Damage Prevention & Safety
CGA report shows utility damages rising, nearly 200,000 incidents in 2024
The 2024 CGA DIRT Report shows nearly 200,000 utility damages last year, with incidents rising instead of declining. Industry leaders warn stronger enforcement, mapping, and training are needed to protect underground infrastructure.
Quick-thinking inspector pulls crews from collapsing trench in Washington
A Washington inspector halted sewer work in Ridgefield after witnessing trench walls collapse around crews nearly 20 times. Officials say quick action likely prevented tragedy and highlights trench safety risks.
DOT awards $86 million to states for pipeline safety oversight
DOT has announced $86 million in grants for state pipeline safety programs, supporting inspections of more than 85% of the U.S. pipeline network.
AMPP welcomes House passage of PIPES Act, emphasizing pipeline safety and corrosion control
The U.S. House has passed the bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2025, reauthorizing PHMSA’s pipeline safety programs. The bill strengthens standards for corrosion control, excavation damage prevention, workforce training, and hydrogen pipeline safety.
Excavation industry mourns loss of NAXSA founder and trench safety pioneer Dave Nicoli
The excavation industry is mourning the loss of Dave Nicoli, CEO of DP Nicoli and founding member of NAXSA, who passed away at age 70. Remembered as a pioneer in trench safety and shoring, Nicoli leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and a commitment to saving lives through safer excavation practices.
Washington contractor slapped with fine after unsafe trench nearly collapses
A Washington excavating company faces $140,500 in fines after a state inspector intervened to stop a trench collapse that nearly buried workers in Ridgefield. Regulators cited the firm for multiple willful trench safety violations, including failing to use protective systems, inadequate ladders and ignoring collapse warnings.
MSA Safety launches new multigas detector for confined space, underground safety
MSA Safety has unveiled its ALTAIR io™ 6 Multigas Detector at NSC 2025 in Denver. Designed for confined space monitoring in underground infrastructure, oil and gas, utilities and construction, the device enhances real-time safety management and data connectivity across worksites.
Elon Musk’s Boring Company halts Vegas Loop tunneling after worker injury
A worker suffered a “crushing injury” inside a Boring Company tunnel near the Las Vegas Strip, prompting officials to pause work on the Vegas Loop project while the incident is investigated.
Vannguard teams up with Trivest as part of growth strategy
“We are excited by the Trivest partnership and their experience in essential services and underground infrastructure, as well as their reputation for supporting founder-owned businesses,” said Vannguard CEO Randy Bern.
Cupertino, Calif., water main break floods homes, prompts boil advisory
A ruptured water line flooded several Cupertino homes, forcing evacuations and prompting a boil advisory. San Jose Water says a contractor struck the line, and cleanup continues.
$337 million granted to N.C. to repair Helene infrastructure damage
Nearly a year after Category 4 Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding throughout North Carolina, the Environmental Protection Agency has provided a total of $337 million to assist in recovery efforts. Of this amount, $276 million is designated for bolstering water infrastructure resilience.
Illinois EPA grants $40 million for PFAS removal in small communities
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has launched a new grant program dedicating over $40 million to help tackle issues related to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and manganese in drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities.
Inspectors charged with faking gas pipeline safety tests in New York
Two inspectors have been charged with wire fraud for allegedly faking hundreds of gas pipeline safety tests in New York City and Westchester County. Prosecutors say the fraudulent inspections put public safety at risk.
CGA report shows utility damage rates climbing, calls for stronger enforcement
The Common Ground Alliance’s 2024 DIRT Report shows buried utility damages are climbing, with late locates and recurring errors driving risk. CGA warns stronger enforcement and industry-wide changes are needed.
Trump PHMSA aims to ease pipeline safety rules
The Trump administration has started down a path, which could be a slow one given the agency’s past performance, to ease the burden of safety rules on the gas pipeline industry.
Three Houston workers killed by hydrogen sulfide leak during sewer repair
A hydrogen sulfide gas leak claimed the lives of three Houston-area workers on Wednesday, as they were working on sewer repairs in Trinity County. CBS 19 News and Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace reported that the gas leak was contained to a manhole, and after ensuring safety, first responders were able to recover the victims.
