Underground Utility Safety Program (811)
Dig safe procedures, potholing, utility notification, and excavation damage prevention.
What this document is
This is a ready-to-use written safety program for underground utility protection during excavation work. It outlines procedures for utility notification, potholing, safe digging practices, and damage prevention to help contractors stay compliant.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1926.651 requires employers to locate utilities before starting excavation, maintain proper clearances, and use protective systems where needed. In California, Government Code §4216 mandates that excavators notify 811 centers, wait for utility marking, and pothole to expose utilities before digging. These rules exist to prevent strikes on underground lines that can cause injury, service outages, or explosions.
Who needs it
General contractors, underground utility contractors, pipeline installers, and any trade that excavates or disturbs soil need this program. It applies to all states under federal OSHA rules and carries additional requirements for employers working in California under state law. California contractors face both Cal/OSHA enforcement of excavation standards and separate enforcement of the 811 notification law.
What happens without it
OSHA can issue Serious citations with penalties currently ranging from $16,131 to $161,323 per violation depending on severity and employer history. Willful or repeated violations can reach the maximum penalty. Inspections frequently occur after utility strikes or near-miss events, and multi-employer worksites can result in citations to both the excavator and the controlling contractor.
What's included in the generated document
- Program scope and responsibilities
- Utility notification and 811 procedures
- Potholing and verification methods
- Excavation and backfill safety rules
- Emergency response and documentation requirements
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download the PDF and edit the company name, competent person, and contact details into the designated fields.
- Distribute the completed program to field supervisors, equipment operators, and any employees who perform or oversee excavation.
- Train all affected workers on the specific procedures and have them sign the training acknowledgment form.
- Post the 811 contact information and emergency numbers at the job site before starting any digging work.
- Keep records of utility notifications, potholing logs, and training attendance as proof of compliance during inspections.