Education is key to preventing damage to underground infrastructure and keeping workers and communities safe. In this episode, Common Ground Alliance’s Erika Lee and Lisa O’Leary share how their Excavator Damage Prevention curriculum is using data-driven training to change behavior and reduce risk.

Show Notes:

CGA’s Erika Lee and Lisa O’Leary discuss how their comprehensive training curriculum is tackling the root causes of damage through education, accessibility, and industry collaboration. Their key points include:

• Education is the first line of defense against excavation damage: Erika Lee emphasized that if workers don’t understand risks and best practices, “we’re really not setting them up for success.”
• Failure to contact 811 remains the leading cause of damage: The top root cause year over year is not calling 811 before digging—highlighting a major opportunity for behavior change.
• Up to 65% of damage incidents are preventable through behavior change: The majority of incidents are tied to excavator actions that can be improved through targeted training, according to Erika.
• Microlearning and accessibility are key to adoption: Lisa O’Leary shared that short, 5–7 minute modules and mobile-friendly access make it easier for workers in the field to engage with training.
• Collaboration and consensus drive better outcomes: Common Ground Alliance’s consensus-based approach ensures diverse stakeholders align on best practices—strengthening both the curriculum and industry impact.

Learn more about Common Ground Alliance's education program. 

Explore d'Vinci's work with Common Ground Alliance. 

Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry’s Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide.

Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com.
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