Toronto landscaper pleads guilty in striking Enbridge gas pipeline
Ontario-based Orin Landscaping Inc. has pleaded guilty to striking and damaging a natural gas pipeline operated by Enbridge. This marks the second guilty plea this year for pipeline strikes in Ontario. The company was found guilty of an offence under Ontario Regulation 210/01 of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
Employer in fatal Mobile, Ala., sewer accident had prior OSHA safety citations
OSHA is investigating the deaths of two Alabama sewer workers whose employer was previously cited for failing to provide fall protection and hazard communication training during a 2023 manhole project.
Massive water main break in Chicago suburb leads to sky-high geyser
A 48-inch water main was hit by a construction crew in Chicago's Norwood Park Township, sending a huge geyser of water shooting into the sky, CBS News Chicago reported. The incident happened earlier this week, when an engineering firm drilling in the area accidentally hit the water main and caused it to burst.
2 workers killed, 1 injured while working on sewer line in Mobile, Ala.
Two contractors working on a sewer line near Mobile, Ala., died Monday after becoming disoriented and losing consciousness in a confined space, according to fire officials. A spokesperson for the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) cited toxic gas, possibly hydrogen sulfide, as the likely cause.
OSHA urges safe trench practices following string of recent collapses, fatalities
Following a recent series of trench collapses in the Midwest, including 11 fatalities so far in 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is urging workplaces to take the necessary steps to safeguard workers from well-known industry hazards that can be prevented when the required protections are used.
Worker killed in Goodyear, Ariz., trench collapse during construction rescue effort
A 44-year-old worker died after being trapped for hours in a trench collapse at a Goodyear, Arizona, construction site. Officials say the rescue was hampered by unstable conditions and remains under investigation.
Respirators: Proper selection and fitting
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees exists to prevent injury and illness. This goal can only happen when the proper equipment is chosen and properly fitted to the employee. Respiratory protection is one type of PPE designed for this purpose.
LA tunnel work at 'full stop' following collapse, ongoing investigation
Construction work on an LA wastewater tunnel project remains paused following a partial collapse earlier this month in which nearly 30 workers were trapped, and later rescued.
Underground fires likely caused by aging infrastructure, Baltimore officials say
Three underground fires in the past 18 months have prompted the city of Baltimore, Md., to launch an investigation, CBS News reported. City officials have met with several public safety agencies, and have hired engineering firm RTI to dive deeper into what’s been causing the fires.
Worker killed in Baltimore trench collapse
One construction worker was killed Tuesday after a trench he was working in partially collapsed in Baltimore County, Md., according to fire and police officials. According to CBS News, 50-year-old Luis Medrano was working in the trench when it began to fill with water, causing a partial collapse.
Columbus, Ohio, residents raise safety concerns over $30 million sewer, water project
Columbus, Ohio, residents are raising alarms over a $30 million sewer and water project after reports of unsecured construction sites where children were seen playing near open excavations.
Two workers rescued from trench collapse in Sunbury, Ohio
Two Ohio construction workers were rescued after a trench they were working in collapsed, 10 WBNS News reported. According to officials, the workers at the site were installing storm drains and wastewater treatment plant piping about 30 feet underground when the collapse occurred, burying one worker up to his neck.
Missouri enacts new standards for safe digging following fatal gas explosion
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe on Monday signed SB133, intended to reduce the risk of damage to the state’s buried utility lines, the type of incident that caused the fatal April 9 explosion in Lexington. The bill adopts Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices for properly marking buried utilities in advance of digging.
First-of-its-kind notification service will improve contractor safety at former defense sites
Line-Scape, a technology leader in underground utility safety and underground visualization, on Friday announced a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to enhance public and contractor safety around Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDs).
- Three Houston workers killed by hydrogen sulfide leak during sewer repair
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Funding approved for $1.3 billion, 60-mile water reuse system in southern Utah
- Is the Boring Company tunneling blind in Nashville? Experts warn rock tests fall short