Digging Smarter: Implementing the Dig Board

It’s easy to notice progress on a construction site once the project goes vertical. Cranes, scaffolding, and steel erection show how the project is moving along. But what you don’t see is just as important: the complex network of utilities buried underground. Gas lines, water mains, sanitary lines, and more criss-cross below our feet. Working around these utilities is a delicate task. One wrong move can lead to safety risks, costly delays, or service disruptions.

That’s why our teams rely on a simple but powerful tool: the dig board.

What is the Dig Board?

The dig board is a visual planning tool developed in-house by our safety and operations teams and used by our crews before excavation begins. It maps the locations of buried utilities (both existing and newly installed) near our work, giving crews a clear picture of what lies beneath. By reviewing the dig board, our teams can plan safe excavation strategies and avoid striking critical infrastructure.

Why It Matters for Safety

At Faulconer, safety isn’t just a checklist. It’s the foundation of how we operate. The dig board helps us:

• Protect our crews by preventing accidents around live utilities.
• Safeguard communities by avoiding disruptions to essential services.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

It’s a proactive step that turns invisible risks into visible and actionable information.

Benefits for Clients

While the dig board is a safety tool for our teams, its impact extends directly to our clients:

• Reduced Risk of Delays: Utility strikes bring a project to a screeching halt. Avoiding them keeps our teams on schedule.
• Trust & Transparency: Clients see the care we take before putting a shovel in the ground.
• Reputation Protection: Safe, efficient work reflects positively on the entire project team.

In short, the dig board isn’t just about protecting our crews; it’s about protecting our clients’ investment.

Our Approach

The dig board is one example of how we integrate safety and planning into every phase of construction. From preconstruction to delivery, we prioritize tools and processes that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. For us, safety isn’t an add-on; it’s how we operate.