16 Sep The Cost of Ignoring Underground Utilities
Whether you’ve been contracted on a job that involves breaking ground, or you think you may need to dig underground around your own property, it’s imperative you understand the risks involved, and the required checks that professionals need to make in order to conduct this type of work. The cost of ignoring underground utilities is too high, as breaking ground in the wrong area can cause extremely expensive damages and sometimes even serious injury or death.
Beyond the financial and safety risks of not checking for underground utilities before work begins, there is also the risk of causing major damage to the underground infrastructure. This can cause further accidents down the line which you may become liable for. Rather than putting yourself at risk, contact the underground locating experts to give yourself the peace of mind that your work is approved to proceed safely.
If you’re in need of utility locating services for an upcoming project, make an enquiry through our online contact form, by calling us on 1300 562 283, or send an email to estimating@1300locate.com.au for a project estimation.
What Are the Costs of Ignoring Underground Utilities?
Financial
It goes without saying that any damage caused to utilities while digging underground is likely to have financial consequences for you. Hitting an underground utility due to failing to conduct the proper checks may violate your insurance policies, resulting in increased insurance premiums, denied claims or closure of a site. This can become a major financial burden for you, as you may also be liable to pay for the replacement or repairs of the damaged utilities.
Legal
When you fail to conduct your due diligence and cause damage to underground utilities, there’s a high chance you may also face legal consequences. Whether it is a homeowner who loses access to necessary utilities, or a business that suffers due to the loss of power or water, a lawsuit may come your way. The threat of a lawsuit not only hampers your finances drastically, but it can also severely impact your reputation and potentially cause you to lose new or repeat clients.
Operational
Failing to check for hidden utilities before digging not only causes financial and legal risks but can also greatly hinder your operations. Whether it is damaging your equipment or disrupting the property, your project risks falling far behind schedule or even being abandoned as a result. This not only impacts your current project and the client responsible, but can impact future work due the wait times on repairs and replacements for construction equipment.
Environmental
Whenever you are working underground, it is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure your work causes little to no harm to the environment as possible. Ground engaging without conducting a proper assessment can cause major damage to the soil or contaminate nearby water supplies. This not only impacts the local area but may also cause serious problems for the community and warrant severe costs for you and your business.
Need Help with Locating Underground Utilities?
Don’t go it alone. At 1300Locate, we are the underground service locators Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast businesses and residents trusts to help them locate utilities; ensuring work proceeds safely and free from risk. Don’t attempt to locate these hidden utilities yourself as you can accidentally overlook important details.
Instead, call the professionals on 1300 562 283, reach out through our online contact form, or email estimating@1300locate.com.au for a project estimate.
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