Ground disturbance safety is an integral element of training for workers in Canada’s Construction, Oil & Gas, and Pipeline industries. The Canadian Common Ground Alliance and related counter-parts (such as the Utility Safety Partners in Alberta or the BCCGA in British Columbia) are influential regulatory organizations. These bodies highlight the prevention of incidents, injuries, or infrastructure damage and set out critical training standards for supervisors and workers.
Disruption to the soil for any purpose – such as installing underground utilities, pipelines or building foundations – may lead to accidental strikes on existing utilities such as gas lines, electrical lines or other hazards which in turn result in severe property damage, injuries or deaths among workers and the general public alike.
Key Components of Ground Disturbance Safety Training for Workers
Ground disturbance safety training equips workers with the necessary knowledge to help identify potential dangers, implement safeguards against accidents & injuries and usage of proper excavation equipment and tools. It includes proper planning and preparation prior to disturbing ground, obtaining necessary permits, identifying existing utilities/infrastructure locations as well as insight on the best tools for excavation.
Guidelines and regulations mandate employers ensure their workers have received training on ground disturbance safety. Various associations, worksites and industries may also determine best practises for workplace safety compliance.
For example, in British Columbia, the BCCGA cites a variety of Legislation and Regulations impacting Ground disturbance:
- The Oil and Gas Activities Act
- National Energy Board Act
- Canada Energy Regulator ~ Regulatory Document Index
- WorkSafe BC ~ Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
- WorkSafe BC ~ Workers Compensation Act
- WorkSafe BC ~ WCB Standards
- Technical Safety BC ~ Safety Regulations
Ground disturbance training is a core aspect of workplace safety for employees working in Canada’s Construction, Oil & Gas, and Pipeline industries. By adhering to Endorsed training, employers can ensure their workers receive proper instruction to reduce accidents, injuries and infrastructure damage.
Online Ground Disturbance Training for Workers Across Canada
Approved online training providers now make Ground Disturbance courses more easily available to workers across the nation, providing convenient, flexible access to this essential training regardless of location or work schedule. These online courses provide interactive and engaging education on ground disturbance hazards to ensure workers can recognize and mitigate them effectively.
Popular online Ground Disturbance courses include:
- Ground Disturbance 101
- Alberta Ground Disturbance 201
- British Columbia Ground Disturbance 201 – NEW
- Saskatchewan Ground Disturbance Awareness
Other related training courses on Safe Excavation may be worthwhile resources.
By applying knowledge gained during ground disturbance safety training correctly, workers can minimize accidents, injuries, and underground utility incidents while protecting property, infrastructure and public safety.
