Damage Prevention Download

Telecom’s Unique Position in the Damage Prevention Industry

CGA’s new White Paper, “Telecom’s Critical Role in Reversing Utility Damage Trends,” outlines four key takeaways that outline the strengths and challenges facing the telecom industry.

The first key finding emphasizes the extensive influence the telecom industry has to advance CGA’s 50-in-5 goal to reduce all damages in half over the next five years: “The telecom sector has the most potential to impact the U.S. damage prevention system – and its own bottom line.” New telecom infrastructure continues to be installed at record-high rates, adding incentive to prevent and reduce damages to these facilities. However, according to CGA’s DIRT Report, telecom consistently ranks among the two most damaged facility types.

CGA is looking forward to hosting industry leaders and stakeholders at the 2024 CGA Conference & Expo taking place in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 14-18, 2024 at the world-renowned Broadmoor, known for its stunning setting overlooking Colorado’s picturesque Rocky Mountains. This year's event will offer an array of high-level educational seminars, interactive breakout sessions, Summits and Committee Meetings specifically curated to align with and support the industry’s ambitious “50-in-5” damage reduction goal. Attendees can look forward to ample opportunities for networking, including the always-popular Night of Networking.

The 2024 Conference will feature six educational tracks to help attendees expand their damage prevention knowledge. New this year, CGA is excited to offer a variety of Healthy Habits sessions that involve a unique mix of fitness and wellness experiences that will inspire higher levels of performance and life satisfaction.

CGA is excited to announce the release of our newest White Paper, “Telecom’s Critical Role in Reversing Utility Damage Trends,” which provides critical insights into the telecommunications sector's specific challenges in damage prevention amidst the fiber and infrastructure boom. The White Paper analyzes data derived from in-depth interviews and an industry survey, which highlight specific strengths and recommendations to enhance damage prevention efforts within the telecom industry.

2022 DIRT Report: Addressing Top Damage Root Causes

According to CGA’s 2022 DIRT Report, more than 76% of damages are caused by six persistent root causes. To effectively address these, it’s crucial to identify proactive strategies to reduce damages and empower stakeholders to make strides toward our 50-in-5 damage reduction goal.

Implementing GIS-Grade Mapping to Address the Crisis of Late and Inaccurate Locates

CGA’s recently published 2022 DIRT Report highlighted a critical issue facing the industry: the emerging crisis of late and inaccurate locates. According to the Report, as often as 56% of the time, excavators cannot begin work on their planned start date due to late or no positive response. As a result, excavator confidence in the system has been negatively impacted.

To address this crisis, accurate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping of underground utilities is paramount, especially given the current surge in construction activity across the U.S. GIS mapping plays a critical role in mitigating the challenges associated with late and inaccurate locates by reducing overnotification, improving the accuracy and efficiency of locates, and enhancing excavator safety.