Page 3 - Texas

from the desk of
Chris Stovall
I recently read through the 2023 DIRT Report, and I want to share some insights on what it reveals for us here in Texas. For those not as familiar, the DIRT Report (Damage Information Reporting Tool) serves as an industry benchmark, tracking trends, identifying root causes, and spotlighting opportunities for improvement in damage prevention. This year’s findings once again underscore why a strong commitment to safety, awareness, and collaboration is critical, especially here in Texas, where construction and development are booming.
The report highlighted that the top six causes of underground utility damage make up a staggering 76% of cases nationwide.
The number 1 reason? Far too many people don’t connect with
811 before they start digging. Through my role as co-chair of the OCSI committee, we’ve dug into this issue further and discovered a serious gap in awareness. A nationwide survey revealed that many contractors mistakenly believe they don’t need to submit an 811
locate request for certain jobs, not realizing that nearly all projects require it by law. In Texas, where underground infrastructure supports our growing communities and industries, each avoided damage represents a significant safety win. When in doubt, Texans should always reach out—an 811 request is a fast, free step that protects our people, our utilities, and our future.
The DIRT Report also sheds light on timeliness issues in locate request completions, a challenge we’re not immune to here in Texas. Across twelve states, locate on time rates varied from 30% to 70%, with many states closer to 50%. For our Texas excavators and contractors, delays in these requests can mean significant setbacks, affecting timelines and, in some cases, safety. When projects stall because of pending locates, it can increase the temptation for some to skip the 811 process entirely, something we can’t afford in Texas with our rapid growth. Ensuring that locates are completed on time is vital for keeping projects on schedule and our underground lines intact.
The 2023 DIRT Report is a call to action for Texas to renew its commitment to education, timely locates, and safety. By continuing to spread awareness about 811, pushing for on-time completion, and advocating for safe digging practices, we can help keep Texas a leader in damage prevention. Working together, we can protect our utilities, our communities, and each other—one safe dig at a time.
Chris Stovall
President and CEO
2024, Issue 4
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