Utility lines are present on nearly every construction site, both above and below ground. Contact with overhead power lines or damage to underground utilities can result in serious injuries, fatalities, service interruptions, property damage, and costly project delays. Understanding how to identify utility hazards and work safely around them is essential for every contractor.
Utility strikes can be some of the most severe and costly incidents contractors can experience. Beyond the immediate safety risks, a utility strike can trigger a chain of financial and operational consequences, including emergency response costs, project shutdowns, service interruptions, property damage, liability claims, and regulatory scrutiny. Understanding these risks is the first step toward building an effective utility damage prevention program.
Potential consequences of a utility strike include:
- Serious injuries or fatalities resulting from contact with electrical or natural gas facilities
- Fires, explosions, or hazardous energy releases
- Loss of power, communications, water, or other essential utility services
- Business interruption, loss of stock and lost revenue for affected customers
- Project delays, equipment damage, and unexpected repair expenses
- Environmental impacts from damaged pipelines or utility infrastructure
- Regulatory penalties, liability claims, and reputational damage
Common causes of utility strikes
Research conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) shows that inadequate planning, insufficient training, failure to follow locate requirements remain leading contributors to utility strikes.
- CGA DIRT reports 245,129 damage reports involving underground utilities in the United States during 2025.1
- According to CGA, failure to notify 811 before excavation remains the leading cause of underground utility strikes.1
- Another leading cause is the excavator failing to maintain required clearance from marked facilities followed by inaccurate locates.1
- ESFI reports that 42.8% of electrical fatalities between 2011 and 2024 were caused by contact with overhead power lines.2
Preventing strikes through site preparation and training
Overhead power lines
Conduct a documented jobsite assessment before work begins to identify overhead power lines, determine required clearance distances, and establish safe equipment travel routes.
- Post warnings signs or other visual indicators to the presence of overhead lines.
- Whenever feasible, work with the utility owner to de-energize and or shield/insulate lines before work.
- Always assume overhead lines and electrical equipment are energized.
- Designate a dedicated spotter whenever cranes, excavators, dump trucks, aerial lifts, concrete pumps, or similar equipment may approach overhead power lines. The spotter’s sole responsibility should be monitoring clearance distances and warning operators of potential encroachment.
- Never touch equipment that is in contact with a power line.
- Establish clearly marked work-zone boundaries and travel paths.
- Use barriers so equipment cannot travel past boundaries.
- Use non-conductive tag lines where appropriate.
- Lower booms, attachments, and extensions before moving equipment.
- Carry ladders, pipe, and other long materials horizontally whenever practical.
- Comply with OSHA minimum approach distances and Table A requirements CFR 1926.1408.
- Develop an emergency action plan and train employees on procedures if they do strike an energized overhead line.
