Current Issue
Current Issue Articles
Video Vault
The Excavation Safety Alliance (ESA) is a virtual community for everyone interested in safe excavation and damage prevention. ESA provides free education via videos, podcasts
So You’re Going to Be a Witness: Preparing for and Testifying at Trial
You have done your investigation, you have testified at a deposition, mediation has failed, and now you are going to trial. These tips may help
How to Develop a Lone Worker Safety Program Without Breaking the Bank
With an unprecedented number of employees now working alone or remotely, it is the employers’ responsibility to put a program in place to protect these
How to Improve Worker Safety in Excavation Projects
According to the survey results, over 70 percent of respondents think they qualified as a competent person for trench work. But what does a competent
How to Work Safely Near Underwater Pipelines and Utilities
In MARCH 2009, a group of companies met with a mission to identify, trend, and explore common industry issues in preventing coastal and marine pipeline
Trenching and Excavating Procedures and Safety Considerations
More than 800 construction workers are involved in accidents each year on the job. Of these accidents, approximately 40 workers are involved in an incident
Being A Safe Digging Partner
We have all heard the phrase, “Safe digging is a shared responsibility,” and most of us are committed to doing our share. Sometimes, however, it
Five Uses of GPR for Civil Engineering and Damage Prevention
There are several technologies that can improve revenue and growth for engineering firms in the damage prevention industry. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) may be the
The Importance of Field Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the way you use your body to work and fitting the job or task to you to reduce your risk of injury. The
Digging Deep into Depth Estimates
For several reasons, including signal strength and shape, the electronic depth estimate provided by locate equipment is not guaranteed. A depth estimate provided by the
Global Locate Masters
The Inaugural Global Locate Masters (GLM) is schedule to take place during Damage Prevention Week at the 2022 Global Excavation Safety Conference in Phoenix, Arizona
Understanding the Marks
Operator markings of facilities include the following: • The appropriate color for their facility type • Their company identifier (name, initials, or abbreviation) when other
Tips for Selecting Protective Footwear
Workplace foot injuries are common in many industries. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018 there were over 900,000 workplace
Pre-Excavation Checklist Before EVERY Excavation
IN THE OFFICE ❑ Review all drawings, plans, engineering blueprints for existing buried facilities ❑ Proposed excavation area has been marked in white paint and/or
Pre-Excavation Documentation
Once excavation begins, the scene changes forever. For this reason, pre-excavation documentation should be collected. In a court case, good pre-excavation documentation may not guarantee
Be Ready for All Fall Risks While on the Job
Fall protection involves far more than preventing a worker from falling at the work site. It should include protecting workers from falling into belowground spaces
The Big Picture on Small Excavations
Most people associate excavation with large construction equipment digging giant trenches or big holes. But there are many “small digs” that are performed every day