By Ontario One Call
In the heart of Ontario’s bustling cities and serene countryside, an invisible network of utilities pulses with life. These utilities — pipelines, cables and wires — aren’t just infrastructure; they’re the lifelines of modern society, fuelling everything from our homes to our workplaces.
Yet, a concerning statistic from a recent survey reveals that only one in four contractors can spontaneously name Ontario One Call, the organization tasked with connecting anyone wanting to dig with infrastructure owners who are required to locate these underground systems.
This gap in knowledge is more than a trivial oversight; it’s a critical safety hazard. Consider this: Ontario reports more than 4,222 incidents of utility damage annually, averaging about 19 damaging events every working day. Each incident not only disrupts services but also poses severe risks of environmental pollution and safety hazards. Imagine the chaos and danger when a high-pressure gas line is struck or when an electrical line is severed — situations that are entirely preventable.
Despite the clear risks, why do such incidents persist? The answer often lies in a combination of hurried schedules and the ever-present push to cut costs. These pressures can tempt even the most seasoned professionals to bypass the crucial step of requesting locates from Ontario One Call before digging. This mandatory legal step is designed to protect not only the workers on the ground but also the millions who rely on uninterrupted utility services.
The consequences of non-compliance extend far beyond the immediate danger and inconvenience. Businesses found liable for damages can face hefty fines, skyrocketing insurance premiums and damaging legal battles. Moreover, the reputational harm can be devastating, tarnishing years of hard-earned trust and reliability in the competitive construction and landscaping markets.
Addressing this issue demands more than just adherence to legal requirements; it requires a cultural shift towards prioritizing safety and diligence. Education plays a pivotal role here. Regular training sessions, comprehensive safety briefings and ongoing awareness campaigns are essential to keep safety protocols at the forefront of industry practices.
Every click on the Ontario One Call website to request a locate represents a proactive step towards preventing potential disasters. It’s a simple action that underscores a professional’s commitment to safety and due diligence.
As Ontario continues to expand and evolve, the responsibility to safeguard its underground utilities becomes increasingly significant. Protecting these hidden networks isn’t merely about compliance; it’s about ensuring the well-being and efficiency of the communities we serve. Let’s not wait for the next incident to remind us of our responsibilities. It’s time to dig with care and ensure our groundbreaking work does not lead to groundbreaking accidents. Let’s make safety a constant priority in our operations.
Established in 1996, Ontario One Call is a public safety administrative authority that acts as a communications link between buried infrastructure owners and individuals who are planning to dig in the province.
Though Ontario One Call does not physically mark the lines, pipes or cables, it relays all dig information to the buried infrastructure owners so they can mark (locate) based on the request you submit. Buried infrastructure owners will then deliver locates.
Locates minimize the risk of infrastructure damage, loss of service and injury.
