Walk a Mile in My Shoes:
Dig with Care, Build with Purpose

Understanding the challenges between excavators, locators, and facility owners — and how stronger communication can prevent damage and keep communities safe.

Communication failures don’t just cause frustration—they cause damage, delay, and danger. In the damage prevention sector, where excavators, locators, and facility owners must work in sync, even small missteps can lead to serious consequences. Strikes to underground facilities disrupt critical services, create costly repairs, and, most importantly, put communities at risk.

Yet, despite the shared goal of safety, communication gaps remain one of the industry’s most persistent challenges. This article explores the struggles, causes, and consequences of miscommunication while highlighting strategies and mindsets that can bridge the divide.

The Human Element of Miscommunication

Imagine walking a mile in the shoes of an excavator, a locator, or a facility owner. Each role carries unique pressures and responsibilities:

  • “Walking a mile in my shoes would reveal the constant pressure to ensure accuracy and safety.”

  • “If only they could see the complexities we deal with daily; they’d understand why clear communication is crucial.”

These perspectives underscore that no party operates in isolation. Miscommunication between even two links in the chain can ripple outward, increasing risks for everyone involved.

Why Communication Breaks Down

Several recurring factors contribute to these gaps:

  • Lack of Standardized Procedures

    Different companies follow varying protocols, which can create confusion and inconsistency.

  • Technological Gaps

    Outdated or incompatible systems slow down or distort information sharing.

  • Human Error

    Misinterpretations, incomplete information, or assumptions are inevitable but can be reduced through training and accountability.

The High Cost of Miscommunication

When communication falters, the consequences are significant:

  • Increased Damage Strikes

    More frequent and severe incidents put workers and communities at risk.

  • Community Safety Concerns

    Strikes to gas, water, or electrical lines can cause evacuations, outages, and hazards.

  • Financial Implications

    Emergency repairs, liability costs, and project delays can escalate quickly.

Pathways Forward: Strengthening Communication

Closing the gap requires a combination of technical solutions and cultural change. Steps include:

  • Standardizing Procedures

    Establishing clear, uniform protocols across all parties reduces confusion and sets consistent expectations.

  • Leveraging Technology

    Adopting advanced, compatible systems ensures accurate, real-time information sharing.

  • Prioritizing Training and Awareness

    Regular programs equip teams to minimize human error and cultivate a shared culture of safety.

Lessons from the Field

Real-world examples illustrate both the risks and opportunities:

  • Case 1 – The Cost of Misinterpretation

    An excavator misread a locate ticket and struck a gas line, forcing a neighborhood evacuation. In response, clearer ticket instructions and targeted training were introduced, significantly reducing repeat errors.

  • Case 2 – The Power of Technology

    A locating company adopted advanced digital mapping tools that improved accuracy and communication with excavators. Within six months, reported damage incidents dropped noticeably, proving the impact of modernized systems.

These cases show that progress is possible when the industry embraces both accountability and innovation.

Building a Culture of Critical and Analytical Thinking

While tools and procedures are vital, long-term progress depends on mindset. Critical and analytical thinking provide the foundation for safer, more effective communication.

  • Critical Thinking

    Encouraging individuals to question assumptions, evaluate information carefully, and consider multiple perspectives strengthens decision-making.

  • Analytical Thinking

    Using data and incident analysis to identify patterns helps organizations anticipate risks and create targeted prevention strategies.

Together, these approaches shift the culture from reactive problem-solving to proactive risk reduction.

Conclusion

Improving communication in damage prevention is not just about reducing strikes—it is about protecting communities, reducing costs, and ensuring a safer, more efficient future. By walking in each other’s shoes, adopting standardized practices, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of critical and analytical thinking, we can dig with care and build with purpose.

Info-circled Info-circled

Learn more about United Ally Utility Solutions and their underground utility damage prevention and investigation services in Ohio.

This article was written by:
Steven Hill, Owner/Operator, United Ally Utility Solutions
stevenhill@unitedallyutilitysolutions.com
unitedallyutilitysolutions.com

Read More Articles

© Copyright - Ohio Utilities Protection Service | Information on www.OHIO811.org is meant to be general educational information only. It is not intended to provide legal advice, nor should it be relied upon to interpret the Ohio Revised Code, Chapters 153.64, 3781.25-38, or 4913. To be clear, the website is not a substitute for the law or legal advice. Please refer to Ohio Revised Code, and legal counsel for guidance as you navigate the OHIO811 system. (See, Website Disclaimer).