With around 60,000 accidental utility strikes occurring each year on average and the Utility Strike Avoidance Group (USAG) estimating the cost of utility strikes in 2019 at £261 million, utilising the skills and expertise of utilities consultants from the outset of a project is vital. Gary Akers, head of utilities at Whitecode Consulting, examines why utility strikes still occur before underscoring how involving utilities consultants early can help housebuilders and developers make more informed decisions, reduce project delays and, ultimately, enhance site safety.
Utility strikes can have devastating consequences. The striking of gas mains or electricity cables can cause electric shocks, fires and explosions, with Health & Safety Executive statistics revealing there were seven deaths as a result of ‘contact with electricity or electrical discharge’ between 2024 and 2025.
Aside from causing immediate safety hazards, they can result in huge financial losses through project downtime, infrastructure repair costs and significant fines. Indeed, the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) report indicated the average direct cost of a strike is £3,371.
UK construction output is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2026, with infrastructure predicted to be the strongest segment. While this is undoubtedly encouraging for the sector, it also brings with it increased likelihood of heavy machinery being utilised and further risk of accidental damage to electric cables, gas pipes or water mains.
In fact, ineffective or improper use of heavy machinery, such as excavators, is the leading cause of utility strikes. However, it’s important to also acknowledge the roles that inaccurate mapping, a lack of proper detection tools, poor communication and complex environments play in the damage of underground infrastructure.
With that in mind, the importance of ensuring a cohesive and holistic approach and utilising the extensive experience and expertise of utilities consultants cannot be understated.
Early involvement is key
By involving utilities consultants early in the design and construction process, housebuilders and developers open up significant possibilities for smoother, safer and more streamlined projects.
Consultants will conduct underground utility searches, quickly identifying any potential hazards ahead of any excavation. By utilising up-to-date data rather than outdated records, this adheres to industry regulation, such as PAS128 surveying standards.
They also utilise Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and electromagnetic location equipment to accurately detect electrical cables and non-metallic pipes that otherwise might not appear on maps.
To provide further peace of mind for safety-conscious developers and housebuilders, utilities consultants will develop site-specific plans that include ‘Permits to dig’ and other safe excavation methods when working close to known utilities.
More informed decision-making
Able to analyse site conditions early, utilities consultants can quickly and accurately identify any potential hazards before any excavation begins. They will also conduct thorough searches across various network owners to produce actionable mapping reports and provide developers and housebuilders with the vital information they need.
Acting as a central hub, utilities consultants provide a vital connection between construction teams, developers, asset owners and Independent Connection Providers (ICPs).
This enhanced communication and collaboration, alongside the detailed, actionable mapping reports and accurate hazard identification, enables project stakeholders to make more informed decisions quicker.
Enhanced site safety
Utilities consultants play a critical role in construction site safety, implementing proactive risk management strategies while crucially substantially reducing the risk of dangerous utility strikes.
In addition to training site personnel on utility strike risks, response procedures and prevention methods, they regularly update utility service maps and undertake follow-up ground surveys as excavation progresses.
Furthermore, they encourage a proactive safety culture across the site, ensuring construction professionals remain vigilant to potential risks and hazards.
The prevention of costly future repairs
While the reduced risk of utility strikes has significant benefits to site safety, the detailed utility mapping provided by utilities consultants also means there’s less chance of necessary future repairs or rework.
Indeed, the accurate mapping of existing infrastructure can effectively prevent utility strikes and costly rerouting later on in the construction process.
As highlighted earlier, the importance of communication and collaboration cannot be understated. With consultants acting as a vital link, all project members will be aligned on project scopes and timelines to reduce misunderstandings that can often lead to rework.
Reduced project delays
Accidentally striking a gas pipe or electricity cable can halt work for days or even weeks while repairs, safety assessments and legal investigation are undertaken.
Involving utilities consultants early in the design and construction process means housebuilders and developers can be provided with detailed mapping reports and 3D modelling data.
Consequently, they will be able to adjust designs to prevent potential conflicts, avoid utilities during active digging and ensure the important excavation is carried out on schedule.
With utility strikes an incredibly costly occurrence – not only for the health and safety of those working on site but the project budget and timeline – seeking the expertise and experience of utilities consultants, such as Whitecode Consulting, to minimise this risk must become a vital aspect of any construction site management strategy.