worker safety and can result in costly damages. This safety talk aims to educate workers about the dangers of utility strikes, provide current statistics, and outline best practices for prevention.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Risks
• Current Statistics
• Common Causes of Utility Strikes
• Prevention Strategies
• Legal Requirements and Standards
• Emergency Response Procedures
• Conclusion
• Key Takeaways and Best Practices

Understanding the Risks

Underground utility strikes can lead to severe consequences, including:

• Injuries or fatalities from electrocution, explosions, or asphyxiation
• Damage to essential infrastructure
• Service disruptions affecting communities
• Environmental contamination
• Substantial financial losses and legal liabilities

Current Statistics

According to the Common Ground Alliance’s 2021 DIRT Report:

• There were 468,000 excavation-related damages to underground facilities in the U.S. and Canada
• The estimated societal costs of these damages exceeded $30 billion
• Telecommunications facilities were the most frequently damaged (46%), followed by natural gas (24%)
• Backhoes and trenchers were involved in 33% of incidents, while hand tools accounted for 26%

Common Causes of Utility Strikes

The top reasons for utility strikes include:

1. Failure to request utility locates (31%)
2. Insufficient excavation practices (23%)
3. Inaccurate utility marking (17%)
4. Failure to maintain clearance (11%)
5. Incorrect facility records or maps (9%)

Prevention Strategies

Before Excavation:

• Always contact 811 or your local One-Call center at least 2-3 working days before digging
• Review and understand utility maps and markings
• Conduct a site walk-through to identify potential hazards
• Use ground-penetrating radar or other advanced locating technologies for complex sites

During Excavation:

• Hand dig within the tolerance zone (typically 18-24 inches on either side of the marked utility)
• Use vacuum excavation or other non-destructive digging methods when appropriate
• Continuously verify the location of utilities as work progresses
• Never assume the depth or exact location of a utility

Legal Requirements and Standards

Familiarize yourself with local and national regulations, including:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651 – Specific Excavation Requirements
• State-specific One-Call laws and damage prevention regulations
• ANSI/NUCA Z365-2022 – Safety Requirements for Excavation

Emergency Response Procedures

If a utility strike occurs:

1. Stop work immediately and secure the area
2. Evacuate if there’s a risk of fire, explosion, or toxic gas release
3. Call emergency services (911) if there are injuries or immediate dangers
4. Notify the utility company and your supervisor
5. Do not attempt to repair the damage yourself
6. Document the incident and preserve the scene for investigation

Conclusion

Preventing underground utility strikes requires a combination of proper planning, adherence to best practices, and constant vigilance. By following the strategies outlined in this safety talk, we can significantly reduce the risk of utility strikes and create a safer work environment for everyone involved in excavation activities.

Key Takeaways and Best Practices

• Always call 811 before you dig, every time
• Verify that all utilities have been marked before beginning excavation
• Use hand digging or vacuum excavation within the tolerance zone
• Never assume the depth or exact location of underground utilities
• Stay alert for signs of unmarked utilities during excavation
• Maintain and follow a comprehensive utility strike prevention plan
• Provide regular training on utility locating and safe digging practices
• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times