Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) has put forward a submission to the Victorian Government to mandate the use of BYDA’s referral service. This recommendation aims to reduce damage and harm to life by introducing more robust safety requirements.
In Victoria, there are more than 200 reported incidences of strikes to underground assets each year. The risks associated with digging or excavation are costly and potentially life threatening. It impacts workers, underground infrastructure and can disrupt essential services to the community.
The BYDA referral service is a free resource that is available to any persons conducting digging or excavation work. This includes home owners and larger scale developments. The referral service provides vital plans and safety information related to underground assets and is the first step of our best practice guidelines.
New South Wales is the only state that legally requires the use of the referral service prior to excavation work.
In 2017, this recommendation was put forward as part of the Grimes Review. In 2018, it was accepted by the Victorian Government. The recommendation has yet to be implemented.
BYDA is pursuing support from the Minister of Energy and local MPs as part of our commitment to zero damage, zero harm.
Organisations are encouraged to get behind our efforts to ensure that workers, underground assets and communities remain safe. A letter of support is available to those wishing to lend their voice to this campaign.
For more information, please contact BYDA.