Help prevent utility line-related accidents and injuries

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.

Preventing underground utility strikes

• Outline proposed excavation areas with white paint before requesting locates.
• Contact 811 before any excavation or ground-disturbing activity. Don’t assume another contractor has completed.
• Confirm all utility owners have responded before excavation begins.
• Use private locating services when private, unmarked or nonconductive utilities may be present.
• Designate a responsible person to manage locate tickets and communications with locate companies.
• Maintain and protect utility markings throughout the life of the locate ticket.
• Review and test employees on the American Public Works Assoc. (APWA) Uniform Color Codes.
• Understand and comply with state-specific tolerance zone requirements.

• Remember that utility marks identify approximate horizontal location and not exact depth.
• Know your state’s tolerance zone, which is the allowable distance on either side of an underground utility plus the width of the utility itself. In most cases, the tolerance zone can range from 18-30” depending on the state.
• Use hand digging, vacuum excavation, hydro excavation, or other approved non-destructive methods within the tolerance zone.
• Consult utility owners before hydro excavation and follow pressure limitations where applicable.
• Avoid pickaxes and digging bars when digging near utilities.
• Properly support exposed utilities to prevent damage.
• Immediately report any nick, scrape, gouge, coating damage, or contact with a utility, even if service is not interrupted.

Natural gas emergency indicators

• Sight: damaged pipe, blowing dirt, bubbling water, or dead vegetation.
• Smell: unusual odors associated with escaping gas.
• Sound: hissing, roaring, or blowing noises.

Emergency response following a utility strike

• Stop work immediately.
• Keep personnel clear of the hazard area.
• Notify the utility owner
• Contact emergency responders when appropriate
• Do not attempt repairs unless authorized and qualified.
• Follow company emergency procedures and incident reporting requirements.
• Consider equipping crews with hit kits to help measure and document whether locates were within state tolerances zones.
• Prepare job file documentation with locate ticket information, photos of proposed excavation areas, photos of locates, correspondence with utility and locate companies, etc.

Closing Message: Utility strikes are preventable. Successful projects depend on effective planning, utility coordination, employee training, proper excavation practices, and continuous awareness of overhead and underground hazards. By following industry best practices and maintaining a strong culture of safety, contractors can significantly reduce the likelihood of utility-related incidents and protect workers, customers, and communities.