Elements of an Effective Watch and Protect Program:

Strengthening Excavation Safety Through Education, Accountability, and Collaboration

Positive Response ensures a continuous communication loop between the utility owner/operator and the excavator for OHIO811 tickets and excavation notifications

In today’s rapidly developing infrastructure environment, protecting buried utility lines—especially natural gas facilities—is essential to public safety and project success. Excavation-related damages can lead to catastrophic incidents, costly repairs, and extended project delays. The Watch and Protect Program was developed by TRC Companies as a proactive approach to safeguarding underground utilities during excavation. The program fosters a culture of safety and accountability by emphasizing education and collaboration through streamlined communication. Here we will explore the essential elements that create an effective Watch and Protect Program that is beneficial to everyone affected by construction activities.

The Watch and Protect Program is designed to ensure the safety of buried facilities and those who work near them.

Its core goals include:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Safeguarding Infrastructure During Excavation

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Enhancing Safety for Workers and the Public

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Minimizing the Risk of Utility Conflict and Project Delays

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Promoting Collaboration between Contractors, Locators, and Facility
Owners

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Facilitating impactful, lasting education and active field support

The program’s success lies in its ability to foster greater accountability, deliver timely education, and proactively address issues as they arise on-site.

A cornerstone of the program is the delivery of on-site educational sessions designed to reinforce safe digging practices and damage prevention protocols.

These discussions include:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Proper Locate Procedures and Interpreting Utility Markings

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Importance of Exposing Marked Facilities before Digging

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Properly Supporting and Protecting Exposed Lines

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. 811 Best Practices and Excavator Responsibilities

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By engaging workers directly in the field, Watch and Protect representatives create working relationships that develop a deeper understanding of excavation safety. This hands-on approach increases situational awareness, improves job site processes, and reduces the likelihood of utility strikes. Most importantly, it promotes an understanding of the shared responsibility for damage prevention across all groups involved in construction activities.

One of the most important educational aspects of the program is reinforcing proper 811 procedures.

This includes:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Educating Contractors on When and How to Notify 811

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Explaining the Responsibilities of both Excavators and Facility Owners

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Encouraging Proper Hand-Digging Protocols

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Discouraging Complacency

Excavation crews often encounter situations on-site that raise questions and concerns about facility markings, ownership, and locate response timeliness. The Watch and Protect Program ensures these concerns are addressed quickly and clearly. Representatives provide:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Clarification on Identifying and Understanding Markings

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Guidance on Facility Owner-Specific Processes and Procedures

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Reinforcement of the Importance of Maintaining Visible, Accurate Locates.

Real-time field support empowers contractors to proceed confidently and safely. By resolving on-site issues, the program reduces confusion and helps maintain compliance with 811 regulations and facility owner requirements.

In any complex excavation project, discrepancies in utility locates can occur. An effective Watch and Protect Program includes a rapid response mechanism to:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Identify Locate Challenges Early through Visual Inspections

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Ensure Accuracy Adjustments to Markings are Made Promptly

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Facilitate Coordination and Understanding Between Contractors, Locators, Facility Owners, and Homeowners alike.

These steps prevent project delays and eliminate downtime by ensuring locate issues are identified and swiftly resolved. This proactive approach minimizes excavation risk and keeps projects progressing safely and efficiently.

Major improvements to project outcomes have been seen with the utilization of Pre-construction Meetings. Pre-Construction Meetings are essential for larger or high-risk projects to align all stakeholders. These meetings serve to:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Coordinate Contacts between Contractors, Locators, and Facility Owners

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Review Project Scopes and Identify Critical Dig Locations

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Clarify Safety Protocols and Mitigation Strategies

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Define Timelines, Procedures, and Operational Standards

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Address Potential Issues before Excavation Begins

Establishing expectations up front and promoting open communication builds a foundation for safer, more efficient work. These meetings also serve to build trust and cooperation among all parties involved.

