Utility construction involves installing, maintaining, and repairing gas, water, electricity, and telecoms infrastructure. This work typically takes place in public streets, footpaths, and carriageways alongside live services and traffic. The combination of working in excavations near buried services, exposure to live traffic, confined space risks, and manual handling of heavy pipe and cable makes utility work one of the most hazardous sectors in UK construction.
Key Hazards
Striking live electricity cables or gas mains during excavation work
Being struck by passing vehicles while working in the public highway
Exposure to pressurised water and gas during live main repairs
Trench collapse when working in narrow street excavations near buildings
Control Measures
Obtain and review all utility service records and plans before starting any excavation work.
Carry out a full CAT and Genny scan in all three modes before any ground is broken.
Install compliant Chapter 8 traffic management before starting any work in the carriageway.
Support all excavations with shoring, trench boxes, or safe batter angles before entry.
Use hand digging within 500mm of any known or suspected buried service.
Wear high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471 at all times when working on the highway.
Ensure all operatives hold the relevant utility company authorisation for the work being carried out.
Brief the team on all live service locations, emergency procedures, and isolation points.
Keep emergency contact numbers for all utility companies clearly displayed at the work location.
Emergency / Rescue
If a gas main is struck, evacuate upwind immediately and call National Gas Emergency on 0800 111 999. For electrical cable strikes, move away, warn others, and call the network operator. Call 999 for any injuries.
Remember
Always assume buried services are present until proven otherwise by scanning and trial holes.
Live traffic is a constant threat when working in the highway — stay inside the works area.
Trench support is essential in all utility excavations regardless of depth or duration.
Only authorised and competent operatives may work on gas, water, or electrical networks.
Emergency numbers for all utility companies must be known before any excavation begins.
Report every service strike, even minor contact, so damage can be assessed and repaired safely.
Applicable Legislation: New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 · HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services) · CDM Regulations 2015 · Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8