Top Violations in Ground Disturbance Projects and How to Avoid Them

Ground disturbance work is risky.
One wrong move can damage underground utilities, harm workers, and cost thousands in fines.

Every year, companies face penalties for ground disturbance safety violations—many of them quite avoidable. Whether you’re working on a construction site, installing pipelines, or trenching for cables, understanding the top mistakes is the first step toward safer operations.

Below, we’ll explore the common ground excavation violations you need to know, and how to prevent them.

1. Failing to Locate and Mark Utilities

This is the number one ground disturbance mistake.
Workers dig without knowing exactly where gas lines, water mains, or electrical cables are buried.

Why it happens:

• Rushed timelines
• Incomplete utility maps
• Poor communication with locating services

How to avoid it:

• Always contact your local “Call Before You Dig” or utility locating service before starting.
• Use multiple locating methods—maps, ground-penetrating radar, and utility paint markings.
• Verify locations in person before excavation begins.
• Consider using hydrovac services instead of mechanical excavators.

Example: In Alberta, a contractor hit a high-pressure gas line because they relied only on outdated paper maps. The incident forced the evacuation of an entire neighborhood and caused $350,000 in damages.

2. Skipping the Ground Disturbance Permit

Not having the proper permits is another costly error.
Ground disturbance permit mistakes can shut a project down and result in legal issues.

Why it happens:

• Misunderstanding local permit requirements
• Assuming small jobs don’t need permits
• Poor record-keeping

How to avoid it:

• Know the permit requirements for your jurisdiction before breaking ground.
• Keep copies of all permits on site for inspection.
• Train supervisors to verify that permits are valid and up to date.

3. Inadequate Shoring or Trench Support

One of the most dangerous common ground excavation violations is failing to shore or slope trenches properly.
A collapse can trap or kill workers in seconds.

Why it happens:

• Cost-cutting
• Lack of engineering input
• Overconfidence in soil stability

How to avoid it:

• Follow Occupational Health and Safety trenching regulations.
• Never allow workers in trenches over 1.2 meters (4 feet) deep without proper protective systems.
• Inspect shoring daily and after heavy rain.

Example: In 2022, a trench collapse in British Columbia buried a worker waist-deep in seconds. Luckily, co-workers rescued him, but the investigation found that shoring was never installed. The company faced $70,000 in fines.

4. Poor Communication and Site Signage

Ground disturbance involves multiple crews—surveyors, equipment operators, inspectors.
When communication breaks down, accidents follow.

Why it happens:

• No daily safety meetings
• Missing hazard signage
• Language barriers on site

How to avoid it:

• Hold a toolbox meeting every morning to review hazards.
• Post clear, weatherproof signage marking no-go zones and hazards.
• Use multilingual signs if needed.

5. Ignoring Environmental Requirements

Many regions have environmental rules for ground disturbance near wetlands, protected areas, or archaeological sites.

Ground disturbance safety violations often occur when crews:

• Fail to control sediment runoff
• Damage protected plants or habitats
• Ignore wildlife nesting seasons

How to avoid it:

• Include environmental officers in the planning stage.
• Use silt fences, sediment traps, and erosion control blankets.
• Stop work if protected wildlife is discovered.

6. Poorly Maintained Equipment

Faulty equipment increases risk during excavation.
Leaking hydraulics, worn cables, or malfunctioning alarms can cause delays and injuries.

How to avoid it:

• Conduct daily equipment inspections.
• Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules.
• Remove defective equipment from service immediately.

Why These Violations Keep Happening

Despite awareness campaigns, common ground excavation violations continue.
The main reasons?

• Pressure to finish quickly
• Poor training
• Assumptions that “it’s just a small dig”

But small digs can have big consequences.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

Violations don’t just mean fines.
They can result in:

• Serious injuries or fatalities
• Legal action
• Damaged reputation
• Lost contracts

Thought-provoking question:
If a single safety shortcut could put lives at risk and cost your company its future, why take it?

FAQs:

Key Takeaways

• Plan before you dig—locate all utilities, secure permits, and brief your crew.
• Follow safety regulations—especially trench shoring, communication, and environmental controls.
• Never rush at the expense of safety—shortcuts lead to violations, injuries, and financial loss.

By focusing on prevention, communication, and compliance, you can eliminate most ground disturbance safety violations before they happen.
The best projects aren’t just completed on time—they’re completed without incident.