Page 9 - Texas811 issue 2

Many years ago, Bob Smith was considered to be one of Texas’ premier operators of heavy equipment
used for excavations. Bob’s name, or “Digger Bob” as he was fondly called was synonymous with efficiency
and completing jobs ahead of time. Developers would line up for his services unaware that he was actually “Bad Digger Bob” when it came to safe digging practices.
hoe at a pace that would have normally been 2 track hoes at work. The developer was ecstatic with the speed at which he was nearing completion of the work.
Bob was feverishly working to complete excavating and dreaming of what he was going to with the huge bonus for
was the sound that no excavator wants to hear...metal on metal contact. That sound sent chills through Bob and those chill bumps were the last feeling Bob would ever feel. He did have fleeting thoughts of his wife and kids and how they would no longer have those family meals, family vacations, future children, future grandchildren, and growing old with his wife.
You see, Bob’s methods of digging were unconventional since he would subvert state laws on 811 requirements or fail to follow instructions from oil and gas companies on how to safely excavate around their high-pressure pipelines. Encroachment guidelines and letters of no-objections were never executed or followed along with requests to have company personnel onsite during excavations.
was the
Bob got away with it for quite a while but as with all things, good things they must come to an end. On this day Bob was working a big site that was to be his biggest payout if completed ahead of time. So, Bob was working his track
completion when the ominous sound was heard from the trench. That sound
Continue to maintain the marks made by the utility operators and if they aren’t clear or may have been destroyed be sure to call for a remark.
Daylight the underground facility and dig safely.
That sound
After the fire was contained and extinguished Bob was unrecognizable. He was confirmed deceased by matching the DNA of his kids to DNA found at the site. A makeshift memorial was set up onsite for Bob and will be a constant reminder of the cost of taking shortcuts when excavating.
sound
that no
excavator
Call 811 and make sure all utilities respond.
wants to hear...
Follow all instructions, meetings, and expectations of utility operators.
2023, Issue 2 Texas811 • 7