Proficiency based progression simulation training significantly reduces utility strikes; A prospective, randomized...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Workforce Training
• Utility Infrastructure Management

Background:

• Damage to buried utilities poses significant safety risks to workers.
• Utility strikes incur substantial financial costs for employers.
• Effective training is crucial for preventing utility damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a simulation-based training curriculum for utility workers.
• To assess the impact of Proficiency Based Progression (PBP) simulation training on locating and excavating utility services.
• To establish quantitatively defined performance benchmarks for utility worker training.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, and blinded study design was employed.
• Proficiency Based Progression (PBP) simulation training was implemented and compared to standard training.
• Performance errors in locating and excavating utility services were quantitatively assessed.

Main Results:

• PBP simulation training led to a 33% reduction in performance errors (p = 0.006).
• Implementation across a division resulted in a 35-61% decrease in utility strikes (p = 0.028).
• Estimated cost savings ranged from £116,000 to £2,175,000 over 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Quality-assured simulation training significantly reduces utility damage and associated costs.
• The benefits of PBP simulation training in the utilities sector are comparable to those in medical fields.
• PBP simulation training provides a highly effective and cost-efficient solution for improving utility worker safety and performance.