Happy St. Patrick’s Day “We do not work in unsafe environments, but we do work in hazardous ones.” This distinction acknowledges that utilities work with inherent risks, but those risks can be managed. Here are the top 10 stories of the week: Swift Navigation Supports Survey-grade Location in Vivax-Metrotech’s Unique Buried Utility Locator and Mapping Device: READ National Grid Partners …
Across the USA and Canada we have a lot of diverse landscapes, which present a complex puzzle for damage prevention. While the fundamental principles of “locate, protect, and communicate” hold true, the execution varies dramatically from region to region. To safeguard our vital utilities, we must delve into the specifics, including the critical influence of seasons and storms. The Frozen …
The economic waste resulting from carelessness is appalling, but anyone who stops for a moment to consider the sorrow and desolation which is brought into thousands of lives each year by utter thoughtlessness must feel a new resolve to make a habit of “Safety First.” – W. C. Durant, President, General Motors (1920) Here’s the top 10 stories from the …
“Safety is never ‘attained’ but a work in progress in tension between ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practible) and the Precautionary Principle.” – Rob Long Here’s the top 10 stories from the last week in the damage prevention and utility industries AiDASH Unveils CRISTM 2.0 to Help Utilities Prevent Wildfires Before They Ignite READ Frozen Detroit: READ EU sinks extra …
I’m sure by now you’ve seen the scenes from Detroit where a neighborhood is flooded with ice. It is surreal: streets transformed into icy rivers, homes encased in frozen floodwaters, and residents grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic water main break compounded by relentless sub-zero temperatures. What began as a localized infrastructure failure has morphed into a stark illustration …
Here’s the top 10 stories from the utlity and damage prevention sectors in the last 7 days: Detroit streets submerged after century-old water main bursts: READ Beyond Zero: A Tiered Approach to Utility Damage Prevention: READ Colorado Utility Turns to AI to Plug Underground Water Leaks: READ Starting a private locating company: READ Digitally mapping Nederland’s underground: READ What is …
The pursuit of “zero damages” in utility infrastructure protection is a noble goal, yet, as Raimund Laqua aptly argues in “The Trouble With Zero,” focusing solely on the number can obscure the path to true safety. This is particularly relevant in the context of utility damages, as highlighted by the CGA’s DIRT reports. While striving for zero damages remains crucial, …
This YouTube video from “The Groundwater Guy” explores 20 ways AI can benefit small water utilities (serving under 3,000 connections) by improving processes and management. While applicable to any water utility, the presentation focuses on solutions for smaller systems. The suggestions range from boosting operational efficiency and customer service to enhancing regulatory compliance. A bonus tip at the end addresses …
We’ve all seen it: the wildly varying quality of utility locate reports. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a massive drain on project budgets and a significant risk to safety. While the safety argument is crucial, let’s talk about the bottom line. Standardized utility locate reports aren’t just good practice; they’re a smart business move that unlocks hidden profits and …
“It takes leadership to improve safety.” – Jackie Stewart Here’s the top 10 stories from the utlity and damage prevention sectors in the last 7 days: Transforming Facilities, Utilities, and Infrastructure Through Geospatial Innovation: READ Minimizing Human Error: READ Tallahassee underground utilities one part of curbing power outages: READ Energy Dominance (Already) Starts at the DOE: READ CenterPoint proposes $5.75B …