Understanding the Risks and Costs of Utility Strikes During Excavation

When undertaking excavation projects, one of the critical risks involves accidentally hitting underground utility lines. This can cause significant disruptions not just to the project at hand but also to the surrounding area.

Potential Risks:

• Safety Hazards: Utility strikes pose serious threats to the safety of the excavation team and the public. Hitting a gas line, for example, can result in explosions or fires that can lead to injuries or even fatalities.
• Disruption of Services: Damaging water, electricity, or communication lines can disrupt essential services, affecting businesses, homes, and emergency services in the vicinity.

Financial Implications:

• Repair Costs: When utility lines are struck, the costs to repair them are steep. Fixing these damages involves not only replacing the utility lines themselves but also possibly redoing parts of the excavation work.
• Project Delays: These incidents can lead to project delays as teams wait for repairs to be completed. Delays impact project timelines and contribute to additional labor costs.
• Overall Economic Impact: In the U.S., addressing errors in construction, which includes utility strikes, costs an estimated $177.5 billion annually. Of this, around $40 billion is specifically attributed to the consequences of striking utility lines.