Page 11 - Texas811

Unearthing a Culture of Safety:
Excavation Safety in Texas Jennifer Pratt Program Manager
Excavation is a crucial part of construction and infrastructure development. However, it’s a task that comes with inherent risks. To address these dangers, the Damage Prevention Council of Texas hosted a series of educational events to foster a safety culture within the excavation industry. The Monahans Excavation Safety Day, the North Texas 811 Day Excavation Safety Workshop, and the Golden Triangle Excavation Safety Workshop are three standout events.
Golden Triangle Excavation Safety Workshop:
In the southeastern region of Texas, the Golden Triangle Excavation Safety Workshop shines as a beacon of excavation safety education. Contractors, municipalities, utility operators, and locators came together on August 9th to
help celebrate 811 Day by attending an Excavation Damage Prevention Workshop at the Beaumont Downtown Event Center led by David Ferguson with Texas811. Thank you to CenterPoint Energy, OSHA, and Entergy for providing educational presentations focused on safe excavation best practices, and a special thank you to the City of Beaumont for providing the venue for our event.
Monahans Excavation Safety Day:
For the second year, the Monahans Excavation Safety Day brought together industry professionals, safety experts, and the local community to celebrate safe excavation practices. Located in Monahans, Texas, this event showcased the importance of safe digging through live demonstrations and informative presentations.
Attendees learned about the latest excavation safety techniques, equipment, and best practices at this event. The Monahans Excavation Safety Day provided invaluable insights into preventing accidents and preserving underground infrastructure. Nearly
600 people attended the Monahans Excavation Safety Day and participated in the Annual Cook-Off featuring tacos and chicken wings. Congratulations to Plains All American for their big win!
This event is only possible each year with the support of our partners in the Permian Basin. We send a special thanks to each of our event partners – Atmos Energy, T & M Line Locators, Western Midstream, Savage Group, and many other sponsors. Your support, dedication, and commitment to underground utility safety do not go unnoticed.
North Texas 811 Day Excavation Safety Workshop:
The North Texas 811 Day Excavation Safety Workshop was a testament
to the power of collaboration. This event, hosted by Atmos Energy, was
a comprehensive exploration of excavation safety. It serves as a platform for excavators, utility companies, and facility owners to come together and exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas.
One of the key highlights of this workshop is the emphasis on responsible digging. Promoting the “Call Before You Dig” 811 service reminded attendees of the crucial step of locating and marking underground utilities before excavation. With 125 attendees and nearly 40 volunteers, this event proved that avoiding unnecessary damage to underground utilities is a team effort.
These three events are shining examples of Texas’ commitment to excavation safety. These events served as crucial reminders that safety should always be the priority in the world of construction and excavation.
By fostering a safety culture, providing education, and encouraging collaboration, these workshops ensured that the Lone Star State continues to thrive and expand without compromising its workers’ well-being and infrastructure’s integrity. At the Damage Prevention Council of Texas, we understand that excavation safety is more than a duty; it’s a responsibility to the community, the environment, and the future.
DPC of Texas
2023, Issue 4 Texas811 • 9