While accurate locates are a key part of excavation safety, effective damage prevention goes beyond markings. The Watch and Protect Program encourages contractors to:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Confirm Utility Locations through Potholing/Daylighting and Hand-Digging

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Avoid Mechanical Excavation near Marked Lines

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Take Accountability for Safe Excavation Practices

Frequent and repeated interaction during excavation helps ensure that safe practices are being followed throughout the project lifecycle. By promoting accountability and maintaining engagement during active digging, the program provides the necessary Safety Pipeline that can significantly reduce the risk of damage and delay.

An Effective Watch and Protect Program can also enhance the impact of the cornerstone of any Damage Prevention Program- Community Outreach. Taking a proactive approach to informing the public helps build awareness and educate those outside of traditional construction trades who may still pose a risk to underground utilities.

Effective outreach efforts through the program include making regular visits to tool rental companies, landscape and garden centers, and home improvement stores. These locations often serve homeowners, landscapers, and small contractors who may rent equipment and begin digging projects without fully understanding the risks involved. By providing educational materials, answering questions, and reinforcing the importance of 811 and proper locate request procedures, we can help spread the gospel of Safe Digging where it’s often needed most.

Additionally, active involvement in local 811 Damage Prevention Councils keeps Watch and Protect Specialists up to date on issues being faced by in the field. These meetings offer fantastic opportunities for education and clarification as well as a chance to continue to enhance collaboration between facility owners, contractors, and the public. Together, these community-facing efforts strengthen the program’s effectiveness and extend safety awareness beyond the jobsite.

The benefits of a well-implemented Watch and Protect Program are clear and measurable:

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Enhanced Worker and Public Safety: Reducing the risk of accidents through proactive education and field monitoring

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Lowered Risk of Facility Damage: Preventing costly repairs and service interruptions by minimizing excavation-related strikes

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Improved Communication and Coordination: Facilitating seamless interaction among contractors, locators, and owners

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Increased Project Efficiency: Minimizing project delays through on-site support and timely problem resolution

Ticket Updater – Locate Remark Request Request a remark for a locate processed within the past 90 days. Original ticket details cannot be changed. Updates must meet the 2 working day notice requirement and are valid only after a "Successfully Submitted" message and new ticket number are issued. For emergencies or requests outside these guidelines, call 811 or 800-362-2764. Greater Compliance with Safety Protocols: Promoting Accountability to Ensure Adherence to State Regulations, 811 Processes, and Facility Owner Standards

These outcomes make the Watch and Protect Program an invaluable asset to any utility damage prevention strategy. However, an effective Watch and Protect Program goes beyond safeguarding underground infrastructure- it develops a proactive culture of safety and accountability. By combining education, outreach, field support, pre-construction coordination, and streamlined communication, the program enhances safety through every phase of an excavation project.

With the rising complexity of utility networks and the increasing demand for safe digging practices, adopting a Watch and Protect Program is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Commitment to continuous improvement through enhanced damage prevention approaches has become an essential step in meeting the growing demands of all construction stakeholders.

Achieving the shared goal of protecting workers, the public, and critical infrastructure by understanding and implementing the elements of an Effective Watch and Protect Program will strengthen the foundation of modern utility management and will help us to build a safer, more efficient future.

These outcomes make the Watch and Protect Program an invaluable asset to any utility damage prevention strategy. However, an effective Watch and Protect Program goes beyond safeguarding underground infrastructure- it develops a proactive culture of safety and accountability. By combining education, outreach, field support, pre-construction coordination, and streamlined communication, the program enhances safety through every phase of an excavation project.

With the rising complexity of utility networks and the increasing demand for safe digging practices, adopting a Watch and Protect Program is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Commitment to continuous improvement through enhanced damage prevention approaches has become an essential step in meeting the growing demands of all construction stakeholders.

Achieving the shared goal of protecting workers, the public, and critical infrastructure by understanding and implementing the elements of an Effective Watch and Protect Program will strengthen the foundation of modern utility management and will help us to build a safer, more efficient future.

This article was written by:
Michael Burroughs, Field Supervisor Damage Prevention
mburroughs@trccompanies.com
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