When discussing the advantages of hydro excavation, the focus typically falls to the preservation of underground utilities, pipelines and other infrastructure. Without a doubt, this is an important reason to hire contractors that utilize hydro excavation equipment vs. traditional excavators or shovels. That being stated, there is another incredibly important reason why hydro excavation is the better choice. It is far safer for laborers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 271 workers died in trenching or excavation incidents over the past five years alone.
Construction is certainly a dangerous business. However, anything that you can do to significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death at a property that you own is incredibly important from an ethical, financial, and legal standpoint. The following information will show you how hydro excavation is safer for workers, which in turn makes it the safest option for property owners.
Hydro Excavation Technology Utilizes Wireless, Remote-Controlled Boom Functionality
Truck-mounted units use wireless booms that can be operated via a control panel. This means that workers onsite do not have to enter the hole or trench, thus minimizing the risk caused by cave-ins. Although this feature was added primarily to increase convenience for the operator, safety for onsite workers is an added benefit.
Hydro Excavation Provides Distance From The Worksite
A major safety obstacle, as well as a headache, when working within busy municipalities is that the area around a worksite can become congested if the excavator needs to be located very close to the worksite. A truck-mounted hydro excavator can be stationed and operated at a distance from the actual work site. This allows increased safety for the workers involved and also prevents traffic congestion and other complications near the site.
Hydro Excavation Allows Hardened Soil To Be Softened Efficiently, Quickly, And Safely
Instead of workers needing to loosen soil within the worksite manually, the water-jetting feature of a hydro excavator means that tough soil conditions can quickly become more liquid and easier to work with in a shorter period of time. The distance workers can maintain away from the site also means that as the soil softens, no one is in danger of being caught in a cave-in.
Hydro Excavation Utilizes Heated Water To Help Thaw Frozen Soil
Instead of having to try to work through frozen ground by hand or with a conventional excavator, truck-mounted hydro excavators can heat water through the jetter, which helps thaw the ground quickly and easily. This also protects the workers from exposure to frigid temperatures, which can be dangerous over long periods of time. Even in non-freezing conditions, the heated water that a hydro excavator can bring to a jobsite can help increase safety, as well as efficiency. Some soils are easier to cut and remove when using heated water. Jetting eliminates the need for workers to use hand tools to do backbreaking work.
Hydro Excavation Is Better For Your Budget
Nothing is more important than the safety of the work crews on excavation or trenching sites. However, as an added bonus, hydro excavation also allows for faster, more efficient work. Many of the factors that make hydro excavators safer also help make them to be more effective and efficient. For example, a hydro excavator will naturally work more swiftly than workers using shovels or backhoes. Avoiding injuries means projects can be completed more quickly and cost-effectively. The ability to swiftly replace backfill means that projects can be completed sooner than traditional excavation or trenching projects, and of course avoiding utility strikes will mark the entire project as a success.
In conclusion, hydro excavation is by far the safest and most affordable method of excavating the ground at your property, which is great for the workers and your bottom line. If you have any questions or would like to schedule service we are happy to help. Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
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