Did you know that news articles often feature information about cable strike incidents? More recently, it came to light that a major construction company kept seeing fines being handed to them for failing to safely manage projects that involve underground utilities.
The Health and Safety Executive investigated and discovered that the subcontractors had failed to provide adequate details of where the underground utilities were located. Unfortunately in this incident, the lack of information resulted in life changing injuries for one worker who was involved on the project when the underground line was struck.
In these smaller projects such as replacing a traffic light pole, it is only too easy for contractors to start working straight away without any instruction. This incident highlights why it is vital to have safety procedures in place before the work commences, no matter how big or small the project is.
The Health and Safety Executive gives the following guidance:
- Use local area plans to identify where the cables are located within the site.
- Detect and clearly mark where the cables are located by using locating tools or Ground Penetrating Radar.
- Safely excavate the ground by using safe digging practices such as a Vacuum Excavator.
As the industry leaders in Vacuum Excavation, PIER (UK) will listen carefully to their customers’ requirements and provide a solution that is suitable for the job at hand.
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