The ongoing efforts of the Ohio Underground Damage Prevention Coalition (OUDPC) to make Ohio a safer place to live and work progressed throughout 2024. A comprehensive review of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) led to the formation of Subcommittees and Discussion Groups to evaluate proposed language that would further strengthen the safe excavation process.
As conversations advance within the Utility Coordination and Abandoned Lines Subcommittees, proposed language will be presented to the OUDPC for consideration.
The Training Subcommittee submitted proposed language to the OUDPC on October 17th regarding ORC 3781.261, “Protection of Underground Utility Facilities Training” to provide a distinct standard of training in underground damage protection within the ORC. This measure was agreed upon by the Coalition and was publicly posted for a 45-day review period and is expected to be submitted to the State House for consideration in early 2025:
An excavator, contractor, or utility, designer, developer, engineer and utility locator that utilizes a protection service shall obtain training in the protection of underground utility facilities. An excavator, contractor, or utility shall be deemed to have obtained that training if the excavator, contractor, or utility is a member of a protection service or a statewide association representing excavators, contractors, or utilities and the service or association provides that training. An excavator, contractor, or utility also may obtain the training from such a service or association without becoming a member. Employers shall provide training at the time of initial assignment, whenever a change occurs where employees have not previously been trained and shall recur every 5 years. Training shall be documented and retained by the employer. Training shall include the one-call OHIO811 notification process, responsibilities of utilities, responsibilities of excavators, positive response, Ohio Universal Marking Standards and the complaint process as codified in Ohio Revised Code 3781.25-3781.34 and 153.64.
Key Events in OUDPC History
The OUDPC was formed in February 2011 by a dedicated group of safety-minded industry leaders and is open to industry stakeholders and trade associations that have a vested interest in safe excavation practices.
The result of their efforts was the introduction of House Bill 458, a bill that focused on clear and comprehensive communications amongst stakeholders and established both the Positive Response System and Universal Marking Standards. This bill passed with a unanimous vote in 2012.
With the success of HB 458, the Coalition continued its efforts, which culminated in the passage of Senate Bill 378 in 2014.
Collectively, HB 458 and SB 378 were significant milestones for safer excavation standards throughout the State of Ohio. The OUDPC remains vigilant in its goal to reduce damages and strengthen safety standards in Ohio.
This article was written by:
Jason Broyles, Public Awareness / Services Coordinator, OHIO811
jasonb@oups.org
