What We Heard in Dallas: Key Takeaways from the Global Excavation Safety Conference
The Global Excavation Safety Conference in Dallas stands apart not only for the sheer scale of participation but for the diversity of voices it brings together across the supply chain. Operators, contractors, locators, regulators, engineers, and Excavators share their experiences and combine their efforts in making our industries a safer one. This unique event goes beyond traditional conferences encouraging candid discussions and data-sharing between groups who often face the same risks from different directions.
By combining experience from those planning and managing infrastructure with those responsible for project execution, the event uncovered blind spots, challenges assumptions, and collaborative solutions. Strategic and operational focused event like this led to more comprehensive, actionable approaches for preventing underground utility damage, benefiting the entire industry and the communities it serves.
Two Perspectives, One Goal
Casey Thames – Pipeline Operator’s View
Operators described the need to move collaboration into measurable results, focusing on whether locators have the training, resources, and time to provide accurate responses. They emphasized that progress depends on tracking outcomes and addressing root issues, so lessons translate into action. With stronger accuracy and open sharing of results, collaboration can deliver what everyone is aiming for, safer crews, stronger trust, and fewer strikes.
Daniel Radabaugh – Contractor’s View
Contractors at the Summit described the job’s intense pressure, balancing deadlines with the invisible risks underfoot. Real productivity means returning crews home safe, sustaining relationships, and managing risk alongside pride in workmanship. Advances in technology, from integrated mapping tools like PelicanCorp’s GIS mapping system, to real-time radar embedded in equipment buckets, are making precision more attainable, but no system is infallible. Work on the ground remains an exercise in vigilance.
Together, we represent two sides of the same challenge. The details may differ, but the outcome we want is the same: zero strikes.
Why Stakeholder Collaboration Is the Only Way Forward?
Collaboration among stakeholders, operators, contractors, locators, and regulators is not just valuable, it is essential for effective damage prevention. Each group alone operates with only a piece of the puzzle, but when all perspectives are brought together, the industry benefits from a full view of risks, responsibilities, and innovative solutions. Regions and projects with strong collaboration have shown the greatest progress in reducing utility strikes, as seen in successful partnership models that prioritize joint planning, open communication, and shared accountability. Simply put, when the entire supply chain acts with a unified commitment to safety, everyone benefits.
Why Events like this matter?
Events such as the Global Excavation Safety Conference and the upcoming Texas Damage Prevention Summit offer more than updates, they create spaces for connection, real-world problem solving, and the sharing of new ideas and technology. They give professionals at all levels the chance to learn directly from peers and experts, see equipment and tech demonstrations, and discuss enforcement, regulatory changes, and lessons from both successes and near-misses. These gatherings break down barriers and inspire joint ownership of the industry’s biggest safety goals, making sure no one stakeholder faces a challenge alone. Ultimately, these forums drive progress not just in technical practice but in building cultures of prevention and collaboration.
Where We Are Going Next?
The conversation continues at the Texas Damage Prevention Summit, which will feature hands-on workshops, scenario-based training, panel discussions, and equipment showcases, all designed to address real challenges that affect this industry. Topics at the upcoming event include pipeline safety, roadway excavation best practices, permit compliance, new mapping technologies, and how to protect our number one asset, the mindset of our employees. If you haven’t been to one of these events, we highly encourage you to join us in Galveston TX this week.
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Closing Thoughts
By moving forward together in collaborative, safety focused partnerships, the industry can meet damage reduction goals and, most importantly, keep our workers and communities safe. What are you doing to make a difference?
Our aim is to keep that momentum going here at OGGN. This biweekly blog series will continue to explore topics like mapping accuracy, enforcement challenges, the realities of “no call” digs, and how new technology is reshaping prevention. Sign up for our weekly newsletter below to follow our journey to creating a safer industry.
Co-Authored by:
Casey Thames: caseythames@gmail.com
Daniel Radabaugh: daniel@xccelerated.net