Most of us can appreciate the fact that utility locating protects utilities and keeps the surrounding community safe. But have you ever considered that it also drives projects to stay on time and on budget? My colleague SHANE HART recently wrote a piece on being more proactive with damage prevention and this is article is an extension of that premise. I also seen Brenda Reigle, …

In the fast-paced world of construction and excavation, the importance of effective communication and collaboration cannot be overstated. As someone deeply entrenched in the operations of both Utilocate and UExcavate, my role provides me with a unique vantage point that involves regular interactions with locators and excavators. Our shared mission is clear: to minimize damages in the industry and ensure …

The efficient and accurate identification of underground utilities is a critical aspect of modern infrastructure planning and development. Accidental damage to utility lines during construction or excavation can lead to costly delays, environmental hazards, and potential risks to public safety. To address this challenge, the Model for Underground Data Definition and Integration (MUDDI) was created by the OGC. “A group …

In the world of construction and infrastructure development, one of the greatest challenges is preventing damage to underground utilities. Accidental hits on gas lines, electrical cables, or water pipes not only pose safety risks but also result in costly repairs, project delays, and even environmental hazards. However, by embracing Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) practices and incorporating innovative safety measures like …

Locate companies are under immense pressure to reduce damages and meet targets with limited budgets. Improving what you provide customers with can help close gaps that One Call / 811 don’t cover, speed up projects and improve relationships. Utility locators can improve the deliverables they provide to customers in several ways: Timeliness: Providing timely deliverables is crucial for customer satisfaction. …

I’m  in Orlando, Florida right now for this year’s CGA Conference and Expo. It’s great to be back amongst our peers and discuss damage prevention. I’ve been lucky to make some great friends within the industry and so this month’s NoDamage article is a little different as I’m not just giving my opinion or outlook; instead I’ve crowdsourced this content …

The CGA recently announced their industry industry challenge to stakeholders to cut damages in half by 2028. This initiative is being called “50 in 5” as it represents a reduction of damages to critical underground utilities by 50% in 5 years. 50 in 5 is a call to action focused on improving 3 areas which were originally identified in the …

The Damage Prevention industry has many stakeholders and influences a lot of decisions but it’s a pretty small community at its core. Here are the main voices and PR opportunities for you to learn and share your message on both national and regional levels. Leveraging these resources will allow you to network and learn more about damage prevention and also …

Only 9% of people keep their New Year’s Resolutions, with the main reasons for quitting being, “they either lose motivation, have not prioritized their goals, or swap their resolutions for newer, more relevant personal goals.” We’re already halfway through the first month of 2023, but I think it’s time to commit to some New Year’s resolutions that are achievable and …

We’ve all seen the horrific damage that hurricanes and tornados can do to power infrastructure above ground. The images from Hurricane Ian from earlier this year was particularly memorable. It caused over $20 billion worth of damage and took out much of the power grid in southern states like Florida. There’s been an increase in awareness of the advantages of …