Record-breaking numbers of people in the UK are reported to have checked for underground pipes and cables before they undergo digging projects. This is according to LSBUD, a leading safe digging resource.
Between January and September 2022, there were 33,500 new registrations on the LSBUD search portal – an 18% increase over the same period in 2021, and 37% above 2020. The actual number of searches also increased, with 2,828,562 enquires placed so far in 2022, more than 314,250 searches each month.
This is 12% higher than in 2021, and 25% higher than in the same period in 2020. This means that the resource is set for its biggest year to date, predicting more than 3.75 million searches by the end of the year.
Richard Broome, managing director at LSBUD, said: “Last year I spoke about potentially breaking the 3.5 million milestone, and just what it would mean for the UK’s safe digging industries, and it looks like we are going to outstrip that number by some way. It is fantastic because it means more and more people are staying safe by planning their digging work before it begins.
“In March, a record 4,120 new users joined us, which equates to 133 new people per day. Keeping people safe is our purpose, so to know 133 new people every day are educating themselves on what is buried beneath them before they start work is truly inspiring for all those involved with LSBUD. And it is not just contractors and professionals joining, it is farmers checking before replacing fences, and the general public making sure they are clear to build their new shed.
“We want to thank every single person – fencing contractors, landscape gardeners, construction workers, highways contractors, those operating on behalf of telecoms, water, gas and electricity companies and those digging at home – you are keeping yourself safe, and protecting our underground pipe and cable infrastructure at the same time. It is great. Always search before you dig.”
LSBUD now has over 110 members signed up to its collaborative portal, including all of the UK’s major gas distribution networks, 92% of the electricity networks and 99% of fuel and oil pipeline operators.
For more information go to www.lsbud.co.uk