Contractor Safety
Construction crews often work near electric and natural gas facilities, making safety a top priority. Accidental contact with utility lines can disrupt essential services and, more critically, result in serious injury or loss of life. Central Hudson is committed to high safety standards and encourages contractors to prepare thoroughly before working around utility infrastructure.
Safety Steps for Construction Managers
To minimize risks, construction managers and officials should follow these essential safety precautions:
- Call Before You Dig – Contact UDig NY by dialing 811 or visiting https://udigny.org/ at least two but no more than 10 full working days before digging. This service ensures that underground utility lines are marked to prevent accidents.
- Plan for Safe Equipment Use – Heavy machinery like cranes, excavators, and lifts can accidentally contact overhead electric lines. Use designated spotters to prevent incidents, and in some cases, lines may be temporarily de-energized for additional safety.
- Establish a Clear Safety Zone – Communicate potential hazards to your team and set up boundaries around utility lines using cones or tape. Keep clear of service meters, pad-mounted transformers, guy wires, and other utility structures.
- Maintain Safe Distances – Stay at least 10 feet from local power lines and 25 feet or more from high-voltage transmission lines. Carry ladders and pipes horizontally, wear appropriate safety gear, and never attempt to repair or adjust utility equipment.
What to Do in Case of Utility Contact
- Electric Lines – If a worker or vehicle contacts a power line, do not touch them. Warn others to stay away and immediately call 911 and Central Hudson. If a fire is present and the operators are uninjured, they should not turn off the engine but instead jump away from the vehicle without touching both the vehicle and ground at the same time, then shuffle away.
- Gas Lines – If a natural gas line is hit, workers should not shut off their equipment — leave immediately, warn others to stay away, and contact Central Hudson right away.
For Questions or Safety Training
Contractors and excavators should call Central Hudson at 845-452-2700 for questions about utility safety at construction sites.
Municipalities, fire departments, and emergency responders can request a safety presentation — contact Central Hudson’s Supervisor of New Business for details.
Contractors Working for Central Hudson
Contractors performing on-site construction or maintenance must ensure a safe, hazard-free workplace for all employees and the public. Compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations is required, including drug-free work policies. Before work begins, all contractors must submit a Safety Plan to Central Hudson.
More information about contractor safety
Find work safety videos, quizzes and more on our e-Smartworkers website- Visit the Northeast Gas Association website
- View the "Look up, Look Down, Look Out" brochure by Electric Safety Foundation International, which offers safety advice to contractors and excavators
- See our Natural Gas Pipeline Safety brochure