Toolbox Talks
Practical safety conversations designed to support crews before excavation begins.
CBYD Toolbox Talks are short, focused safety discussions used by crews to prepare for safe excavation.
Each talk is based on real incidents and regulatory guidance and is provided as a downloadable PDF for use in tailgate meetings, training, and compliance documentation. Use the search and filters below to quickly locate the talks relevant to your work.
No Toolbox Talks match your current search or filters.
Try adjusting your keywords or view all Toolbox Talks.
Digging Deeper
Reviews a trench collapse involving an unsupported natural gas line, reinforcing proper shoring, utility support, and emergency response responsibilities.
Key insights
- Provide proper trench shoring when excavating at depth.
- Support exposed utilities to prevent movement or damage.
- Never attempt to repair a damaged gas facility.
- Contact 911 and the utility owner immediately after damage.
Report Your Damages & Do Not Tamper!
Reinforces proper response procedures following utility damage, including emergency notification and prohibitions on tampering.
Key insights
- Report all utility damage immediately.
- Contact 911 when public safety may be at risk.
- Never attempt to repair or alter damaged facilities.
Keep Your Marks Clean!
Emphasizes maintaining visible, legible markings to prevent utility strikes and excavation delays.
Key insights
- Preserve markings throughout the job.
- Re-mark or refresh when visibility is lost.
- Do not dig if markings are unclear.
How “One Last Scoop” Can Cause a Project Shutdown
Demonstrates how complacency late in a project can result in serious utility damage and costly shutdowns.
Key insights
- Stay vigilant through project completion.
- Follow safe practices until work is finished.
- One shortcut can undo weeks of safe work.
Expired! Expired!
Highlights the dangers of relying on expired locate marks and emphasizes the need for valid responses.
Key insights
- Know when locate marks expire.
- Request re-marks when needed.
- Never dig on expired markings.
I Lost My Marks!
Addresses what to do when locate markings are no longer visible or have been destroyed.
Key insights
- Stop work if marks are missing.
- Request a re-mark immediately.
- Never guess utility locations.
Call it in
Reinforces the importance of calling in locate requests before excavation begins.
Key insights
- Always call 811 before digging.
- Wait for all utility responses.
- Dig only after confirmation.
Tee Time
Uses analogy to reinforce careful exposure of utilities during excavation.
Key insights
- Expose utilities slowly and deliberately.
- Use proper tools and techniques.
- Protect facilities once exposed.
Defining Your Area of Excavation
Explains the importance of clearly defining excavation limits when submitting locate requests.
Key insights
- Clearly outline the dig area.
- Keep work within defined limits.
- Submit new requests if scope changes.
Respect the Marks!
Reinforces the importance of respecting locate markings at all times.
Key insights
- Never dig through markings.
- Hand dig when required.
- Maintain mark visibility.
Water Everywhere!
Discusses the impact of water on excavation safety and utilities.
Key insights
- Watch for erosion and soil instability.
- Protect exposed utilities from water.
- Stop work if conditions worsen.
Don’t stick a stick in it!
Warns against probing or guessing utility locations.
Key insights
- Never probe to find utilities.
- Use approved excavation methods.
- Respect markings and tolerance zones.
Where’d the marks go?
Explains how to proceed when markings disappear or are destroyed.
Key insights
- Stop work immediately.
- Request new markings.
- Never guess utility locations.
You found it, now don’t break it!
Outlines correct actions after contacting a utility.
Key insights
- Protect exposed facilities.
- Do not disturb utilities.
- Report damage immediately.
Trenchless Excavation
Introduces trenchless excavation methods and considerations.
Key insights
- Understand trenchless risks.
- Plan thoroughly before boring.
- Verify utility locations.
Facility Descriptors
Explains how facility descriptors communicate utility characteristics.
Key insights
- Know descriptor terminology.
- Understand facility characteristics.
- Use descriptors during planning.
Hand Dig
Reviews hand digging requirements under excavation law.
Key insights
- Hand dig within tolerance zones.
- Use proper tools.
- Proceed cautiously.
Reasonable Care
Introduces the principle of reasonable care in excavation.
Key insights
- Excavators must act responsibly.
- Follow safe practices at all times.
- Reasonable care prevents damage.
Last updated: January 2026
Toolbox Talk materials are provided for general safety awareness and
do not replace site-specific safety requirements.