Risks to Utility Contractors as Demand Grows

The nation’s overall infrastructure received a grade of D+ from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2017.¹ Proposed improvement projects could mean significant work for contractors, but a shortage of skilled labor may make it difficult to find qualified talent. While the utility industry typically has stringent safety procedures in place for employees, increased spending on utility work could attract contractors from other fields that may lack experience with specific safety procedures.

Utility contractors will need to consistently apply safety practices, training and controls as they ramp up to meet increased demand or diversify their operations. These safety practices are particularly important when attracting, recruiting and onboarding new utility workers, a time when there may be a heightened risk of accidents. For example, Travelers’ Claim data shows that fifty-two percent of all workplace injuries occur within the first year of employment.²

“The utility industry does a tremendous job protecting their employees when there is an increase in activity,” said Travelers Risk Control Construction Safety Professional Kenton Wengert. “When we see a spike in demand for utility work, such as after a storm, utility contractors can face increased risks associated with employees driving while fatigued, working in unfamiliar areas and working long hours.” Having safety policies to prevent drowsy driving and limit hours worked, as well as Hours of Service as outlined by the FMSCA when applicable, can help prevent employee injuries.

Here are some other potential risks for utility contractors to consider:

Trenching and Working in Confined Spaces

Trench collapses are one of the leading causes of fatalities and injuries each year, making trenching and excavating work one of the most dangerous construction activities. Working around underground utilities poses additional hazards. Specific utilities such as natural gas and electrical require additional training and testing to address specific installation practices, which may be regulated by local and state agencies. Contact 811 before digging to assist in identifying underground utilities. Create a written trenching and excavating safety plan that includes a competent person to help reduce the risk of injuries and other losses.

Overhead Line Work

Working near energized lines at elevation during overhead power work is one of the highest severity exposures for construction workers, according to Wengert. Plan the work and share the plan with all employees who might be involved in or associated with the job task. Both qualified and non-qualified employees must keep a safe distance from live wires.

Utility Strikes, Explosions and Vibration Damage Caused by Digging or Breaking Ground

During work, quality assurance and quality control procedures can help contractors prevent damage to abutting properties or people. Travelers offers customers ZoneCheck^SM, an online mobile vibration tool designed to help identify potential equipment-generated ground vibration risks and additional steps to consider. Proper project documentation of existing conditions in a pre-construction survey can also help protect a company from a claim of property damage.

Work Zone Traffic Controls

Without proper traffic control procedures, utility contractors working near roadways could be struck by vehicles who fail to slow down or avoid the construction site. Following the guidelines established by the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and requiring subcontractors to follow them as well, can help protect workers from traffic risks and help to ensure safe passage for the traveling public, whether on foot, bicycle or vehicle.

Working Around Heavy Equipment

“Struck-by” deaths are one of the construction industry’s “Fatal Four” leading causes of death on the job site — of which 75% involve heavy equipment.³ Utility workers can be struck by backhoes, excavators and heavy-duty trucks when working in a tight footprint, such as near an underground utility project. Heavy equipment also presents dangers to pedestrians in the area. Pre-planning and safe work practices, using spotters and trained equipment operators, along with increased ground worker awareness can help protect workers and pedestrians near heavy equipment.

While the country’s infrastructure continues to age and as extreme weather affects the power grid, it’s likely that there will be more time-sensitive utility projects that will require contractors to rapidly increase resources to meet demand. Following safety best practices can be a competitive advantage that helps protect workers, property owners and the contractor’s brand and reputation.