Page 4 - Wilson Electric Newsletter - January 2021
P. 4
VPP Star Status - NEWS TO USE - BY DUSTIN BREWER
Unfortunately, underground utility strikes are a common occurrence
Safety Recognition here in the United States. Statistics from the last 20 years from the
Unfortunately, underground utility strikes are a common occurrence
Wilson Electric is the first subcontractor Underground Utility Alliance have shown that utility strikes have cost here in the United States. Statistics from the last 20 years from the
in Arizona to achieve the an estimated $1.7 billion dollars in damages, 1,906 injures, and 421 Underground Utility Alliance have shown that utility strikes have cost
Voluntary Protection Program lives have been lost. Let's cover a few instances on why utility strikes an estimated $1.7 billion dollars in damages, 1,906 injures, and 421
(VPP) Star Status. are still commonplace; lives have been lost. Let's cover a few instances on why utility strikes
Wilson Electric has earned ADOSH's are still commonplace;
coveted VPP status, reinforcing safety 1. “Excavation Issues- According to the DIRT Report, “Excavation
as one of our core values. There are issues” account for approximately 31% of all utility strikes. These 1. “Excavation Issues- According to the DIRT Report, “Excavation
issues can include digging before all the utilities have responded to
only 35 Arizona companies who have the ticket or digging within 24” of the utility with mechanical issues” account for approximately 31% of all utility strikes. These
issues can include digging before all the utilities have responded to
been awarded the VPP Star equipment. the ticket or digging within 24” of the utility with mechanical
recognition. equipment.
2. Failure to notify- It is estimated that approximately 23% of utility
The Arizona Division of Occupational strikes occur by failing follow state laws and regulations regarding 2. Failure to notify- It is estimated that approximately 23% of utility
Safety and Health (ADOSH) notifying 811. Calling 811 is a free service, and not doing so is careless strikes occur by failing follow state laws and regulations regarding
Consultation Department recently and inexcusable. notifying 811. Calling 811 is a free service, and not doing so is careless
acknowledged Wilson Electric as a and inexcusable.
“STAR Site” through the Voluntary 3. Locating issues- It is estimated that locating issues account for
Protection Program (VPP). approximately 21% of utility strikes. These issues can include using 3. Locating issues- It is estimated that locating issues account for
Companies who are awarded the outdated utility maps, submitting an incorrect address to 811, or using approximately 21% of utility strikes. These issues can include using
an inexperienced locating company to name a few.
STAR designation demonstrate outdated utility maps, submitting an incorrect address to 811, or using
an inexperienced locating company to name a few.
exemplary and comprehensive, 4. Rushing/Human error- Some other common reasons for utility strikes
safety and health management include rushing, improper bidding practices, lack of training, 4. Rushing/Human error- Some other common reasons for utility strikes
systems. indifferent workforce, or using the improper equipment for the task at include rushing, improper bidding practices, lack of training,
hand. indifferent workforce, or using the improper equipment for the task at
VPP is the Occupational Safety and hand.
Health Administration's (OSHA) We can see that following the law, Wilson Electric's company policy,
highest program of recognition and safe work practices is a powerful tool in combating utility strikes. We can see that following the law, Wilson Electric's company policy,
across all United States OSHA Please get with the Safety Department before you dig to ensure that and safe work practices is a powerful tool in combating utility strikes.
organizations. It recognizes employers we are all doing our part to eliminate these costly and life-threatening Please get with the Safety Department before you dig to ensure that
and workers in private and federal occurrences from taking place. Appreciate your hard work, stay safe!! we are all doing our part to eliminate these costly and life-threatening
workplaces who have exemplified occurrences from taking place. Appreciate your hard work, stay safe!!
effective safety and health
management systems to achieve injury
and illness rates more than 50 percent
below the national average. To qualify,
employers must submit an application to
OSHA and undergo an onsite evaluation
by a team of safety and health
professionals.
The VPP program is a partnership approach
with ADOSH, where businesses ask ADOSH
to come in and help them achieve the
highest safety standards.
