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© 2020 Gallagher et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Objectives

We evaluated a simulation-based training curriculum with quantitatively defined performance benchmarks for utility workers location and excavation of utility services.

Background

Damaging buried utilities is associated with considerable safety risks to workers and substantial cost to employers.

Methods

In a prospective, randomized and blinded study we assessed the impact of Proficiency Based Progression (PBP) simulation training on the location and excavation of utility services work.

Results

PBP simulation training reduced performance errors (33%, p = 0.006) in comparison a standard trained group. When implemented across all workers in the same division there was a 35–61% reduction in utility strikes (p = 0.028) and an estimated cost saving of £116,000 –£2,175,000 in the 12 months (47,000 work hours) studied.

Conclusions

The magnitude of the training benefit of PBP simulation training in the utilities sector appears to be the same as it is in surgery, cardiology and procedure-based medicine.

Application

Quality-assured utility worker simulation training significantly reduces utility damage and associated costs.

Details

Title
Proficiency based progression simulation training significantly reduces utility strikes; A prospective, randomized and blinded study
Author
Gallagher, Anthony G; Hart, Martin; Cleary, David; Hamilton, Craig; McGlinchey, Kevin; Kiely, Patrick; Bunting, Brendan P
First page
e0231979
Section
Research Article
Publication year
2020
Publication date
May 2020
Publisher
Public Library of Science
e-ISSN
19326203
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2401744000
Copyright
© 2020 Gallagher et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.