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Interview searches ever with 3.92 million searches conducted across the year . Indeed , when these numbers are compared to those of just five years ago , the portal is receiving 52 per cent more search enquiries , which shows that LSBUD ’ s ongoing programme of promotion and education on the need for a search before you dig is resulting in an increasingly joined up , collaborative way of working . The report reiterates the ‘ safe digging for all ’ message , and highlights who was digging , where they were digging and why they were digging . It continues to remind those remaining network operators of the benefit of sharing their data , and those doing the digging that the more people that search , the safer we stay as a nation .
“ The gas industry is good at escalating the highest risk asset enquiries . So , if someone is carrying out a minor excavation near a low pressure main , for example , they might be provided with the guidance to go and work on their own . If , however , they ’ re doing a directional drill near a high pressure main , they might get someone to give them a ring or go and stand over them while they ’ re doing the work . The platform eliminates multiple lower risk enquiries , enabling gas companies to focus on the highest risk ones , thereby preventing potential damage to the network .
“ While we do see data related to incidents , the lack of clarity on the cause still highlights that clearer , and more detailed , reporting is crucial . Without this information there is no benchmarking year on year . It means that as a community we are missing valuable information on where attention and focus is needed to help minimise accidents and protect the UK ’ s workers ,” Richard shares . “ With more people searching and more businesses sharing network information we can drastically reduce the number of pipes and cables being hit . This allows the country to function as it should , and it keeps people safe . “ Technology plays an important role in making digging safer . Whereas previously people in the US would call a number , report where they were digging and gain information that way , today , we have a web-based service . This isn ’ t just cheaper and more efficient , it ’ s safer too because when you receive plans within a matter of minutes , it ’ s much easier to be aware of the operating environment .”
Sector improvement
Looking to the future , Richard believes awareness will be the biggest driver for the digging sector . “ We really need to ensure that the awareness and safety message is hitting at the right level . If you consider the agricultural community , for example , we go to shows where farmers are exploring the newest equipment and vehicles and try to grab a little bit of their attention . We want the managers and senior leaders of these organisations to acknowledge the importance of proactive rather than reactive safety measures .”
As a member of the Utility Strike Avoidance Group ’ s steering committee , Richard works to promote collaborated learning on utility strikes across the UK and innovative solutions to promote safety and efficiency for all involved with excavations and similar works . “ I believe we need to change the narrative that incidents are someone else ’ s fault because I think we can all be better . That said , we can also learn from best practice as there is a lot of excellent work going on out there . With more people searching and more businesses sharing network information we can drastically reduce the number of pipes and cables being hit ,” he concludes . “ There are future challenges coming towards us that have the ability to disrupt the growth and stability the safe digging community is feeling at the moment , but staying safe by always searching before digging will always be the essential first step .” ■
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