Underground Utility Strikes
Construction | 10-15 min
Summary
Underground utility strikes cause deaths, injuries, service disruptions, and millions of dollars in damages each year. Gas lines, electrical cables, water mains, sewer lines, telecommunications cables, and other utilities often run beneath areas where excavation work occurs. A single shovel strike on a buried gas line can cause an explosion; contact with an underground electrical cable can cause electrocution. Every excavation project, no matter how small, requires proper utility location before digging begins.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Call 811 at least 48-72 hours before any excavation
- Understand the color coding system for utility markings
- Hand dig within tolerance zones near marked utilities
- Private utilities require separate private locating services
- Stop work and evacuate if you strike a utility
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.